A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative child is looking for a graphic novel that's bursting with zany humor and offbeat adventure. This story is for the kid who loves to create their own worlds and heroes. In this vibrant world, a pair of scissors named The Snips must team up to face the menacing, hairy villain known as the Wigmaster. It's a fast-paced quest that celebrates teamwork, creativity, and finding the courage to face silly but intimidating challenges. Perfect for emerging independent readers aged 7 to 10, this book uses dynamic, detailed art to tell a story that encourages kids to see the heroic potential in everyday objects and to value collaboration when things get tough.
The book contains no significant sensitive topics like death, divorce, or identity struggles. The central conflict is a very straightforward, classic good versus evil scenario, presented with a great deal of humor. The approach is entirely metaphorical and secular. The resolution is hopeful and empowering.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 7 to 9-year-old who devours graphic novels like *Dog Man* and *The Bad Guys*. They have a strong visual sense, love slapstick humor, and are drawn to stories about unlikely heroes. This is an excellent choice for a reluctant reader who is intimidated by dense text but energized by dynamic, detailed illustrations and a fast-moving plot.
Parent Prep
No preparation is needed. This book can be read cold. Parents might want to glance at the art style, as Raúl the Third's work is uniquely dense, vibrant, and visually distinct, which could be a fun point of discussion about different artistic styles. A parent has just seen their child finish the latest Dav Pilkey or Aaron Blabey book for the tenth time and is desperate for something new but with a similar chaotic, creative, and humorous energy. The child might also be an avid doodler or creator who would appreciate a story where art supplies are the heroes.
Age Experience
A 7-year-old will be captivated by the visual gags, the silly premise, and the fast-paced action. They will clearly understand the hero versus villain dynamic. A 10-year-old will have a greater appreciation for the intricate details in the artwork, the clever world-building, and the nuances of the teamwork and problem-solving among the characters.
What Makes It Special
The primary differentiator is Raúl the Third's signature art style. Inspired by Mexican street art, his illustrations are incredibly vibrant, detailed, and full of energy, unlike anything else in the early graphic novel space. The unique premise of anthropomorphic art supplies as heroes is also a fresh and highly creative concept that celebrates the tools of imagination.
Read plot summary
The story follows the Snips, a pair of anthropomorphic scissors, who live in a world of living art supplies. Their peaceful, creative existence is threatened by the arrival of the Wigmaster, a villain who wields immense power over hair, creating chaos and ensnaring others in his hairy schemes. The Snips must embark on a thrilling quest, gathering allies and using their unique cutting skills to overcome obstacles and confront the Wigmaster in a final, hilarious showdown.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The Snips are heroes that come from an art box. If you could choose any school or art supply to be a superhero, what would it be and what would its special power be?
2
The Wigmaster is a pretty silly villain who uses hair to cause trouble. What makes a villain funny instead of just scary? Do you think the Wigmaster was ever a good guy?
3
Teamwork was very important for the Snips to defeat the Wigmaster. Can you remember a specific moment in the book where the heroes had to work together to solve a problem they couldn't solve alone?
4
Raúl the Third's drawings are full of tiny, hidden details. Let's flip back to your favorite page. What's a small, funny detail you notice now that you didn't see the first time?
