Nina Complot

Gr 3—5—Inept adults populate the planet and chaos and anarchy seem to reign. Who will save humanity from the mindlessness and foolishness? Into this environment is born a girl who will unveil conspiracies against humanity. A gang of flea-covered evil birds conspires to use human appliances in order to take over the world. Adults are unaware of this plot, and only a cereal-eating, punk girl notices the birds hovering around. Does she care enough to save the adults from their ignorance? Will the birds manage to silence and dupe her as they have the adults? This book aids children in crossing over from picture books to graphic novels. Graphic images play a primary role in leading readers to the heart of the message. The text takes a backseat to stark images such as the expressions of the humans and the grotesqueness of the birds. The use of color is simple enough, allowing the illustrator to play with shadows as well as create patterns and textures. The book encourages children to speak up, even when adults are not noticing what is happening around them or the harm they are causing.—Veronica Corral, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, VA