Banana Fox and the Secret Sour Society

Banana Fox #1

by James Kochalka

The great detective Banana Fox is called back to duty to find a missing turtle. But the deeper he digs, the more he discovers, and it's worse than he thought! The Secret Sour Society is back, and they're mixing up a bunch of trouble. Can Banana Fox and his sidekick, Flashlight, put an end to the Secret Sour Society once and for all?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Humor, Childrens, Mystery, Comics, Juvenile, Middle Grade

80 pages, Paperback

Published February 2, 2021

About the author

James Kochalka is an American comic book artist and writer, and rock musician. His comics are noted for their blending of the real and the surreal. Largely autobiographical, Kochalka's cartoon expression of the world around him includes such real-life characters as his wife, children, cat, friends and colleagues, but always filtered through his own observations and flights of whimsy. In March 2011 he will be declared the cartoonist laureate of Vermont, serving a term of two years.

Reviews

[Cameron Chaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh... Coming off reading the entire Dog Man series in the span of a month (and loving it), I was really excited when we got this on the Bookmobile. I like this author's other books and needed something light and silly to hold me over until the next Pilkey graphic novel. Well... I don't think this one was for me. Younger kids will probably love this, but while Dav Pilkey's books have something fun in store for children and adults alike, Banana Fox just never made me laugh. Maybe I would have laughed as a kid... maybe. I dunno. I don't feel like my humor has changed much since then, besides getting a little darker over time.

This might be a fun one for your kids but you might want to skip reading this yourself. There's a lot of other reading material out there, I promise.

[Theo the book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for banana lovers

[Jocelyn Wilterdink · Rating 1 out of 5]

Books written FOR kids don't need to sound like they are written BY kids.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute and very silly. I read it as a potential title to share with my 3rd grade book buddy.

[John Burness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I leaned about James way back when I worked at an animation studio. He's a great cartoonist with a colorful style of his own. Decided to pick this up even though it's a kids book to check out what he's been up to these days. Hey, I still play with Legos so what's wrong with a kids book? If you love the Scooby Doo Mysteries it reminded me of one of those and who doesn't like Scooby? The Banana Fox is a funny character that made me laugh multiple times during the read. His new friend Flashlight is a perfect sidekick. Overall, I see kids really liking this book. The mystery isn't hard to follow and it's a fun ride with plenty of laughs.

[walbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

i started reading it because banana fox looked like a Matt Groening character. I stopped reading it because banana fox seems like an asshole. That's all I wanted to say.

[Raven Black · Rating 1 out of 5]

A friend of mine is a friend of the author, therefore, I thought I would give it a whirl. Sadly, this book fell flat for me. The cliché theme of the Hero/Worlds Greatest Detective being clueless, the less than convincing villain, the "dumb fat kid" did nothing for me. Illustrations are quirky, bright and not overly busy, but have the action expected works, but again not my cup of mud. With that said, kids ages 7 to (young) 10 will get a kick out this. They will love the obvious, but goofy humor. The villain's are funny looking and obviously bad. The best part of the story was the ending as there was a fun twist I did not see coming due to the obvious nature of the story (Hero not so much; Sidekick saves the day, Bad Guy loses).

[Amy Oberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

My review for Book 2, just in case you think the series is going to improve...

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Kochalka's eye-catching illustrations prompted me to order book 1 in the series. Although I didn't find that particular story to be clever (or even that humorous), I was willing to recommend purchasing the sequel. Unfortunately, book 2 is a continuation of silliness and nonsense (...including a robot that shreds books--with the exception of one, specific title). The sentence to "library jail" for an accumulation of $3645 in late fees was the deal-breaker for me, though: Public libraries already combat outdated stereotypes among patrons, and I will not recommend authors/illustrators who haven't evolved. Scholastic, what were you thinking? Kochalka, do better.

