This book was a really fun one for my graphic novel loving 2nd grader! The language is easy for a new-is reader and the illustrations are fun and engaging!

Pluto Rocket and Joe Pidge could not be more different, but they manage to become the best of friends in this new graphic novel series by Paul Gilligan.

This is a great series to introduce elementary age children to graphic novels. The pictures are bright and colorful, and the dialogue is easy to understand. Children will learn about the importance of being unique and embracing differences. ( )

As the resident "master of style, "Joe Pidge knows his neighborhood. So when a pink alien named Pluto Rocket comes to Earth and has the power to replicate, choosing Pidge's stylish hat, the pigeon takes offense. He decides to teach the newcomer to have his own "super-flavio style" along with sayings that "he invented." Add the conflict that our alien is not supposed to be on Earth, and these two learn about sharing and the importance of friendship over popularity. The illustrations contain mostly non-descript backgrounds that put the focus on the simply-outlined characters and ever-evolving attempts at hats.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I enjoyed reading this graphic
novel. Children will certainly love this book’s silly nature. The pigeon and alien are appealing to children. I like that there are opportunities for positive conversations based on the antics in this book. The colors are vibrant and the pictures are engaging. I think this will be a popular series in elementary school. ( )

Besides Mo Willems' famous bird, there aren't too many pigeons in children's literature, so I was delighted to see this book! Reminiscent of the Elephant & Piggie books, Pluto Rocket: New in Town tells the story of Pigeon and Pluto Rock - how they meet, their growing friendship, and what they can learn from each other. This book is an excellent, simple graphic novel for young readers who are just discovering the format, and the second graders I shared it with enjoyed it immensely.

I'm looking forward to reading more in this series! ( )