Kampung Boy - A Graphic Novel at its BEST!

I picked up a copy of Scheherazade: Comics About Love, Treachery, Mothers and Monsters the other day. As I thumbed through this collection of short stories, all graphically illustrated by women about women, I was caught off guard by one page, quite simply one frame that lead me to question the appropriateness of the book for a school library. Currently I am reviewing the book in its entirety to make a truly informed decision. I was left feeling disappointed, however, that one frame in an incredibly powerful collection might actually be a deciding factor in our collection development decision.

The very next day I picked up a copy of Kampung Boy by LAT. This book is a graphic novel, comic/visual narrative at its best. The artistry of the drawings is evident, as is the author's background of growing up a boy in Southeast Asia. The picture above shows Mat, the main character when he first sees the cane his new teacher has been given permission to use if he gets out of line. He is young, feeling very small and obviously terrified by the prospects of a whipping.

This story is a delight - watching Mat grow up, learn responsibility, play, listen to his parents discuss difficult issues, make choices about his friends and commit himself to success is a journey that every child should have the opportunity to experience.

This graphic novel is a highly recommended read and available at your school library!