Squid Happens

The Adventures of Team Pom #1

by Isabel Roxas

When oddballs Agnes, Roberta and Ruby discover a shared passion for synchronized swimming, the trio become Team Pom. But between snack time, their favorite TV show, and raising pigeons, it can be hard to find time to practice.

“Good book alert! Drew and her daughters love biting into a good book together, and The Adventures of Team Pom is a hilarious series they revisit again and again!”
—The Drew Barrymore Show

“The ethnically inclusive team and their friendship dynamic is a highlight of this joyfully absurd, pleasingly overstuffed story.”
—Publishers Weekly




 "Will this unusual bunch find the teamwork, practice, and grace needed to become water-dance superstars? Readers will find out for themselves in this page-turning comic book filled with friendship, suspense and lots of charm."
—Illustoria Mag



This crew of self-proclaimed weirdos are tired of their loser status in the pool. But on their way to gain the respect and free snacks they deserve, they stumble upon a lonely giant squid. Will he be the secret weapon they need for synchronized swimming stardom? Will they be able to outwit the sinister strangers in bowler hats, or will they end up with ink on their faces?

The first in this series and a debut comic book from award-winning Filipino illustrator Isabel Roxas, Squid Happens is a hilarious read that explores friendship, teamwork and what it means to be yourself.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Childrens, Animals, Fantasy, Sports, Comics

20 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Isabel Roxas is the author and illustrator of The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens. The first book in a series, it features three questing kids, a lonely giant squid, dramatic synchronized swimming routines, nefarious rats in bowler hats, mayhem and pigeons.

She was born in Manila, Philippines, was raised on luscious mangoes, old wives’ tales, and monsoon moons. Isabel has illustrated several books for young readers, including Our Skin: A First Conversation about Race by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê (named an NPR Best Book of 2016) and Day at the Market by May Tobias-Papa (2010 winner of the Philippine National Book Award).

Follow her on Twitter @studioroxas and Instagram @studioroxas.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book I wish the second one was out already. Not only is the art amazing but the story is funny and filled with puns plus extremely entertaining.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being in the world of Isabel Roxas's imagination is a fabulous place to be!! This graphic novel has whimsy, winning illustrations, hilarity, genuine friendship, mysterious adventure, and inventiveness at every turn. Plus pigeons. Plus bao. Plus a message of success in life really being about being true to yourself, your passions, and the people with quirks as wonderful as yours.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Flying Eye Books through Publishers Weekly’s US Book Show.
Enough ridiculousness to appeal to mid and upper elementary level readers and still make some points about friendship and being successful through hard work. The characters range from a couple of rats trying to get back a giant squid to nursing home residents drinking a youth serum to be synchronized swimming divas. In the midst of this, Roxas introduces her main characters who certainly have their own diverse interests and values. She balances introducing her characters with a humorous plotline that opens this series well. Readers will look forward to future volumes about Agnes, Roberta, Ruby, the pigeons and Cyd the squid.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from ALA Conference and had the opportunity to meet Roxas. It is a fun adventure story about three misfits with wonderful graphics. I'll be passing this on to my children and purchasing a copy for my school library.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss 9 enjoyed reading this and asked for the next in the series.

[Micah Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could be the beginning of me opening my heart to graphic novels

[Rainbow Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squid Happens is the first book in a new series by Isabel Roxas called The Adventures of Team Pom. Squid Happens opens with a mysterious pair of rats in a very small submarine chasing a squid who manages to evade them.

We are then introduced to Shadyside, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, and three oddballs who live there. We meet Agnes—who is obsessed with pigeons, Ruby—an oceanography nerd, and Roberta—a “Type A” synchronized swimmer. Together the girls make up Team Pom, a quirky synchronized swimming team. They want to take down the Brighton Beach Mermaids and win first place, but the kids in their neighborhood just misunderstand their routines. They believe they have the key to their victory when they discover Cyd the squid hiding in their community center’s pool, but they end up uncovering something much bigger than competition.

