Snow White by Matt Phelan

In my first year as a librarian, I heard a parent tell their kid that they couldn't check out comic books anymore because the kid needed to start reading "real books." Fortunately, (or maybe unfortunately), this parent couldn't see my face.

Listen. If your kid wants to read comics, please do not tell them to read a "real book." Comics and graphic novels are real books. They are a unique form of storytelling that has great value in our libraries, schools, and homes. If your kid wants to read them, encourage that! Why would anyone discourage reading of any kind??

That said, I just read a really great new graphic novel that is a retelling of a classic fairy tale we all know and love. Snow White by Matt Phelan is set in 1920s and 30s New York City. With an innocent daughter of a Wall Street tycoon, a stepmother who was once considered "Broadway royalty", and a group of seven (of course!) street orphans, this book is a completely fresh twist on an old favorite. Phelan's use of black and white with slight touches of color brings the perfect detail to his illustrations. While the story is familiar, the new setting and time period allow for some unexpected twists and a very satisfying ending.

I highly recommend this to any graphic novel fans and definitely to anyone who, like me, loves a good reimagining of a classic fairy tale!