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Adventures in Cartooning #4
Hocus Focus
All day long, the Knight peels turnips. This isn’t what she had in mind for her first magic lesson. She wants to make a magic potion, not soup! Things get a lot more exciting when she steals the wizard’s magic wand and spell book. Her potion transforms Edward into a giant worm — and he’s hungry!
Hocus Focus offers more sweet, goofy storytelling from the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. With simple how-to-draw tutorials on the endpapers, these cute picture books are a playful extension of the hit instructional series.
Hocus Focus offers more sweet, goofy storytelling from the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. With simple how-to-draw tutorials on the endpapers, these cute picture books are a playful extension of the hit instructional series.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2017
6 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
James Sturm
55 books128 followersJames Sturm is the author of several award-winning graphic novels for children and adults, including James Sturm’s America, Market Day, The Golem’s Mighty Swing and Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow. He is also the founder of the Center for Cartoon Studies and the National Association for Comics Art Educators. He created Adventures in Cartooning with collaborators Alexis Frederic-Frost and Andrew Arnold. Sturm, his wife, and two daughters live in White River Junction, Vermont.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamess...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamess...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 13, 2018
Sturm, James, et al. Hocus Focus Unpaged. First Second (Roaring Brook Press), 2017. $14.99. GRAPHIC NOVEL
A little knight wants to try doing magic with the wizard's wand, but the wizard wants him to peel turnips for a magic potion instead. Simple stuff first, he says, like patience. But when the wizard uses his magic wand to transport instantly away, the knight is more determined than ever to find one himself. He, with his trusted steed Edward, sneaks into the wizard's inner sanctum, and finds just what he wants. He takes a transformation spell book and a magic wand, but instead of following the spell's directions, he takes shortcuts which lead to disastrous results. He accidentally combines Edward and a worm into a monstrous Edwormy creature that wants to eat everything, including him. With a Phoenix's help to fly to safety, and the wizard's help using the magic wand, along with his own clever idea, all is put right again, though the lessons on patience and learning the basics first may have been lost on him.
This is a cute graphic novel for young readers from the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. The endpapers have the additional bonus of how to draw the knight, the horse Edward, and various combined creatures, like Edwormy. The endpapers and the part of the story when the knight is following the spell's directions could be used as examples of a how-to sequence for a classroom lesson.
EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Reviewed by P. K. Foster, teacher-librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
A little knight wants to try doing magic with the wizard's wand, but the wizard wants him to peel turnips for a magic potion instead. Simple stuff first, he says, like patience. But when the wizard uses his magic wand to transport instantly away, the knight is more determined than ever to find one himself. He, with his trusted steed Edward, sneaks into the wizard's inner sanctum, and finds just what he wants. He takes a transformation spell book and a magic wand, but instead of following the spell's directions, he takes shortcuts which lead to disastrous results. He accidentally combines Edward and a worm into a monstrous Edwormy creature that wants to eat everything, including him. With a Phoenix's help to fly to safety, and the wizard's help using the magic wand, along with his own clever idea, all is put right again, though the lessons on patience and learning the basics first may have been lost on him.
This is a cute graphic novel for young readers from the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. The endpapers have the additional bonus of how to draw the knight, the horse Edward, and various combined creatures, like Edwormy. The endpapers and the part of the story when the knight is following the spell's directions could be used as examples of a how-to sequence for a classroom lesson.
EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Reviewed by P. K. Foster, teacher-librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
February 6, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ho...
Hocus Focus
By James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
ISBN: 978-1-59643-654-1
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Review:
Any graphic novel that includes a “How to draw the characters” section earns brownie points in my books. Hocus Focus by James Sturm and Co,. just happens to have that, as did Sturm’s Ogres Awake (coincidentally starring the same characters). A whimsical flight of fancy, with young adults its targeted demographic, we once again pick up on the further adventures of the Knight and his trusty, fetching steed, Edward in the Knight’s quest to become the greatest wizard ever. Fun, fun and more fun awaits the reader in this graphic novel, and youngsters will find giggles galore there. It’s truly a delightful read that teaches a very important moral lesson. Hocus Focus is by far the pinnacle so far produced by Sturm, Arnold, and Frederick-Frost. Perhaps adding a few more cooks spice up the dish.
