How to Catch Graphic Novels: How to Catch an Elf

by Alice Walstead, Paul Gill (Illustrator)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

An entry-level graphic novel series that lets young fans of the How To Catch picture book series read up with their favorite creators. If you love Narwhal and Jelly, get ready for your next dynamic duo.

Get ready for the funniest holiday chase of the season—Pup and Dragon are on a mission to catch an elf!

From the creators of the bestselling How to Catch books (over 14 million copies sold), comes the first action-packed entry in a brand-new graphic novel series for kids who love Christmas, comics, and clever chaos. Perfect for ages 6–9.

Pup is excitable, loyal, and always dreaming up wild schemes. Dragon is thoughtful, skeptical, and totally new to all things Christmas. When an unexpected visitor leaves behind glittery footprints and cookie crumbs, these two best friends team up to uncover the mystery—and maybe catch an elf in the act.

With laugh-out-loud dialogue, expressive full-color panels, and a heartwarming duo kids instantly connect with, Pup and Dragon: How to Catch an Elf is a joyful graphic novel that makes reading feel like play.

If your kids love graphic novels like Dog Man, Narwhal and Jelly, or InvestiGators—and can't wait for the holidays—this fast, funny, and festive graphic novel delivers comic-book joy with a holiday twist.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728270531
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	09/05/2023
Series:	How to Catch Graphic Novels
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
File size:	29 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Alice Walstead is a children’s book author who loves to make kids smile with her stories.

Illustrator Paul Gill lives in Vancouver, British Columbia where he works in book illustration and character design and enjoys creating fun art from his quirky imagination.

Editorial Reviews

"Bright, Christmas-y colors and non-stop puns and antics make this a fun holiday read for early elementary school kids who like themed graphic novels." — Youth Services Book Review

"A buddy-comedy Christmas pursuit full of hijinks." — Kirkus Reviews

"Pup and Dragon’s lighthearted partnership is infectious." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2023-08-12
In this graphic novel spinoff from Walstead and Andy Elkerton’s wildly popular How To Catch picture-book series, a dog and a dragon set their sights on capturing an elf.

On Christmas Eve, Yuletide-loving Pup gives Dragon, who is not the least bit familiar with Christmas, a rundown on Santa Claus. “The kids”—presumably from Walstead and Elkerton’s previous books—have set elf traps in the neighboring houses, and Pup and Dragon decide to help them. They spot Santa and an elf, both light-skinned, sitting down to milk and cookies in one house, then chase them into neighboring homes. Each excursion sees the pair navigating traps, though Santa and the elf always get away. In the end, the time Pup and Dragon spend together strengthens their friendship and teaches Dragon some things about Christmas. Readers are as likely to be on board with the elf-hunting premise as they are to be confused at how many times Pup and Dragon are unfazed at seeing Santa Claus in person (shouldn’t Pup in particular be thrilled to encounter him?). Dragon’s sarcastic sense of humor and fourth-wall breaks feel at odds with the holiday setting. Then again, a grocery store scene involving a giant food cannon and an eggnog slide could be signs of a madcap randomness that isn’t meant to be scrutinized. The artwork is at its most expressive in the few times when the duo’s dialogue isn’t filling the page.

A buddy-comedy Christmas pursuit full of hijinks that trips over an uneven tone. (how to draw Pup and Dragon) (Graphic fiction. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews