Bone Adventures

Adding to the Bone universe, Smith offers two short comics stories bursting with personality. The first, “Finders Keepers,” features the three Bone boys daydreaming on a curb. Responsible Fone Bone dreams of an apple, sly Phoney Bone fantasizes of riches, and lanky Smiley Bone craves an ice cream cone. When Smiley spots a shiny gold coin on the ground, Phoney nabs it first, causing a humorous, lesson-laden struggle that leaves all three without. In the second story, “Smiley’s Dream Book,” a dopey Smiley flies joyfully through the air counting colorful avian friends, some in hats and scarves, until a menacing bird of prey threatens. Warning off the unwelcome intruder, Smiley firmly stands up for his new friends. Smith’s art style features bold, curving lines; vivid colors; and emotive characters, which, paired with the large panels and minimal use of text, makes this an ideal pick for burgeoning readers and those just discovering graphic novels. Ages 3–5. [em](May) [/em]