Once again, Sturm and Co. have written a very tight dialogue driven ship. The action starts almost immediately and doesn’t stop until the final punchline. Terse and to the point, the younger reader won’t have an iota of a problem following the linear but twisting plot. Dialogue and action share an equal proportion throughout the book. The story is delightful and airy, full of magic (well one spell with disastrous results), and a mythic feel, as it largely weaves elements of “The Wizard’s Apprentice.” – one may remember Disney’s Mickey Mouse adaption in Fantasia. This being said, of course, says that there is a positive moral message. Patience pays off; the swing ending at the end is a good laugh. We are introduced to the aged Court Wizard who fulfils his role as the mentor teaching a student a lesson.
To reiterate my comments on Ogres Awake: the artwork, as mentioned previously, contains a “How to Draw” section, so the characters are clean, dynamic and simple. In fact, Sturm’s artwork is deceptively simple. Designing characters with young children’s drawing abilities in mind is no small feat – care has to be placed into the designs of the panels so that they are easy to read, reproducible for young readers and dynamic enough to let the inner child roam free giving the Knight (and Edward) new adventures, expanded now to underwater adventures and space fare (even Edward has a space helmet to draw!). All the good fun from this encourages interactive reading in young adults. Kudos for Sturm and Co. for adding this element once again in Hocus Focus, as Sturm did in the former graphic novel – it’s a good technique and encourages the arts in youngsters. It’s a hands down, win-win situation here.
The assimilation of story and art is easy to do; doing it well is another matter altogether. Sturm, Arnold, and Frederick-Frost do it right. Together, the art and dialogue cannot be separated – not without compromising the integrity of the story. Together they tie everything together. They define the Knight (not so much Edward) and the elderly, accomplished Wizard
Introducing your child to the wonders of art is a prize worth taking home, and Hocus Focus provides that outlet. Introducing them to graphic novels and the stories they tell excites both visual and language skills: Hocus Focus performs this well. For any child the adventures of ‘The Knight’ and Edward will become part of treasured memories, and a wellspring of ideas from which to draw (no pun intended) and draw. Overall I would
Hocus Focus
By James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
ISBN: 978-1-59643-654-1
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Review:
Any graphic novel that includes a “How to draw the characters” section earns brownie points in my books. Hocus Focus by James Sturm and Co,. just happens to have that, as did Sturm’s Ogres Awake (coincidentally starring the same characters). A whimsical flight of fancy, with young adults its targeted demographic, we once again pick up on the further adventures of the Knight and his trusty, fetching steed, Edward in the Knight’s quest to become the greatest wizard ever. Fun, fun and more fun awaits the reader in this graphic novel, and youngsters will find giggles galore there. It’s truly a delightful read that teaches a very important moral lesson. Hocus Focus is by far the pinnacle so far produced by Sturm, Arnold, and Frederick-Frost. Perhaps adding a few more cooks spice up the dish.
Once again, Sturm and Co. have written a very tight dialogue driven ship. The action starts almost immediately and doesn’t stop until the final punchline. Terse and to the point, the younger reader won’t have an iota of a problem following the linear but twisting plot. Dialogue and action share an equal proportion throughout the book. The story is delightful and airy, full of magic (well one spell with disastrous results), and a mythic feel, as it largely weaves elements of “The Wizard’s Apprentice.” – one may remember Disney’s Mickey Mouse adaption in Fantasia. This being said, of course, says that there is a positive moral message. Patience pays off; the swing ending at the end is a good laugh. We are introduced to the aged Court Wizard who fulfils his role as the mentor teaching a student a lesson.
To reiterate my comments on Ogres Awake: the artwork, as mentioned previously, contains a “How to Draw” section, so the characters are clean, dynamic and simple. In fact, Sturm’s artwork is deceptively simple. Designing characters with young children’s drawing abilities in mind is no small feat – care has to be placed into the designs of the panels so that they are easy to read, reproducible for young readers and dynamic enough to let the inner child roam free giving the Knight (and Edward) new adventures, expanded now to underwater adventures and space fare (even Edward has a space helmet to draw!). All the good fun from this encourages interactive reading in young adults. Kudos for Sturm and Co. for adding this element once again in Hocus Focus, as Sturm did in the former graphic novel – it’s a good technique and encourages the arts in youngsters. It’s a hands down, win-win situation here.
