Cute book. The illustrations told the story very clearly. ( )

Two more Polo books! I've very fond of these almost wordless picture books whose stories are told in comic panels. I am still secretly planning to buy the rest of this series for the library and move them out of picture books and into juvenile graphic novels to sit next to Owly. I think Polo and Owly could be good friends.

I loved Polo and the Dragon - it's the funniest one I've read so far and I was delighted to see some sentient art ala Harold in this story of unexpected weather and even more unexpected meetings!

Polo and the Magician wasn't one of my favorites - I couldn't decide if the Magician was being mean or not and he seemed kind of scary. Maybe because the colors seem to be a little darker in this one.

Verdict: Polo is great fun if you want to introduce young children to comics, like sly humor and delightful imagination, or enjoy simple adventures that end at home.

Polo and the dragon
ISBN: 978-1596434981; Published September 2009 by Roaring Brook; Borrowed from the library; Added to the library's wishlist

Polo and the magician
ISBN: 978-1596434974; Published September 2009 by Roaring Brook; Borrowed from the library; Added to the library's wishlist

I was utterly enchanted by this story of adventure and humor. It was a pleasant surprise; I suppose that's my fault for assuming I wouldn't be interested in a 'mere' picture book! I particularly like the dramatic irony in the scene where Polo first meets the Dragon: Polo is frightened by the sudden appearance of a fire-breathing dragon, while the audience can see that the dragon is simply exasperated with Polo for walking into his house and eating his dinner. The theme of not judging others based on appearances is apparent without seeming condescending or moralizing, and is something we could all - adults as well as children - use to be reminded of.