MotherReader

There is something special about witnessing the start of a series. I remember when the KidLitosphere was tickled pink with the first Babymouse book. Now the eleventh book, Babymouse: Dragonslayer, is coming this August. And it seems like just yesterday that I was standing all alone at the ALA signing of Jeff Kinney, and now his fourth book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, comes out in October — and a Wimpy Kid movie is currently in production.

Oh, they grow up so fast.

So here I am today, happy to see the beginning of a new series by Jarrett Krosoczka. Already well known for his wonderful picture books and creative videos (which I can no longer find, unfortunately), the multitalented author has written a set of fun graphic novels for kids. Apparently not one to do anything halfway, Krosoczka today debuts both Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute and the second book in the series, Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians.

The series follows a school cafeteria worker who fights crime with help from her gadget-making sidekick Betty. In the first title, her secret identity is discovered by three kids — the Breakfast Bunch — who promise to have more active roles in the coming books. The layout is similar to that of Babymouse, but with yellow instead of pink — a relief to boys everywhere. With a variety of silly, food-themed gadgets and a large serving of humor, readers will leave wanting second helpings.

The third book, Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta, will be released in December, and Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown is scheduled for Spring 2010. Also, a film adaptation is already in the works.

Oh, they grow up so fast.