The assimilation of story and art is easy to do; doing it well is another matter altogether. Sturm, Arnold, and Frederick-Frost do it right. Together, the art and dialogue cannot be separated – not without compromising the integrity of the story. Together they tie everything together. They define the Knight (not so much Edward) and the elderly, accomplished Wizard
Introducing your child to the wonders of art is a prize worth taking home, and Hocus Focus provides that outlet. Introducing them to graphic novels and the stories they tell excites both visual and language skills: Hocus Focus performs this well. For any child the adventures of ‘The Knight’ and Edward will become part of treasured memories, and a wellspring of ideas from which to draw (no pun intended) and draw. Overall I would
February 20, 2017
HOCUS FOCUS by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold is the fourth comic adventure of Knight and her horse Edward.
When Knight sells the wizard’s magic wand, she accidentally turns Edward into a giant worm. The bright colored comic pages and goofy story will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.
Part of the Adventures in Cartooning series, the book includes step-by-step instructions for drawing key characters.
Librarians will find this latest addition to the series to be popular with children who like drawing and cartoons.
Published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan on January 24, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
When Knight sells the wizard’s magic wand, she accidentally turns Edward into a giant worm. The bright colored comic pages and goofy story will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.
Part of the Adventures in Cartooning series, the book includes step-by-step instructions for drawing key characters.
Librarians will find this latest addition to the series to be popular with children who like drawing and cartoons.
Published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan on January 24, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
October 9, 2017
All day long, the Knight peels turnips. This isn’t what she had in mind for her first magic lesson. She wants to make a magic potion, not soup! Things get a lot more exciting when she steals the wizard’s magic wand and spell book. Her potion transforms Edward into a giant worm—and he’s hungry!
Hocus Focus offers more sweet, goofy storytelling from the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. With simple how-to-draw tutorials on the endpapers, these cute picture books are a playful extension of the hit instructional series.
Hocus Focus offers more sweet, goofy storytelling from the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. With simple how-to-draw tutorials on the endpapers, these cute picture books are a playful extension of the hit instructional series.
December 15, 2017
A cute quick read from First Second comics. A Knight spends his day peeling turnips for a Wizard --when what he really wants is to be a wizard himself! Unfortunately, his impatience gets his best friend and steed, Edward, into a spot of worm-related trouble...
Fast and simple, it really seems to be more of a picture book than a comic book, but whatever.
Fast and simple, it really seems to be more of a picture book than a comic book, but whatever.
September 19, 2017
Our favorite cartoon knight and his valiant steed are back... and are taught an important lesson on patience. Hilarious. Not as much 'how to draw' as other books in the series, still good.
December 26, 2017
Our impetuous knight tries her hand at magic, with delightfully impatient results.
April 19, 2018
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 10, 2020
Its inspiring. It makes me want to read and draw.
March 25, 2017
I think this book is hilarious. However I think the vocab and topic is geared for an older crowd than I'm looking for.
Read
February 24, 2017On January 24, 2017 the fourth book, Hocus Focus (First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press) was released. Like the previous three books, the Knight and her loyal steed, Edward find themselves in a situation unlike any of the other predicaments. Impatience nearly destroys everything.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
August 25, 2017
Christopher actually laughed out loud at this book. And he kept the pictures hidden from me, so I couldn't look ahead. In this story, the knight is trying to learn magic from a wizard. He's frustrated that it's taking so long, so he tries his own potion and spell. Things go horribly wrong, but in a very funny way. This book is another great simple comic book story. We loved it.
http://www.momsradius.com/2017/08/juv...
http://www.momsradius.com/2017/08/juv...
January 4, 2017
I love the Little Knight graphic novels from First Second! The latest adventure has Little Knight and her ever-present and faithful steed, Edward, learning magic. Well, right now she’s peeling turnips, but the wizard swears it’s teaching her patience! When the wizard turns his back for just a second, Little Knight steals his magic wand and spell book to learn some magic on her own, and gets much more than she bargained for when her spell merges Edward with a worm to create a giant, hungry, horseworm!
