"You Can Do A Graphic Novel" ,is written by Barbara Slate and is quite an interesting little book. When I first received the book and gave it a quick once over I was a little skeptical but as I settled down to read it thoroughly I realized it's possibilities.
I have been working on some curriculum projects that combine Creative Writing and Visual Arts with a colleague of mine and I can see how well this book fits in with these ideas.
Although Barbara is detailing the process of creating a Graphic novel she walks you through core writing skills like creating characters, developing plot, how to write to keep people interested, and then pulling it all together with drawing/illustration.
It's written in a very comfortable way and you could easily work through this process in a classroom setting, from elementary on. She even has a teacher's guide available.
Both my boys are in love with graphic novels and have been so since pre-school.
Here is a comic that my middle son completed when he was 5.
It's poster size (22x28) and he was so proud of all the work he put into this that I framed it.
He came up with the story, the characters (the Uglies), painted the backgrounds and even added some text.
It helped him develop his storytelling skills in a fun way and kept his interest from start to finish over a couple of weeks. Not easy to do with a 5 yr.old.
So now to the giveaway. I have 3 copies ,that's right 3 chances for you to win.
If any of you are interested just leave me a short comment on the blog or through email and I'll enter you into the giveaway. This giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S.A. and Canada. Sorry all my international friends but thems the rules!
I am off to the cabin for the weekend so I'll leave this giveaway open until the end of Monday May 30th. I'll announce the 3 winners on the following Tuesday.
Good Luck and I'll see you next week.