Squid Happens is a fun read packed with joy, friendship, adventure, and humor. Roberta, Ruby, and Agnes each have their own unique identity and I love the dynamic of the friendship between them. And of course, because this is a graphic novel, the illustrations do a wonderful job of capturing the personalities of the characters. Plus, Cyd the squid is just so cute!

Isabel Roxas is an author, illustrator, and indie publisher based in New York City. Please visit her website at studioroxas.com to learn more about her and her work.

I want to thank Flying Eye Books for providing me with a review copy of The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens. It was an absolute delight and I can’t wait to see how the series unfolds.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Storygraph

[Tarsila Krüse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens - is the fist graphic novel by artist Isabel Roxas. A short, action-packed story in the life of a group of delightful misfits that come together somewhat accidentally and who end up uncovering a master evil scheme and rescuing an unexpected friend.

With fun, quirky and recognisable characters, squid happens, makes sure to shine light on their personalities and interests, making it clear that each individual traits are valuable. The mix of human and animals characters creates a fun fantasy world where anything is possible, plus, who is STEVE?!

The colour work, details on the illustrations and variety in panelling is very interesting, helping the story move beautifully and makes for an ideal introduction to graphic novels to young readers.

For readers who love animals, quirky fantastic stories, adventures and friendship, especially those who may feel like they don’t quite fit it. Recommended for ages 7-10.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

So my 12 yr old & 9 Yr old both nabbed this snappy little graphic novel before I did.

A lonely sea creature is being chased by 2 baddies.

One girl is thrown out of the synchronized swimming team, she meets some other girls like her who like to do things their own way and so they become Team Pom.

This is part mystery and part girl power overcoming the odds if you keep going and believe in yourself.

I liked the illustrations & will be looking out for more in this series.

Thank you to Flying Eye & Sarah at Bounce for my gifted copy.

[tony dillard jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and I have 2 adopted goats. Hers is named Brickey. Mine is named Pom-Pom. They're twins

Now I didn't give Pom-Pom her name. She was given her name on the day she was born by her original adoptive family. Other than a name and that first visit, that family never returned to the farm or saw Pom-Pom ever again.

Over the course of the past year, my wife and I would visit Brickey once a week. Sister Pom-Pom always wanted to join us; so while my wife bonded with her goat, I spent time herding the girl around and keeping her out of trouble. Over time, Pom-Pom would start following me around the farm. I've taught her hand signals on what directions to go in. Plus, it just does my heart great joy when I get to the farm for my weekly visit and call out my nickname for my goat- POM! And she comes running! The people who work at the farm to this day have never witnessed a goat who has bonded to someone and comes when called. But that's my girl!

After Pom-Pom's one-year birthday, the farm granted my wife and I the official rights to being her adoptive parents. So when guests ask us about our female goat's name, I tell people that Pom is short for Pomegranate as my goat is a little grenade of energy. My wife is quick to point out Pom is short for Pom-Pom. But that's beside the point. It's my special name for my girl and it's why I selected this week's Family Comic Friday selection.

Agnes, Roberta and Ruby are 3 outsiders who found each other in the hallowed halls of the Salmagundi Boys and Girls Club. All 3 girls wanted to start their own clubs. But center rules state that you must have 3 members in order to be a club. So, Agnes, Roberta and Ruby start their own club- Team POM: Pigeons, Ocean Stuff and Miscellaneous!

The girls also have a love of synchronized swimming. However, their routines are not only rather experimental and highly interpretive; the girls themselves aren't all that coordinated! However, it appears that Team POM's luck is gonna change thanks to a Giant Squid named Cyd. And how do we know that his name is Cyd? Agnes can speak squid, of course!

Unfortunately, things aren't all that safe for Cyd. Two Criminal Agents of Steve are on the hunt for the squid who escaped the clutches of the evil Steve who uses Cyd's ink to create a youth serum. These bowler hatted fiends will stop at nothing to capture Team Pom's newest member and become full fledged members of CAOS!

I got quite a few laughs out of this debut graphic novel by Isabel Roxas. Okay- Roxas has illustrated several children's books before such as Erin Entrada Kelly's Newbery Award winning Hello Universe. But Squid Happens is the first book that Isabel Roxas wrote AND illustrated. So my assessment still counts.

The artwork was lively. The members of Team Pom as well as the silly and yet a tiny bit sinister villains in the employ of the mysterious Steve were all lively characters with rich expressions and flowing dialogues. The final page of this work promised more adventures from Team Pom and I very much hope that happens very soon.

Team Pom is a great book for kids who feel like they are loners too. No matter how strange or different you might be, there is someone out there who'll accept you no matter what. It doesn't have to be a ton of people But those select one or two will be with you through thick or thin. They might share a laugh or two at you expense or think you are an oddball. But those special friends are the ones you can count on no matter what and that's the kind of friends Agnes, Roberta and Ruby are!

A lovely graphic novel for readers in grades 2-5. It's a bit silly and definitely crosses into the fringe of weird. But for myself, those are some of my favorite kind of reads. A tiny bit of gross-out humor and a couple of instances of bullying do occur in this book. But the overall message is finding friends you can count on in times of social intimidation is one that parents will approve of.

Now there are 2 Team Poms that I am on!

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute, but ALL OVER THE PLACE. I guess that fits into Team Pom's sort of Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!-esque energy, that these three girls just want the space to follow their interests, even without "mainstream" support. Then there's the peculiar subplot of the two... I guess they're very HUMAN-sized rats in tuxedos, chasing a giant squid.

I don't know if explaining it helps at all. It really just needs to be read to be understood.

The art is very distinctive and well-drawn, and the story is... imaginative? Certainly, all the pieces fit together, and it has a good(?) ending, but I have a difficult time explaining my rating, for instance. As far as making this story goes, this is a fantastic effort. Would this interest a young reader whose hands I might put it in? ...honestly, no idea. There are just lots of little things I didn't understand even as an older reader, like how R2UINO is *probably* a pun on Arduino? I guess?

If anything, it's a relatively cheap read, I guess! (slightly-more-than-a-dollar store purchase)

[Michelle Cowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens is a fun graphic novel book about a bunch of awkward preteens on an adventure to fit in. The beginning gets off to an exciting start by introducing a giant squid escaping the harbor and entering the drainage pipes under Brooklyn. These first lines definitely suggest action. It is a circular story because this giant squid resurfaces at the end of the book. It also comes full circle with Roberta and her friends finally winning at something. It is a satisfying ending, and Roberta and her friends seem to have grown to accept themselves for who they are. The book is well-paced and broken into small chapters. The rhythm of the language is conversational speech since this is a graphic novel driven primarily by dialogue. The energy in the language comes from the conversational tone of the pre-teen characters. Some of the insulting phrases the characters hurl at each other were a little weak and contrived, but most of the language was strong. I enjoyed this cute, quirky graphic novel. It was funny, and a nice change from regular storybooks. I think elementary and middle school readers would love it.

[Calista · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nephew is doing the local library summer reading program and he's reading a lot of books with it so far. He got this from the library and told me I had to read it, so of course, I did. He's in the swim team, not to happy about it this year, anyway.

I think he loves the giant squid in this story. The giant squid was cool.

Something about this little middle grade graphic novel just was not for me. It should be. It's got quirky weird characters, so it's the group I would be in. For some reason, the story sort of bored me and I wasn't excited about the mouse villains. The nephew loved the mice villains.

My opinion, not so much, Nephew loved this story. I should split the difference. BTW, I keep trying to get niece and nephew to join goodreads and I haven't succeeded yet. I will not go on with the series unless the nephew asks me to read it. Of course, I'll read anything they ask me too.

[Danielle Booey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute graphic novel about a trio of friends who have widely differing interests, but form a team at their local Boys and Girls Club so that they can participate in different activities.

Currently Agnes, Roberta, and Ruby are focused on winning a synchronized swimming competition. And when they find a giant squid named Cyd in the pool one day it seems like their goal might be within reach. As long as they can keep Syd out of the sinister clutches of Gilbert and Georges, well-dressed person sized rats.

I love the art and the distinct personalities that each of the girls' have. I am excited to see the next book.

[Neslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustration is absolutely fantastic! Main characters have unique and strong personalities that come in together beautifully as a team. As a New Yorker, having friendly features like pigeons and community centers filled with diverse ethnic groups was refreshing. I also loved seeing Brooklyn and Queens in the background. The story itself had a strong moral concept and love to see kids knowing who they are and embracing their own interest. It ends with a little mystery and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Critter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squid Happens is a very cute and pun filled adventure. The characters are all wonderful. They are each very unique and well developed characters. There are great messages throughout this book, but especially a message about being yourself and celebrating what makes yourself unique. The ending was wrapped up very nicely with a hint at more adventures that I am already excited for.

I would like to thank Flying Eye Books for providing me an ARC.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. The premise is great, 3 girls who really don't fit in make their own club and save a squid. The only thing that I really loved was the squid. It had a lot of personality for a squid. I will be looking for the upcoming volumes of this series to see if the girls find some more personality in the future.
That being said, it might be a good GN for kids who feel like they don't fit in.

[Kim Ly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical plot around a synchronized swimming team wanting to win their first competition, some funny animals for flair, and a cute team of three friends. Cute illustrations. The plot isn’t extremely compelling but fun enough for four stars.

PS: if you are an adult looking to return back to a day fifteen plus years ago watching cartoons after school, this fully serves that purpose and gets five stars.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby, Agnes, and Roberta are trying to win the synchronized swimming competition. They want to come up with a spectacular routine. Cyd is a giant squid who has escaped captivity, and becomes friends with Ruby, Agnes, and Roberta. Cyd joins their swim routine. Will the rats and Steve recapture Cyd? Will the girls win the competition? Read this story to find out.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was proper fun! Synchronised swimming, finding your crew, an evil mastermind and a squid on the loose! Loved this! I hope there’s more to read from Team POM - they’re kind, come up with brilliant plans and hopefully will get better at their synchronised swimming ha. What an utter joy to read this morning!

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and zany synchronized swimming based adventure, with a surprise giant squid friend arriving at a contentious YMCA-like community center in NYC. Stylized misfits (pigeons, science, synchronized swimming) must pit themselves against 2 mice and the nefarious Steve in order to get their new friends to safety.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squid Happens reminds me so much of afternoon cartoons I'd watch after school in the early 90s. Roxas leaves quite a bit to the reader's imagination. The montages are too much fun. This book definitely has whimsy, silliness, and fun. The only thing missing was a catchy theme song to introduce the story. The illusive villain Steve will strike again. I have no doubt book 2 is just as much fun.

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby, Agnes and Roberta are a team of misfits/synchronized swimmers who stumble upon a giant squid and recruit him to their synchronized swimming team. Unfortunately, the squid is also being chased by a nefarious criminal enterprise. Wacky, cute, unique. The kids will be into it.

[Mateen Mahboubi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always enjoy these stories where seemingly different and unique people with different skills come together to work towards a goal. A sweet story about some misfit kids who find each other and work out their differences to save the day. Lots of fun!

[Katie Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Younger graphic novel readers will enjoy meeting the dynamic trio of Agnes, Roberta and Ruby as they try to become the best synchronized swimming team in New York. Filled with friendship, suspense, and one giant squid, this series is going to make a splash with readers!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations, the creativity, and the way the quirky details were integrated into the storyline. But I wish it hadn’t ended on a cliffhanger - I want to know more and would like to spend several more stories with these characters and their mysterious nemesis.

[Liana PG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the character design a lot, the shapes and scenes were fun. The story was a little bit predictable but it was still a fun read and I really like how the map at the beginning is accurate to the close ups of the buildings later on in the story.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through an ALA virtual conference.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, gorgeous art