Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: January 24th

What really stood out to me was how empowering the book feels. My daughter wasn’t just copying drawings—she was experimenting, adding her own details, and clearly building confidence with each page. The book gives just enough structure to guide young artists while leaving plenty of room for creativity.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: January 17th

What I really enjoy about this book is how much it respects its audience. It doesn’t talk down to younger readers or rush to easy answers. Instead, it presents ethical questions—about exploration, ownership, and coexistence—in a calm, accessible way. The science-fiction setting provides just enough distance to make those ideas approachable, while still feeling grounded and human.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: January 10th

The illustrations are warm and full of movement, giving the sense that everything is gently marching along together. There’s a friendliness to the artwork that makes nature feel approachable and fun rather than distant or instructional. It encourages kids to notice the world around them—bugs, animals, and outdoor sounds—without ever feeling like a lesson.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: January 3rd

There’s something comforting about the book, too. Not every prediction is rosy, but there’s a shared sense that Vermont’s future is worth thinking about—and shaping. It invites you to reflect, smile, and maybe even argue a little with the pages.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: December 27th

The illustrations are classic Seuss: expressive, slightly chaotic, and perfectly suited to a story about a kingdom slowly grinding to a halt under layers of green goo. It’s a great read-aloud book, with plenty of moments that invite reactions, questions, and laughs.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: December 20th

The book is a collection of classic nursery tales, all retold with Richard Scarry’s unmistakable charm. Familiar stories like The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks, and Little Red Riding Hood are reimagined with friendly animal characters and gentle humor. Everything feels safe, cozy, and inviting—perfect for young listeners.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: December 13th

What surprised me most is how much heart the story carries beneath all the weirdness. Nelson isn’t your typical comic-book protagonist—he’s flawed, self-doubting, and trying to figure out his place in the world. Watching him grapple with power, responsibility, and identity gives the book an emotional core that balances the surreal humor and outlandish transformations.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: December 6th

Gustaf Tenggren’s illustrations bring everything to life with that unmistakable vintage style: soft lines, warm colors, and a cozy feel that makes every page inviting. My son loved pointing out all the little details, especially the moments where the poky puppy notices things the others miss.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 29th

What I love is how Hutchins manages to take a concept that could be confusing for young readers—how and why clocks don’t always match—and turns it into a playful mystery. The illustrations are classic Hutchins: clean, engaging, and full of little visual details that make rereading a treat. The pacing is light, the humor gentle, and the payoff at the end is just the right kind of satisfying.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 22nd

What I appreciated most is how the book doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s pure humor, no apologies. Whether it’s a joke about golf or a punchline about kids, the tone is light, accessible, and designed for sharing—either with friends or keeping to yourself for a private chuckle. As a guy who lives in the world of dad-jokes and pun hunts, I found this book to be a perfect companion

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 15th

McCreedy’s writing has this wonderful rhythm—clever, warm, and just spooky enough to keep it exciting without ever being too much. The dialogue sparkles, the settings are vividly drawn, and Liberty herself is a fantastic heroine: curious, brave, and full of heart. She’s exactly the kind of character young readers can see themselves in—and the kind adults can’t help but root for.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 8th

Reading it again reminded me why I loved it so much as a kid: it’s a story about friendship, forgiveness, and using your gifts for good—all wrapped up in a fun, imaginative adventure. And watching my kids light up (pun intended) as we turned the pages brought it full circle.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 1st

As someone who loves comics, cartoons, and anything that celebrates humor in art, this book instantly hit that sweet nostalgic note for me. It’s a reminder of how much energy and storytelling can live inside a single, well-drawn line.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: October 25th

What I love most is how Marvels reminds you that wonder, fear, and inspiration all go hand in hand. It’s about the people behind the headlines, and what it means to live in a world full of gods, monsters, and miracles.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: October 18th

What I love most about A Hero Reborn is how it balances heart and heroism. It’s not just about punching bad guys—it’s about finding your place in a world that doesn’t slow down for you. Tim Drake embodies that perfectly, and by the end, you can’t help but root for him as he earns his cape and mask.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: October 11th

The illustrations by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu are bright and full of movement, perfectly matching the rhythm and excitement of the text. We stopped on nearly every page to look closer at the butterflies and talk about what was happening. It’s always fun when a book becomes both a story and a mini science lesson without feeling like one.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: October 4th

Marc Brown’s illustrations are just as charming as I remembered—full of little details that make each page fun to linger over. And while Arthur’s world feels familiar and safe, the story also gently teaches about courage, kindness, and not letting fear get the best of you.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: September 27th

Sometimes you just need a book that makes you laugh out loud—and Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy delivers exactly that. Dav Pilkey is a master at mixing silliness, action, and a dash of toilet humor into something kids can’t put down (and adults can’t help but chuckle at too).

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: September 20th

Carrie Brownell’s The Golden Hour is a heartwarming and beautifully crafted story, one that feels both timeless and gently new. It invites young readers (and those young at heart) into a magical moment tucked into an ancient hall, where carved angels hide a secret light and an ordinary Christmas becomes extraordinary.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: September 13th

What I love is how this bedtime parody pokes affectionate fun at our modern habits—with perfect gentle humor and beautifully playful illustrations. It reminds us to hit pause, unplug, and reclaim that old-fashioned, glowing warmth of analog bedtime.

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