Review: Out From Boneville
After reading Beth’s review of Out From Boneville by Jeff Smith, I knew I had to read it. Phoney Bone is the richest resident of Boneville and he’s run out of town when his campaign tactics go awry. His cousins, Fone and Smiley accompany him. They get lost in the desert and are eventually separated after being swarmed by locusts. While searching for his cousins, Fone encounters some giant rat creatures who want to capture him and eat him. He manages to get away and makes some friends who help him survive the winter. A young girl, Thorn, and her grandmother finally take him in. I don’t want to give away any more of the story, so you’ll have to read it yourself to find out if Fone, Phoney and Smiley are reunited.
This was a fun story and, being a graphic novel, it’s a quick read. The graphics and the characters are delightful. Fone, Phoney and Smiley have distinct personalities that mesh well together. Since it was so pretty out yesterday, Milou and I sat out on the front porch while I read this. I’m sure I got some looks from passers-by because I was chuckling out loud. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series – The Great Cow Race.
I am not familiar with these, but it’s always nice to find laugh out loud books.
Sounds like fun! With you and Beth recommending these, I should give them a try. Might be a good introduction into graphic novels.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I have the one volume edition of the whole series and I can’t wait to get to it.
The Great Cow Race huh? Where was I just reading how we readers tend to judge people we see reading in public by what we see them reading? You better be careful…lol
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I loved those two “first snow of the season” panels. I just got the last four yesterday — I’ve been reading the color versions.
Sounds weird and interesting! I don’t usually read graphic novels, but one of my challenges is to read something outside my “comfort area” so maybe this would be a good idea for me!
I was wondering about these for my son. He is 10. Is the subject matter appropriate do you think for a 10-year-old boy? Also, I wasn’t sure which one was the first one in the series. Is this the first one? At Barnes and Noble they are all out of order and it’s impossible to figure out.
Glad you enjoyed this Kathy. I get those looks often when I’m reading and laughing out loud.
Sounds cute. Like Ti, I was wondering what age group you thought it was aimed at.
I had the same question! This would appeal to my boys, but is it appropriate?
There are some monsters (the great rat creatures) in this book but they’re not that scary. At some point, they’re funny. I don’t have any young readers, but my best guess is that this would be appropriate for older elementary and up.
yay! someone reading a graphic novel!! 🙂
My 10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter just ate these books up. I didn’t read them, I can’t get through the comics in the paper, let alone a graphic novel, but the kids say they are great.
Oh, so THESE are the Bone books you guys have been twittering about! They sound good!
I have been considering these books for my seven year old who is an advanced reader, but I wasn’t sure how appropriate they were. I may just have to check one out from the library myself and give it a read. It’s so hard finding things that are at his reading level that are interesting to him (and appropriate).
Great review! I really enjoy the Bone series, the story and art are terrific! The kids love them too.
You know, I have never tried a graphic novel. These look like so much fun, I’ll have to put them on my wish list!
My son LOVES the Bone books! 🙂
Great review Kathy, thanks.
I haven’t heard of the Bone books, and I’ve yet to read a graphic novel. Guess I should check these out.
These do sound cute. I don’t read many graphic novels since my library doesn’t carry too many 😦