Hello, I’m Anders and this is my mum and dad.
I like reading and having all sorts of adventures.
It’s almost time for the holidays and I can’t wait to get started.
Anders is excited about the impending school holidays. On the last day of school, a new student, Bernie, joins their class and the teacher sets them a holiday assignment. As Anders walks home, he discovers that Bernie lives just around the corner from his house. Cue myriad adventures with Anders, cousin Eden, new friend Bernie and Anders’ new pet Skip. By the end of the holidays, Anders has both everyday and fantastical stories to share with his teacher and class. ‘Anders and the Comet’ is a graphic novel/comic set out in chapters. In final pages, Dr Larsen explains what a comet is and there’s a sneak preview of the next Anders’ adventure.
Anders and the Comet is the first in a new series of graphic novels/comics about Anders and his friends. Anders is enthusiastic, curious and imaginative. He leads his friends in adventures both local and further afield, from home to space and back again. Anders is clearly the leader but his cousin, his friend and even his new pet have their own strengths in each adventure. Anders and the Cometis novel-sized and will appeal to both independent and developing readers. A variety of family dynamics are subtly portrayed. As with picture books, there is plenty of information offered only visually, and plenty of material for discussion either at home or in the classroom. Anders is an engaging character, full of energy, sure to quickly attract fans. Recommended for early- to mid-primary readers.
Anders and the Comet, Gregory Mackay
Allen & Unwin 2015 ISBN: 9781760111151
review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller