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edshara's review
3.0
This was cute, but this is one of those that is definitely for children. The dialogue was better suited for the juvenile audience but their were some clever puns that made me chuckle. I enjoyed the obvious similarities to Alice in Wonderland and appreciated she left out the more whimsical aspects while still managing to have the adventure.
I appreciated the author's overall message within the story and since it is geared towards children, I can definitely get behind that. I loved the colorful and detailed illustrations and the fact that she incorporated some of the different aspects of being an African-American girl (I can identify with the hair issues!) I could have done without some of the gross parts, but I can't fault the author for that, its just a personal thing. Overall, this Graphic Novel was well done and I'm glad I gave it a read.
I appreciated the author's overall message within the story and since it is geared towards children, I can definitely get behind that. I loved the colorful and detailed illustrations and the fact that she incorporated some of the different aspects of being an African-American girl (I can identify with the hair issues!) I could have done without some of the gross parts, but I can't fault the author for that, its just a personal thing. Overall, this Graphic Novel was well done and I'm glad I gave it a read.
geekwayne's review
3.0
'Malice in Ovenland: Vol. 1' by Micheline Hess collects the first 5 issues of the comic. I've read some of the individual issues out of order, so it was nice to get all the context.
Lily Brown used to love her mom's cooking, until her mom started eating healthier. When Lily is left home to do chores, she loses an earring in the stove while she is cleaning it. Climbing in after it, she falls into a hole behind the stove and finds herself in a strange world that lives below her stove. It is ruled by strange creatures that live off of grease, but with Lily's mom's new diet, the supply of grease has kind of dried up. Lily is imprisoned, but finds strange allies in this new world, including someone who may have a new idea of how to feed this world.
It's a strange story, and all the grease references are a little gross, but maybe that's the point. The art is perfectly fine for this book, and it's a good story for younger readers. Lily is a brave hero and her new friends show us that we can find help in places that you may not be looking for it in.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Rosarium Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Lily Brown used to love her mom's cooking, until her mom started eating healthier. When Lily is left home to do chores, she loses an earring in the stove while she is cleaning it. Climbing in after it, she falls into a hole behind the stove and finds herself in a strange world that lives below her stove. It is ruled by strange creatures that live off of grease, but with Lily's mom's new diet, the supply of grease has kind of dried up. Lily is imprisoned, but finds strange allies in this new world, including someone who may have a new idea of how to feed this world.
It's a strange story, and all the grease references are a little gross, but maybe that's the point. The art is perfectly fine for this book, and it's a good story for younger readers. Lily is a brave hero and her new friends show us that we can find help in places that you may not be looking for it in.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Rosarium Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
carroq's review
3.0
Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If the title didn't give it away, this is a play on Alice in Wonderland. Lily Brown is forced by her mother to do chores, which includes cleaning out the oven. She discovers a hole in the back of the oven and falls down a hole into a fantastic realm full of creatures that live by eating the grease and other bits that collect at the bottom of the oven.
Since Lily's mom decided to change their eating habits, these creatures have been starving. They capture Lily and put her on trial for the lack of food. She goes on a roaming adventure through this strange place. Ovenland and the creatures that populate it are the best part of this book. They are well crafted. I was amused by the whole structure of their society and how the impact this one family had on their lives.
Most of the characters are pretty flat though. This doesn't make them bad, but I do like to have characters that are a bit more dynamic. They are fitting for the audience, so there probably wouldn't be any complaints there. The art style didn't work for me either. I think a younger audience will like it, but it was too cartoony for me at times.
If the title didn't give it away, this is a play on Alice in Wonderland. Lily Brown is forced by her mother to do chores, which includes cleaning out the oven. She discovers a hole in the back of the oven and falls down a hole into a fantastic realm full of creatures that live by eating the grease and other bits that collect at the bottom of the oven.
Since Lily's mom decided to change their eating habits, these creatures have been starving. They capture Lily and put her on trial for the lack of food. She goes on a roaming adventure through this strange place. Ovenland and the creatures that populate it are the best part of this book. They are well crafted. I was amused by the whole structure of their society and how the impact this one family had on their lives.
Most of the characters are pretty flat though. This doesn't make them bad, but I do like to have characters that are a bit more dynamic. They are fitting for the audience, so there probably wouldn't be any complaints there. The art style didn't work for me either. I think a younger audience will like it, but it was too cartoony for me at times.
bethnellvaccaro's review
3.0
This is a fun book, but not a masterpiece. I was looking for graphic novels featuring African American main characters and I think this will be a great addition to the classroom. My son (entering 4th grade) loved the book and also declared at the end that he was going to start eating healthier foods (there is a message in all the adventure).
jmanchester0's review
3.0
‰ЫЬA cute story! Because the writing can be overly silly, I think this will appeal more to kids than to adults - but there were several times that I laughed.
And the message was good - if a bit obvious.
Recommended for reminding kids the importance of eating food that's good for us.
Thanks to Netgalley and Rosarium Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.
And the message was good - if a bit obvious.
Recommended for reminding kids the importance of eating food that's good for us.
Thanks to Netgalley and Rosarium Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.
springerme's review
3.0
Not what I would typically read, and I wasn't super impressed.
I read this book for my Read Harder Challenge #8. A comic written or illustrated by a person of color.
I read this book for my Read Harder Challenge #8. A comic written or illustrated by a person of color.
spellingbat's review
4.0
While cleaning the oven, Lilly falls into Ovenland, where bugs and rats and creatures called Oven Frites have a kingdom that thrives on old grease and food leftovers that get stuck in the cracks and crannies of the kitchen. Lilly joins forces with outcast Crumb and ghost Chef to bring some healthy food options to the attention and favor of the queen.
A fun look at nutritious eating without being heavy-handed or didactic. It won't teach kids to pick eggplant over crisps all by itself, but it will reinforce lessons they learn elsewhere.
A fun look at nutritious eating without being heavy-handed or didactic. It won't teach kids to pick eggplant over crisps all by itself, but it will reinforce lessons they learn elsewhere.
gilldaniels's review
A cute, approachable comic book for children. Not my cup of tea, but I appreciated its inventive charm and its cute art. A worthy edition to Alice in Wonderland riffs and parodies.
novelsandnotebooks's review
3.0
Cute and gross in the best possible way. Lily is an endearing character and the premise is somewhat unique. I think I can recommend this to my students for sure. The drawing are detailed and the characters are well done.
I received this e-ARC via NetGalley for my honest review.
I received this e-ARC via NetGalley for my honest review.
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