What really stands out in this book is how Charles M. Schulz translates his comic strip genius into a longer format. The pacing of the story flows seamlessly, and the illustrations stay true to Schulz’s iconic style.

The city of Tur'Mor is a character in itself, depicted with such vividness that one can almost hear the clamor of its markets and feel the tension between its opulent Upper districts and the gritty Southend. Trotter's portrayal of a city governed by both political figureheads and the Holy Council adds a compelling layer of complexity, creating a backdrop where power, corruption, and redemption intertwine.

"Indigo Hours: Healing Haiku" by Nancy Stone is a poignant and beautifully crafted collection of haiku poems, accompanied by original scratchboard drawings. This book is more than just a compilation of poetry; it's a deeply personal journey through the challenges of caregiving, the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Anderson's narrative skillfully intertwines the challenges of the pandemic - familial tensions, financial worries, and the isolation of lockdown - with the escapism of a modern fairy tale. The story's whimsical elements, like the owl-headed villagers and melancholic giants, are beautifully balanced with the stark realities of Clay's life, creating a rich, multi-layered narrative.

What struck me most was the book's ability to tackle complex themes like friendship, loss, and moving on, all without dialogue. It's a reminder that our past experiences shape who we are today, a lesson I want my kids to understand as they grow up.

The New Yorker 25th Anniversary Album seamlessly captures the essence of each era, reminding us of the universal language of laughter. As we delve into these thought-provoking illustrations, we witness the evolution of society and the triumphs and trials that have shaped our collective history.

This album's fusion of humor and history fosters a deeper appreciation for the human experience, bridging generational gaps and embracing our cultural heritage.

One of the highlights of 'Stagnant Waters' is the rich tapestry of alien species that Walton introduces. Each turn of the page reveals a new facet of this intricately crafted universe, where diverse extraterrestrial beings coexist and interact. Walton's attention to detail and the depth he brings to these alien civilizations is truly commendable, immersing readers in a vibrant world teeming with life.

This was a fun and daring read with plenty of adult humor that parents can enjoy—mainly focusing on the amazon purchasing consumer culture prevalent in global north communities.

There is also a sense of tapping into the international espionage action reminiscent of James Bond and other campy spy movies.

I was very excited to read issue 4 of Warriors of the Universe by Chance Priest with art by the talented Geff Bartrand.  This is a great team-up of a world builder and an illustrator.  Chance is prolific in creating a giant world with countless characters, and Geff can match complex stories with intricately detailed illustrations for the comic book series. 

Judd Winick took the characters' danger in the first one and set the bar hiring to create a unique sense of risk that the main characters had to face.

This goes more into depth about Hilo’s backstory while giving the main supporting characters more growth.  Because of this, there are more impactful decisions that are made by the children that appear to ripple into other books.

Over the last few weeks, I have introduced my 6-year-old and 8-year-old to the fun and exciting world of tabletop role-playing games.  Toon, by Steve Jackson Games, is a great in-between system for young kids who like games that involve interactive storytelling and those that want to get started in learning more complex rule systems.