Meet Jellaby. A lovable, silent, monster who accompanies Portia Bennett on a journey to find his home. During a dream sequence, Portia finds herself in the woods where she stumbles upon what seems like a monster. When she wakes up, she realizes it is real--and tries her best to hide the new discovery, and new friend, from her mom.
After their first meeting, Jellaby follows Portia home to stay outside of her window during the night. At school, Jellaby waits outside until he sees Portia's friend Jason get bullied. He urges Portia to do something about it, or else he would reveal himself and save Jason--so begrudgingly Portia comes to Jason's aid. They end up in the Principal's office where Jellaby makes his first appearance. Trying to talk her way out of the situation, Portia finally realizes she has to tell Jason and make him swear not to say anything.
She names him Jellaby. Why, you ask? Well, because she liked that name, even though Jason thought "Fangzilla" would be a more fitting name. But after Jason's babysitting technique of having Jellaby watch Godzilla was thwarted by Portia's outrage, when they offered the naming options up to the big monster in the room, Jellaby it was.
They decide to find Jellaby's home. He draws a picture that looks like it came from the city. So, Portia and Jason come up with a master plan to take Jellaby to Toronto on Halloween--because after all, Jellaby already has a costume.
This graphic novel leaves the reader wanting more--and come April 21, 2009--Jellaby In the City will be released for all of the young adults and adults alike to witness what happens next!
Click on the link below to read an interview from author Kean Soo:
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=106543
4 comments:
How could this graphic novel be used in the classroom? Is it more about friendship, or finding home and belonging, or both? It sounds interesting, but I'm interested as to how it could be situated in an English class curriculum.
I'm with Kate...what would be a good way to tie this in while teaching?
I am interested in the friendship aspect of the book (the pictures really make this clear!) and what will be more important - being happy with what you have or trying to find where you came from?
I think it could be used as a silent reading book for reluctant readers in middle school. I don't think it would be worth the classtime to teach it or have everyone read it, because any advanced or even average ability students would not be challenged enough. Maybe once the next volume comes out, the series could be taught, but I just think the ending is sort of abrupt and leaves a lot of loose ends that hopefully the next installment will tie up.
Another thought is that it might be a fun read in a 6th grade advisory--the topic of bullying is one that many middle schools are very concerned with, and this might prompt a good discussion about taking ownership and responsibility for speaking up when things happen at school that shouldn't.
Since advisory's are short, and non-academic, this might work--just a thought.
Cheers,
TP
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