The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help

by Sarah Lynne Reul, Sarah Lynne Reul (Illustrator)

Overview

The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help is the latest in I Can Read Comics, an early reader line that familiarizes children with the world of graphic novel storytelling and encourages visual literacy in emerging readers. 

Meet Nail and Hammer, two pals in this STEM-focused story by author-illustrator Sarah Lynne Reul. When Nail gets stuck, Hammer is ready to lend a helping hand. But will Hammer’s hard-headedness make things worse?

The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help is a Level Three I Can Read Comic, an engaging story for children starting to read on their own.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063295506
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	02/06/2024
Series:	I Can Read Comics Level 3
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	100,439
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Sarah Lynne Reul is an author, illustrator, and award-winning animator who likes science, tiny things, and drawing on photos. Originally from Brooklyn, she now lives near Boston with her family. Find her online at reuler.com.

Sarah Lynne Reul is an author, illustrator, and award-winning animator who likes science, tiny things, and drawing on photos. Originally from Brooklyn, she now lives near Boston with her family. Find her online at reuler.com.

Editorial Reviews

"Disarmingly funny and quite compelling." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"The cute and simple story packs in a surprising amount of educational content, from the various purposes of construction kit tools and active problem-solving skills to the value of listening before taking action and the success that can be achieved through teamwork. The artwork is clear, simple, and charming." — Booklist

From the Publisher

03/01/2024

PreS-Gr 3—Nail finds themself stuck in a wooden board and would prefer to have a bit more freedom of movement. Fellow denizens of the workshop toolbox circle round, ready to help. Hammer leads the charge, using their flat, heavy head to push the nail further into the board. Nail realizes this is going against the goal and is about to propose another option when Hammer angrily clomps off, frustrated by failure. The other tools proffer their own talents to support Nail's quest for freedom, but to no avail. Gifted as they might be in their own the ways, a plier can only ply, squeezing the nail far beyond its comfort, and a saw can only saw, maiming the grouchy, bothered wooden board in which Nail is lodged. Thankfully, the team stops short of total destruction for either Nail or Board, and Hammer half-heartedly returns to listen to and take heed of Nail's possible solution. In an amiable lesson in teamwork, compromise, and flexible thinking, the tools get the job done. Bright, functional illustrations sketch easily identifiable toolbox staples. The panel structure is used flexibly and effortlessly, an inviting treat for early readers new to the genre. VERDICT A problem, a drama, and a satisfying solution—this is an entertaining, giggle-getting introduction to comics for early readers.—Emilia Packard

School Library Journal

★ 2023-11-04
Hammer needs assistance from the toolbox community in this graphic novel for the younger set.

“Once upon a time a nail was stuck,” a narrative text box informs readers. While the wood board in which the nail is embedded (“stuck. Like this. Forever”) seems quite put out, the inhabitants of a nearby toolbox hear the calls for help. Hammer’s plan to perform a heroic rescue hits the nail on the head—literally, unfortunately. “You’re only a centimeter tall now,” the tape measure informs Nail, now stuck more than ever. “That’s less than half an inch,” clarifies a ruler. The colorful tools have earnest, animated faces and are recognizable for what they are: a hammer, a tape measure, a set of pliers, a saw, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, and even the grumpy wood plank. When Nail finally suggests that Hammer use its “bunny ears” to help, Hammer agrees—and clarifies that those “bunny ears” are its claw. But it takes a toolbox of helpers to get Hammer turned over. Well-defined panels, generous gutters, and clear spacing of dialogue balloons make Reul’s lively, easy-to-read, and brief comic adventure a delight. The series’ simple tutorial on how to read comics is empowering both for beginning readers and budding artists.

Disarmingly funny and quite compelling—here’s hoping for more from this handy crew. (quick explanation of hammers and nails) (Graphic early reader. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews