Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: July 26th

The book is small in size but big in charm. Told from the perspective of a wise owl, it gently walks young readers through what makes her special—how she flies silently at night, cares for her chicks, and lives a life quite different from the birds we usually see during the day. The story is simple, sweet, and quietly empowering.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: July 19th

The illustrations are soft and welcoming, with just the right mix of realism and imagination. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down, look around, and appreciate the little things in nature. And when it’s coming from someone who lives in the same region and draws so much inspiration from the local landscape—it hits even harder.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: July 12th

The pages are full of beautiful photography and easy-to-follow advice that makes you want to dig right in (literally). Whether it’s layering plants, mixing heights and shades, or choosing varieties that complement each other across seasons, this book gave me tons of new ideas for making my backyard even more inviting and colorful.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: July 5th

I really appreciated how this book shows that adventure doesn’t have to mean laser beams or pirate treasure. Sometimes, the most thrilling stories are about communication, empathy, and critical thinking. Plus, the usual joy of flipping back and forth to see where your decisions lead is always a blast.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: June 28th

What really hit me this time around is how much these stories still resonate. They’re simple, yes, but never shallow. The quiet depth of their friendship, the patience, the small acts of kindness—it all feels even more meaningful now. Plus, the illustrations still have that soft, earthy charm that makes every page feel warm and familiar.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: June 21st

Watching my kid confidently flip through pages and sound out names like "Millennium Falcon" with Jedi-like determination was the highlight of my day. There’s something really special about seeing them feel empowered by a story they already love.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: June 14th

What I admired most—both on the podcast and in the pages—is Meghan’s conversational tone. She writes as if she’s sitting beside you, quietly guiding you through memory and emotion. Poems like “This House” are especially powerful, tracing the fragile journey from brokenness to rebuilding It’s a book that doesn’t just tell you what happened—it invites you to feel it and to emerge with the poet.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: June 7th

What makes Shape Master even more special is knowing that it was created with love and purpose. DeWayne's dedication to crafting a book that resonates with children is evident on every page. It's a testament to the power of independent publishing and the impact it can have on young minds.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 31st

Stevenson’s art style is expressive and full of personality, perfectly matching the tone of the story. The writing is sharp and witty—there were multiple laugh-out-loud moments—but it also manages to sneak up on you with real emotional weight. The relationship between Nimona and Blackheart is both hilarious and unexpectedly touching.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 24th

Aabø's artwork is vibrant and expressive, capturing the essence of the era while adding a unique, cartoonish flair. The characters are endearing, each bringing their quirks to the table, making the story both engaging and entertaining. The dialogue is snappy, filled with witty banter that keeps the pages turning.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 17th

Released as part of a safety awareness effort, this comic delivers a fun and fast-paced Supergirl story while promoting seat belt use—and somehow, it totally works. Supergirl tackles danger, delivers some great one-liners, and most importantly, reminds everyone (especially young readers) that buckling up is the real superpower. It’s classic ‘90s PSA energy with a cape and a dose of earnest charm.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 10th

Freezer Burn is a clever, compact cartoon collection that lives entirely in the realm of contradictions—visual and verbal. Every page delivers a witty interpretation of oxymorons and paradoxes we encounter in everyday language, brought to life through simple yet expressive illustrations. The humor is sharp but gentle, never mean-spirited, and it manages to be both thoughtful and hilarious.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 3rd

What CCS lays out is a vision of cartooning not just as an art form but as a tool—one that can be applied to education, healthcare, community organizing, and more. Comics, they argue, aren’t limited to entertainment or introspection. They can work in service of something greater, helping to clarify, connect, and catalyze.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 26th

What follows is a breathtaking and emotionally intense adventure through snowy peaks, treacherous mountain paths, and eventually an encounter with the elusive Yeti. The bond between Tintin and Chang is the emotional heart of this story, and it was incredibly moving to see Tintin never give up hope, even when everyone else had.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 19th

At the heart of the story is Bandette, a teenage thief with a love for the theatrical, a soft spot for sweets, and an unflappable sense of confidence. Whether she's dodging the clumsy-yet-determined Inspector Belgique or going toe-to-toe with rival thief Monsieur, Bandette is always two steps ahead—and loving every minute of it.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 12th

This week I read The Red Sea Sharks, the 19th book in Hergé’s Tintin series, and I have to say—it’s easily one of the most exciting and tightly plotted adventures so far. As someone rereading these books with adult eyes (and a healthy dose of nostalgia from those elementary school library days), this one really hits all the marks.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 5th

From the rustle of its pages to the distinct smell of ink and paper that's seen decades, each page of this book offers not just a craft project but a portal to the past. As you flip through, you’re greeted with a charming array of crafts—macramé plant hangers, hand-sewn puppets, and woodwork wonders—all illustrated with quaint, hand-drawn diagrams that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 29th

The story is light and funny but also delivers a beautiful message about gratitude and kindness in a way that kids completely understand and appreciate. And let’s be honest—watching Piggie bounce around full of joy and thankfulness while Gerald frets in the background is just classic Elephant and Piggie fun.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 22nd

From the moment I cracked open the first page, I knew I was in for an adventure. The table of contents alone is a masterpiece of suspense, teasing chapters like "Programming System Features" and "Operator Functions"—who could resist? The writing is crisp and to the point, offering gems like, "To enter program mode, press the PROGRAM button," which is both enlightening and oddly philosophical.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 15th

The vivid storytelling and playful illustrations captivate the imagination, making each reading session a joyous exploration of friendship and wonder in the natural world. As someone who cherishes books that blend humor with tender moments, I found Silk Wood to be a delightful addition to our evening routine, sparking laughter and discussions about the antics of Fluffytuft and his friends.

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