Marshmallow Martians

February 15, 2023
Four goofy Martians learn about Earth and its myriad smells in this graphic novel for emerging readers. Roused one morning by their sentient computer, G.L.O.W., Squishy, Snug, Woof, and Fuzz, a quartet of fluffy Marshmallow Martians, are presented with a large mystery box--the Polite Extraordinary Earth Portal 1000, or P.E.E.P. The sugary squad can use this well-mannered device to explore the third planet from the sun--all it needs to know is where specifically on Earth to send them. G.L.O.W. searches its database to find the best way for earthlings to teach their friends and family about new topics. But uh-oh! The intergalactic Wi-Fi is on the fritz, and all G.L.O.W. can come up with is "SHOW AND __ELL." What could the last word be? Fuzz sarcastically suggests show and smell, so the group goes in search of Earth's stinkiest stenches. The burp and fart jokes sprinkled along their path will keep readers giggling as the Marshmallow Martians use high-tech smell suckers to vacuum up rank odors at an amusement park. The wide-eyed characters, all squishy stylized marshmallows, are so adorably huggable, it's hard to believe they're not already optioned as a streaming series. The springy palette feels intentionally reminiscent of marshmallow Peeps candy, with a mix of orange, blue, purple, yellow, and green hues combining into a saccharine sweet world that readers will want to bite into again and again. Human characters on Earth are diverse. These alien confections are silly perfection. (Graphic fiction. 5-8)

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February 6, 2023
This inaugural story in a pleasant graphic novel chapter book series by collaborators Kent and Hooson (the Glam Prix Racers series) chronicles the misadventures of teal Fuzz and yellow Snug, cylindrical, antennae-festooned inhabitants of the ringed marshmallow planet Moop. Long curious about Earth, Snug—the self-proclaimed “mayor of Curious-ville! Queen of Curious-town!”—accompanied by Fuzz, embarks on an exploratory trip there with their talking space cat and dog, and their robot assistant. When deciding which Earthly oddities would be most exciting to take back to show their friends and families, a computer glitch points them in the direction of the most wow-worthy Earth smells. Equipped with “high tech smell suckers,” they land at an amusement park to capture “some of the SMELLIEST SMELLS,” which include “shoe-stench” from footwear left outside a ball pit, onions from a food truck, human burps next to a bubbly drink stand, and skunk spray. Snippets of edutainment, such as an explanation of where burps originate, pepper this good-humored space adventure populated by protagonists whose bright-eyed eagerness and boundless, bouncing energy are reminiscent of SpongeBob Squarepants. For emerging readers looking for a little goofiness, it will pass the sniff test. Ages 5–8. Agent: Gemma Cooper, Bent Agency.

March 1, 2023

Gr 1-3-Emerging readers will giggle and learn in this early reader comic. A group of Marshmallow Martians from the planet Moop have a portal that allows them to travel to Earth. But first, they must choose a mission. And so, they choose Earth smells. The Martian foursome head to an amusement park, and each captures a smell to bring back to their planet. There are plenty of jokes and a bit of learning. Perfect for early readers who want to read a comic and explore some scientific fun. There isn't a cohesive "lesson" in this book, just many interesting and random tidbits. The soft pastel colors, bouncy artwork, and large panels work together to create a fine comic for kids. VERDICT This title has the potential to appeal to young kids everywhere.-Esther Keller

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