Graphic Novel

One Year At Ellsmere | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Winning a scholarship to the esteemed Ellsmere Academy, studious thirteen-year-old Juniper anticipates a perfect academic environment. However, life at Ellsmere is less than perfect; she’s considered a “special project,” the school’s queen bee is trying to sabotage her, and there are rumors of a mythical beast living nearby.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4i851Si

My Rating

This graphic novel was way better than I expected, especially since I didn’t know anything about it. Set in a boarding school, it follows Jun, a scholarship student, as she adapts to her new environment. The story really centers on Jun and her sweet and supportive roommate Cassie; their friendship is the best part.

This story explores bullying, empathy, and the value of real friends. Jun’s experiences at Elsmere Academy highlight the importance of being true to yourself and confronting bullies, which I think can really appeal to younger readers.

“I’m here to learn, not make friends.”

I finished it quickly, but it could’ve used more depth. Although beautiful, the artwork wasn’t unique or particularly memorable compared to other graphic novels I’ve read. Still, it has a satisfying ending that wraps everything up cleverly.

Overall, while well-written, the story’s themes and style may resonate most with middle-grade readers. A few personal preferences aside, it effectively conveys a heartwarming tale of courage and friendship. While this book wasn’t for me, I enjoyed reading it, and I think my younger self would have loved the plot.

Please like and comment on this post if you enjoy my book reviews. Subscribe to the blog’s mailing list (in the sidebar) to be alerted of new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Little Witches | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg March are four sisters practicing witchcraft in secret while living in Concord during the Civil War. When a witchfinder named Mr. Laurence moves in next door, the girls fear for their safety, but he and his grandson, Laurie, turn out to be allies. As winter sets in, missing objects become missing people, and Jo and Laurie discover a powerful magic threatening the town. Together, they must confront it before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BtPaO5

My Rating

I love retellings, the story of Little Women, and witches, so a graphic novel that combines all three is amazing. I picked up the book on a whim, hoping for a fun and sweet story, and it delivered just that.

The plot wasn’t intense or super exciting, but it was a very original take on the classic. It took the characters I know and love and added this cool magic element to their lives.

I think the author stayed true to the characters’ original personalities, which is something I always appreciate when reading retellings. And while the plot was similar to the original story, it was different enough to feel new and unique.

“We Marches are all very law-abiding.”

It was such a quick read that you can finish it in one sitting, and the artwork is fantastic. The writing didn’t feel too young, which I appreciated since this is more of a middle-grade graphic novel. As an older reader, I enjoyed it, but I can see younger readers liking it as well.

Overall, this isn’t one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read, and it probably won’t stick with me for years to come, but that’s okay. I had a good time reading it, and it’s a book I’d be happy to add to my bookshelf. It’s certainly one of my favorite Little Women retellings.

In the comments, leave me some Little Women retelling recommendations! Don’t forget to like and share this post, and hit the follow button so you never miss an update.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Tea Dragon Society | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
The Tea Dragon Society trilogy is a heartwarming, magical, and inclusive story by the award-winning author of ‘Princess Princess Ever After’. It follows Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, who discovers a lost tea dragon and is introduced to the enchanting world of tea dragons. She learns the delicate, fading art of tea dragon care from kind tea shop owners Hesekiel and Erik. As Greta grows closer to them and their shy ward, Minette, she sees how the craft of caring for tea dragons brings warmth and meaning to their lives—and her own. This beloved, all-ages trilogy is full of charm and wonder.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4db5b91

My Rating

This graphic novel series charmed me right from the start with its unique concept. The world of tea dragons—small creatures that grow tea leaves from their horns—is both imaginative and heartwarming.

The books are quick and easy to read, making them perfect for a cozy escape. Each volume introduces new characters while keeping the main storyline connected, creating a sense of depth. The final book ties everything together nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion, though I was sad to see the series end.

While the stories may not be the most thrilling or complex, they are undeniably charming and heartwarming. The artwork is stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that match the gentle narrative perfectly.

“People seem to live at a different pace now. Tea Dragon tea is a wonderful thing, but it takes a long time to make. Back when everything took a long time, perhaps that didn’t matter.”

Overall, I recommend this series to readers of all ages. It’s a comforting, joyful read that brings happiness with every page. While these books may not stay with me forever, they’re my go-to for cozy, feel-good reading that I will surely be rereading for years to come.

Please let me know in the comments if you’ve read this graphic novel series or heard of it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Before you leave, hit the follow button to turn on post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

2024 Summer Olympics | Book Recommendations

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
It is Olympic season! So, I thought I would give you three book recommendations to help you get into the summer Olympics spirit. Although all these books have a sports-focused story, one of them isn’t a summer Olympics sport and is actually considered more of an art. Still, each book has an element that fits the 2024 Olympics.

