The Lumberjanes BEASTiary

July 1, 2020

Gr 3-7-The Lumberjanes are back with a companion novel, this one a robust research project detailing the supernatural creatures they've encountered during their many adventures at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. Submitted to the Board of Scouts, this collaborative scrapbook is the Roanoke cabin campers' best effort to earn the BEAST award (Best Everything Amazing Study Trophy), the highest achievement a scout can achieve. A deep dive into the world of the Lumberjanes, each segment is written by a camper who focuses on one type of creature: April takes on creatures of literature like mermaids and griffins; Molly tackles Greek literature phenoms like Diane, Cassandra, and Cyclops; Jo writes about creatures that take flight; Barney (from Zodiac cabin) describes dinosaurs and carnivorous plants; Mal inventories fantastical creatures like ghosts and yeti; and Ripley shares cute magical creatures like mystical felines and sentries. An authentic scrapbook feel is captured through colorful paperclipped pictures; drawings; commentary attached with washi tape; handwritten asides on sticky notes; and plenty of doodles, googly eyes, and stickers. Replete with tongue-in-cheek witticisms, the campers' enthusiasm and energy shine. Lumberjanes stories that loyal readers will recognize are scattered throughout. VERDICT Deeply informative, essential reading for fans of the popular comic books and novels.-Jamie Winchell, Percy Julian M.S., IL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2020
Grades 3-6 Tamaki's second Lumberjanes novel, based on the popular comic, takes the form of guidebook to the beasts in Miss Qiunzella's Camp. Most have been encountered by the Lumberjanes, but a few new ones ensure some surprises for the reader. Our usual band of rock stars (April, Ripley, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Barney) are on a mission to earn the BEAST (Best Everything Amazing Study Trophy), which is typically given to more experienced scouts. However, their counselor Jen believes in them, and they are going to try to prove their group's worth to the Lumberjanes Council. The guide is formatted in notebook-style, filed with the characters' diary entries, notations, comments, and full-color artwork. Each character gives presentations on the various creatures they have encountered, including facts and lengthy research for each entry. Great for fans of Lumberjanes or those besotted with magical creatures, this playful guide offers in-depth information on each character as well as the creatures they encounter. Create a whimsical display with this, the Pip Bartlett series, and the Unicorn Rescue Society books.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)