[raccoon reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what I call High Silliness. Kochalka is a genius and his books never disappoint. This series has more coherence than say Johnny Boo but just as much silliness to enjoy. My son adored this book and was thinking about how bad of a detective Banana Fox was even a whole day after finishing the book. Out of no where in the car he says "Here are three reasons why Banana Fox is NOT the world's best detective" and then proceeds to explain. To me, this is a mark of an excellent age appropriate read for my kiddo. He's thinking about it long after the book is gone and still amused and interested. Three cheers for Kochalka!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Graphix through Edelweiss+.
Silliness abounds in this new series by Kochalka. Banana Fox is everything elementary students want in a hero. He's amusing, in love with himself, and doesn't listen well to others. Yet, he does manage to capture the bad guys (Secret Sour Society) and learn about friendship. Readers also see a character stick with her goals and with Banana Fox despite and teach him about partnership. The illustrations are delightful and add details to the text. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[Iris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silliness abounds in this funny new graphic novel series! A bumbling detective is pulled back into the game by an amateur sleuth to take down the sinister Sour Apple Gang. The gang is using a drink called the Super Sour Soda to control the minds of others and get them to do their bidding, even trapping Banana Fox himself! How will B.F. escape their mind control clutches? Will he figure out their evil plans before it's too late? Grab a banana smoothie and curl up with the book to find out. Another wacky adventure from the prolific James Kochalka!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Banana Fox is a self-absorbed crime fighter who recently locked up the leader of the Secret Sour Society, so they're back for revenge. Luckily, Banana Fox has a new partner (who basically invites herself to be his partner) who keeps a cool head, and is able to figure out the dastardly plot. And Banana Fox does save the day.

Full of the kind of silly humor that many kids love (and this adult does not), it's a good choice for graphic novel lovers. At 74 pages, it's pretty short, and with 11 chapters, each chapter is really short, so it's good for reluctant readers.

[S.C. Yung · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I'm not the intended audience, but I can't imagine recommending this to young kids, either. I'm into funny graphic novels, I'm into early readers (I love Mac Barnett! I was really into Dav Pilkey!), but I'm just kind of... over self-absorbed illogical "heroes" who do nothing but take all the credit (poor Flashlight). It seems like we have enough of those kind of people in real life.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Banana Fox is on the case, but he discovers more than he bargained for when an evil secret society is back in business.

This was not my favorite. I love Dog Man, but I think I want a little more than flay slapstick. This reminds me a bit of the Glork books--so perhaps if you like those, then this will also be your style.

[Raj Bowers-Racine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The expected anarchic silliness from James Kochalka. My only slight quibble is with the constant referencing of a previous adventur, even though this is the first book in the series.. When I was a kid it would have seriously bothered me to feel like I'm missing a book that doesn't exist. But the wacky hijinx deliver, so I give it a 4/5 overall.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this via Edelweiss from the publisher.

This is a really fun, silly graphic novel that is going to be perfect for beginning readers, or kiddos who have already devoured Dog Man. Bright illustrations, a plucky sidekick, and evil green apples!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rollicking, 0ff-the-wall adventure does exactly what it promises, it entertains its intended audience. I liked it despite myself, and if Banana Fox doesn't appeal (bah-dun-bun), Sharyanna/Flashlight will help balance the story for you.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok.. this is not a book for me. It wasn't BAD it just wasn't a book that I tend to like. Saying that though, I'm sure kids who are just starting chapter books & reading on their own will enjoy it. It's ridiculous in a way that doesn't make sense.

[T&H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this is VERY funny. For kids who like Dog Man, etc.

[Susan Welscheid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not sure why this book gets such high ratings. Bought it as my 5 year old grandson and I enjoy reading books that are in a series but we will not be venturing any further after book 1.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goofy and fun.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!! Fun!!

[Book_R.E.C.S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is wacky and fun! Exactly what my kid loves.
A good light graphic novel if you are looking for silliness and laughs.

[Mary Ann Bulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny little graphic novel. The kids loved it. They want to read the next ones.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hopefully young kids will get a kick out of the bright colours and silly plot, but I wasn't a fan.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly and goofy graphic novel mystery. Banana Fox is the hero and the Secret Sour Society are the bad guys trying to take over the world. First in a series.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of humor and a mystery that kids will solve along with Banana Fox.

[Laura Renick-Butera · Rating 5 out of 5]

for Goodreads repository

[Paula Greenfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an interesting book about Banana Fox and his friend.

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flashlight is annoying