Fence by C. S. Pacat, illustrated by Johanna the Mad
This is a graphic novel series about an elite high school fencing team. The plot follows Nicholas Cox, the illegitimate son of a U.S. Olympic fencing champion. When Nicholas receives a scholarship to the elite boys’ school, Kings Row, he knows that being on their fencing team will help him achieve his goal of becoming a champion fencer. Not only are the volumes in the series fast reads, but they also clearly have an Olympic and competition theme.

Burnout by Rebecca Jenshak
This sports romance follows Knox, a tattooed motocross rider, and Avery, a gymnast. When Knox’s bad reputation lands him in a tight spot, the only person who can help him is Avery, an Olympic medalist. The book not only captures those summer Olympic vibes but also features a hot bad boy, spice, witty banter, and is the first installment in the Holland Brothers series. Honestly, what more could a romance reader want?

Kisses And Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
This book takes place in Paris, which just so happens to be where the summer 2024 Olympics will be held. It follows an American ballerina who is spending the summer at a prestigious ballet school, knowing it will get her one step closer to becoming a professional ballerina. But instead of dancing her way through Paris, she pliés right into a cute French boy. Their meeting might just be fate, but it might also be a beautiful distraction.
Related Post: Kisses And Croissants // Book Review

I hope you enjoyed this post and found some books that will help put you in the summer Olympics mood. Even if you aren’t a watcher of the Olympics, I hope you still got some good recommendations from this post. In the comments, let me know what your favorite sport in the summer Olympics is. I mainly like to watch the gymnastics competitions. Before you go, show your support for my blog by giving it a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Anne Of Green Gables | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
L.M. Montgomery’s classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel. Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert adopt 11-year-old Anne Shirley, who brings delightful trouble to Green Gables. With her flame-red hair and unstoppable imagination, Anne’s misadventures bring romance and excitement to everyone she meets. Anne’s story transforms everyday moments into extraordinary experiences for her friends, including Diana Barry, Mrs. Lynde, and Gilbert Blythe.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3WfI8TY

My Rating

Before reading the graphic novel, I had never read the original ‘Anne of Green Gables’ story by Lucy Maud Montgomery. However, I knew my mother loved one of the TV show adaptations. As I started the book, I had no idea about the plot, except that it followed a young girl named Anne and that Green Gables was her home.

I chose the graphic novel version by Mariah Marsden because it seemed like an easier read and the artwork is amazing. The story follows orphan Anne, who is fostered by a brother and sister. Surprisingly, I learned that her guardians were siblings, as I had always assumed Anne lived with her grandparents.

“Its strange to love a place like you would a person, but I do!”

I loved how the brother and sister, despite originally intending to foster a boy, fell in love with Anne and her bold personality. She truly completed their little family. The book’s wholesome and fun narrative makes it easy to see why people consider it a classic.

Overall, the ending was both sad and sweet, leaving a lasting impression on me. I found it to be a quick and cute fun story that both kids and adults would like. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am now excited to watch some of the adaptations to see how they compare.

In the comments, let me know if you have read ‘Anne of Green Gables’ or seen any of the adaptations. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you leave so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Five

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
Happy Summerween day five! I can’t believe the readathon is almost over. I’ve actually completed all the prompts today, so any more books I read are just extra and don’t have to fit the prompts. I finished ‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager, and it was amazing. It counted for a book that takes place during the summer and also worked for the five-word title prompt. I have a lot to say about this book, but you’ll have to wait for my review.

I also completed the graphic novel ‘Something Is Killing The Children’. It was another great read, and I’m definitely going to continue with this graphic novel series. I read the e-book via Everand, and you can get a free trial using my link (click here).

Even though I’ve finished all the prompts, I decided to try and read one more book before the readathon ends. So, I ended day five by starting ‘How To Sell A Haunted House’ by Grady Hendrix. I got about five chapters in, and I’m actually enjoying the story, which is interesting since this author isn’t a favorite of mine.

In the comments, let me know how you’re doing on your Summerween TBR or your reading goals in general. Please like and share this post with other readers and follow the blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Four

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today is Summerween Day Four! Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling too well, so I didn’t get much reading done. However, I did manage to reach the 70% mark of Riley Sager’s ‘The Last Time I Lied‘. This book is getting so good that I can’t seem to put it down. I need to know how the story ends!

I also did a quick workout and took a nap, hoping it would make me feel better. Additionally, I uploaded a TikTok video! If you want to see my BookTok content, you can visit my page @BooksWithBunny. I post a lot of fun bookish content and book aesthetic videos, so if you’re looking for more book content from me, that’s another place to find it.

I finished the night with a donut for dessert and read some of my graphic novel ‘Something Is Killing The Children‘. I reached the 70% point in that book as well. While I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t finish any books, I know some days are like that. Still, I’m very happy with the amount of reading I did get done.

In the comments, let me know how many books you have read so far this month. If you are participating in Summerween, how is it going for you? Before you leave, show my blog some support by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Three

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Happy Summerween Day Three! I’ll be completely honest and let you know that I did practically nothing on Day 3 of Summerween. However, that is my typical Sunday routine. I slept in way too late and then had a yummy breakfast for lunch. Still, I did manage to read a bit, though I didn’t finish any books.

I started ‘Something Is Killing the Children‘, a horror graphic novel. It wasn’t originally on my TBR, but I thought it would be a quick read and fit the prompt to read a thriller or horror book. I got about 40% through it and I’m really liking it; the story is quite interesting.

I also started my next audiobook for the readathon, ‘The Last Time I Lied‘ by Riley Sager. I’m enjoying this book a lot; it’s very fast-paced, and I’m really invested in the story. I’ve read up to the 30% mark and I’m curious to see where it goes.

Besides my reading, I posted a photo for Day Two of the readathon’s photo challenges on Instagram. The challenge was to post a sunset book stack. If you want to see all my photos for the photo prompts, follow me on Instagram (@Books.With.Bunny). Before you go, like this post and leave me a comment telling me how your weekend went.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Legend of the Christmas Witch // Mini Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
From Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza and creative partner Dan Murphy comes the long lost tale of the Christmas Witch, Santa Claus’s much misunderstood twin sister. The perfect gift for the holiday season and beyond! Gather ‘round the fire to hear a Christmas legend that has never been told before…until now.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3trjgyl

My Rating

I picked up this book because the cover is simply stunning, and I thought that it would be a quick read that would get me in the holiday spirit. But this book is so much more than a short Christmas-y graphic novel.

It tells the tale of two twins, a boy and a girl, one who ends up becoming the holly jolly Santa Claus, and the other the Christmas witch. It is such a fun, unique story that I think anyone would be fascinated by.

“I’m going to ruin this Christmas holiday once and for all!”

The author really made the story come to life, and the artwork was stunning. It was so interesting to hear this tale of this Christmas Witch, and all she goes through over the course of the book. You can read this book cover to cover in one sitting, which is what I did.

Overall, this isn’t just a lighthearted Christmas story, but has a much deeper meaning. Simply because one is different and misunderstood doesn’t mean they have to hide from the world. Also, by the end of the book, the story felt so real it made me wonder if there is some truth to this Christmas witch legend.

In the comments, let me know if you have ever heard of the Christmas Witch. Don’t forget to follow the blog before you go, because your support really does mean a lot to me.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
A graphic novel that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need. Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley’s dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There’s just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3StbUV4

My Rating

This book does a great job of depicting first love, and toxic relationships. Throughout the book, we get to know the main character, Freddy, and the roller-coaster that is her relationship with Laura Dean. She seeks insight into her relationship with Advice Columnist Anna Vice. Freddy tries hard to make her relationship work, and proves her devotion to Lara Dean without getting anything in return.

Laura Dean shows up only when it’s convenient to her, and expects Freddy to always be there when she calls. Throughout the story, Freddy’s friends can see how toxic the relationship is; however, Freddy is blinded by love. She is so infatuated with Laura Dean that she starts to forget about others around her.

The book is the prime definition of ‘we accept the love we think we deserve.’ In this world, we tend to think, especially when it comes to first love, that there is only one person who will love us. Moreover, because we love someone, we should excuse their bad behavior. However, throughout the book, we see Freddy’s slow discovery of how untrue that is.

“Love is hard. Breaking up is hard. Love is dramatic. Breaking up is dramatic.”

Something that I didn’t see coming was how the book touched on teen pregnancy, abortion and statutory rape. The plot was very focused on the toxic relationship between Freddy and Laura, so this side story was surprising. Although well done, it felt a bit out of place in the story.

Overall, the writing and artwork were great and the story was impactful. I can understand how some people might not enjoy this book do to the mistreatment the main character let herself endure in the name of “love.” However, I think that this is a good read for many young people today.

In the comments, let me know your thoughts about this graphic novel. Do not forget to hit the follow button so that you are notified whenever there is a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny