January 1, 2025
Cloud Puppy and her friends explore differences within their shared interests. Our protagonist--a fluffy white creature who's "part cloud and part puppy"--loves playing video games, as do many of her friends. But they like different types. Cloud Puppy's favorite games involve building a farm and caring for a digital pet. Her friend Jack somewhat unhelpfully points out that this is a "lower-tier" game and that he likes S-Tier games, referencing a ranking system that places more competitive games (which also trend toward more violent and scary) in higher regard. According to Jack, the games Cloud Puppy likes are "for babies," ranked much lower. Cloud Puppy doubts her own tastes, and a kerfuffle ensues. Ultimately, she and Jack decide on a video game trade-off, where each explores games from the other's chosen genre. This narrative boasts the high-energy cuteness that made the first volume sparkle; likewise, it also explores the challenges of childhood social dynamics. Unicorn teddy bear Berry Rose, strong-willed Cloud Puppy, wild-eyed, reindeerlike Jack, and blobby green Mossquatch form a great team who may fight but always make up and grow together. While the first installment also dealt with an element of nerd culture--comic conventions--this one is more focused on the nitty-gritty of gaming culture, and the conflict may not resonate as strongly for readers who aren't as interested in the topic. The main story is followed by a shorter one that sees Berry Rose delving into LARPing, offering further opportunity for sparkles, costumes, and imaginative play. A sweet examination of social dynamics that will especially interest gamers.(Graphic fiction. 6-10)
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January 31, 2025
Gr 2-4-Adorable magical creatures Cloud Puppy, Berry Rose, Mossquatch, and Jack all love gaming, but they each prefer different types of games. Cloud Puppy loves the community farming game, Valley of Runes, but she starts to doubt her video game judgment when her friend Jack tells her that farming games are for babies. Jack is convinced that only S-tier "gamer games" matter, and Cloud Puppy starts to question whether she should like something if other people don't think it's cool. Cloud Puppy and Jack decide to trade their favorite games to expand their interests, and soon all four friends introduce each other to different types of gaming, all while facing the challenges of learning new things and working as a team. Mossquatch introduces his friends to LARPing, and Berry Rose learns that not all games need to have strict rules to be fun. The whimsical art and pastel color scheme add to the ever-present cute factor. And how can a series starring a floating puppy made of clouds and trailing rainbows be anything but adorable? This is a great option for fans of series like "Glam Prix Racers." VERDICT This cheerful graphic novel will appeal to elementary age readers who enjoy playing video games and reading stories about friendship.-Annamarie Carlson
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