Macanudo: Vol. 2

Gr 4–6—Sweet and surreal, the latest entry of comic vignettes selected from the Argentinian newspaper La Nación explores existentialism and the human experience with trademark humor. In crayon, ink, and watercolor, Liniers brings characters such as Henrietta and her cat Mandelbaum, the Bovine Movie Critic, Z-25 the Sensitive Robot, and penguins into more philosophical debates and playful scenarios. The illustrations are colorful, clever, and executed with a keen sense of graphic efficiency. Parallels can be drawn between Macanudo and Calvin and Hobbes; the child-view of the world is refreshing, deep, and playful. Not all young readers will understand the jokes about the 90s, structure versus function, or Socrates, but they will be attracted to each page, which contains six brightly drawn comics without linear or connected narratives. Liniers is also a master of meta-jokes: characters talk about being drawn and the panels are often cinematic. This collection stands alone, so there's no need to read the previous volume. Like most graphic novels, this work will be enjoyable for reluctant readers and those who prefer narratives that are complemented by beautiful illustrations. This is one of those special books that won't bump circulation but may change a young person's life, as they inspire philosophical thought and urge readers to play and explore the world with open eyes while giggling at the gnomes in hats.—Lisa Nowlain, Darien Library, CT