Format Read: E-ARC
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Number of pages: 178 pages
Publishing: July 8th, 2025
Source: Edelweiss +
Kevin and Miles are back in Book 3 of the Crabgrass Comics Adventure series. Book one introduced the neighborhood of Crabgrass Drive and explains how the two boys became friends. It's filled with the nostalgia of growing up in an unfettered neighborhood. Staying out until it's dark outside and your mom has to call you in for supper. Moments in a blow-up swimming pool, the iconic atomic ball candy challenge and just all-around silliness and hijinks. In the second book there was the introduction of a girl into the mix, Carla. And as usual the fun relationship of these two boys as they had their first cup of coffee, tried to sneak into an overage movie and made their first trip to the principal's office.
The World Is Lava continues with these lovely moments down memory lane and growing up. Some of the stories are only one page long while others cover multiple panels and pages highlighting Kevin getting a case of lice and the boys making Thanksgiving Dinner with Mile's dad. I just love the humor in these books. Like when Miles's mom catches him lying and wants to teach him that "moms know everything." Then later when she comes to check and see if he cleaned his room and finds an unexpected, yet very creative surprise in the closest. It felt like every page had me laughing out loud over something the boys said or did. The art style stills reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes in how it engages the reader. I love how the boys are playful, not destructive and try their best to follow the rules. They know the difference between right and wrong and hardly ever cross that line. Plus, Miles and Kevin's friendship is such a joy, they look out for one another, even try to act in solidarity when one of them has a problem. This has huge adult and kid appeal, relatable dialogue, is wonderfully entertaining and would make for a great read together. A sure hit for fans of Big Nate and Calvin Hobbes.
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
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