by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman

The graphic novel, which looks like a comic book, is gaining popularity with adults. Years back, Art Spiegelman pioneered the best-selling Maus, in which Nazis were depicted as mice.
 
More recently, Persepolis, has won worldwide acclaim—a memoir by Marjane Satrapi about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.

Some parents worry when their kids read only comics. There’s nothing wrong with the form; in fact, it’s appealing with all the drawings. However, the content that should be watched--like any other book kids might pick up.

For emerging readers, the graphic format makes sense and MetroKids recommends three books.

Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons describes the seasons through the eyes of hyperactive Lilly. Benny and Penny in Just Pretend is about a brother and sister playing pirates.

Jay Lynch’s Otto’s Orange Day teaches one to beware of what you wish for--a mature lesson, colorfully and brightly taught. Spiegelman is overseeing all these new Toon books.

Many people who say they don’t read the comics, never miss Doonesbury.  Maybe it’s because the word comic means funny, and its perceptions of our country just aren’t humorous!