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Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Unsupervised: A Crabgrass Comics Adventure Tauhid Bondia

Unsupervised: A Crabgrass: Comic Adventures by Tauhid Bondia 
Format:  E-ARC
Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing
Number of pages:  192
Publishing:  September 19th, 2023
Source:  Edelweiss +

Unsupervised is the second book in the Crabgrass Comic Adventures series, a comic strip that is set in the fictional town of Crabgrass Drive.  In the first book Miles and his family had just moved into Kevin's neighborhood and the two boys quickly became close friends.  The stories exemplify all the fun and excitement of growing up, the antics of having too much time on your hands during summer vacation and the ability to explore unfettered and cause mischief.  The first book was filled with moments like the blow-up swimming pools, Saturday morning cartoons, ice-cream trucks and even the iconic atomic ball challenge.  Reading it was like taking a trip down memory lane with your best friend and recalling all the fond times you shared.  Needless to say, I was super excited to see the newest book was available on Edelweiss+ and jumped at the chance to read it.

Unsupervised introduces a girl into the mix, Carla, who is supposed to just be Mile's project partner.  Kevin becomes slightly jealous, until he realizes that he can come between their relationship by revealing all of Miles most embarrassing moments.  The story covers everything from first crushes, arguments, to even drinking your first cup of coffee.  There are squabbles between sibling's and even a few daring bike stunts.  The boys try to sneak their way into seeing Chainsaw Cabin #3 and even have a visit to the principal's office after Miles gives Kevin a tattoo.  There's one heavier moment, when Kevin's dad flakes on taking him to Pro Wrestling Frenzy, but turns happier when Miles dad offers to fill in.    Lots of questionable decisions and mischief without mayhem, but plenty of heart and humor.  Laugh out loud moments like Kevin referring to Miles wearing pajamas as "fancy pants."  And even Mile's mom telling him to apologize and to "be sincere like we practiced."  My favorite panels were the ones that have the punchline, so to speak at the end.  For example, the one with Kevin's mom first sensing smoke, then using the fire extinguisher, then pushing the boys out the front door, with the boys then sitting on the stoop and Kevin saying, "if canned corn doesn't pop, it should really say so on the label."  Just laugh out loud fun and events that you can easily relate to.    I love the imagination of these two boys and the expressions and dialogue are so spot on.  The art style is reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes and is so engaging.  The characters are relatable to both, and adults and children and the story begs to be re-read over and over.  There aren't nearly enough books that include boy friendships, and this is a fabulous addition.  Defiantly entertaining and I highly recommend it for fans of Big Nate and Calvin and Hobbes.                

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