If you’ve never picked up a Little Knight graphic novel, there are a bunch to choose from, but don’t worry – you don’t need to read them in any kind of order. Each story has a young knight, her faithful horse, and a fun adventure. That’s all you need to know! The lesson in this book is all about patience; something Little Knight learns about after rushing her magic lessons. The art is cartoony and fun, bright and bold. The endpapers have the usual goofy how-to-draw tutorials, including Little Knight as a tuba player, Edward busting some sweet dance moves, and the Wizard’s Magical Mix-‘Em-Up Cauldron of mashups.
If you’ve never picked up a Little Knight graphic novel, there are a bunch to choose from, but don’t worry – you don’t need to read them in any kind of order. Each story has a young knight, her faithful horse, and a fun adventure. That’s all you need to know! The lesson in this book is all about patience; something Little Knight learns about after rushing her magic lessons. The art is cartoony and fun, bright and bold. The endpapers have the usual goofy how-to-draw tutorials, including Little Knight as a tuba player, Edward busting some sweet dance moves, and the Wizard’s Magical Mix-‘Em-Up Cauldron of mashups.
August 23, 2016
What kid could resist a story about wizards, giant snake-worm-dogs, and a climax that includes mythical creatures vomiting? Mixed into all of this is a great moral about always following directions, being patient, and forgiving your friends when they make mistakes. Pages in the beginning and end of the book provide drawing guides to doodle your own versions of the character, allowing kids to take the characters with them after they read. A silly and heartwarming tale for beginning independent readers.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2016
I like this series for its illustrations. I love that they add how to draw the characters to the books. This time the night needs to learn some patience. He wants to skip all steps and just use magic, because magic makes everything better. Then you have poor Edward, who always has to put up with the Knight’s crazy plans.
August 27, 2016
I'm a little torn on this. I, personally, did not enjoy it. However, I can see where some of my students, especially boys, would enjoy this story. Best for 2nd-4th grade.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2018
"It's all about the turnips..."
April 6, 2017
More funny hijinx and adventures for Knight and Edward! "It's all about the turnips!" And it appears that Knight will never learn!
April 6, 2017
Hocus Focus is another children's graphic novel by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold. Staring the same knight and her horse Edward from Adventures in Cartooning, Sleepless Knight, Gryphons Aren't so Great, and Ogres Awake. You do not need to read these graphic novels in any order, but the deceptively simple artwork and stories make them a joy to explore.
All day long, the Knight peels turnips. This isn’t what she had in mind for her first magic lesson. She wants to make a magic potion, not soup! Things get a lot more exciting when she steals the wizard’s magic wand and spell book. Her potion transforms Edward into a giant worm, and he’s hungry!
Hocus Focus has the same goofy storytelling that I have come to expect from this team. Knight is impatient, and rushes her studies, as we have come to expect. The artwork is fairly simple when it comes to the characters, but the details and charm of the art really bring the story to life and bring the reader into the adventure. I love that these stories have a lesson, in this book its all about patience, and wrap it up in a fun, wacky adventure. Even more than that, I honestly love that with each book they also include a simple how-to-draw tutorials at the end of the book. So, after anyone reads the book they are encouraged and instructed a bit in continuing the story and setting of on their own. Another win for this series.
All day long, the Knight peels turnips. This isn’t what she had in mind for her first magic lesson. She wants to make a magic potion, not soup! Things get a lot more exciting when she steals the wizard’s magic wand and spell book. Her potion transforms Edward into a giant worm, and he’s hungry!
Hocus Focus has the same goofy storytelling that I have come to expect from this team. Knight is impatient, and rushes her studies, as we have come to expect. The artwork is fairly simple when it comes to the characters, but the details and charm of the art really bring the story to life and bring the reader into the adventure. I love that these stories have a lesson, in this book its all about patience, and wrap it up in a fun, wacky adventure. Even more than that, I honestly love that with each book they also include a simple how-to-draw tutorials at the end of the book. So, after anyone reads the book they are encouraged and instructed a bit in continuing the story and setting of on their own. Another win for this series.
May 16, 2018
I think that this is the first “First Second” book that I haven’t liked. Kids - definitely the target audience - will probably think that it’s funny, but I was not amused. I liked the bright artwork, but not the fact that the bunny (I think?) didn’t have a face.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews