REVIEW: ‘Pizza My Heart’

Random House Graphic continues the rollout of graphic novels for young readers and the books continue to be great additions to libraries. Mika Song, the children’s writer and illustrator who likes to make stories about funny little outsiders returns with the next book of our favorite trouble-making squirrels, Norma and Belly! Additional publishing credits for this title in the early chapter graphic novels include book designer Patrick Crotty and Editor Whitney Leopard.   From Donut Feed the Squirrels, to Apple of My Pie, this time the two friends find themselves on a new adventure as they must get creative to nab a slice of hot, cheesy, tasty pizza in Pizza My Heart.

I often joke that children’s books are a balm on my weary soul, especially in times as dark as these so being able to get back into the universe of these silly little squirrels felt just right. This time around Norma and Belly, who are best friends who also just happen to be squirrels who are foodies, get a whiff of something delicious: pizza! At this point in the game, I know that each Norma and Belly book is food themed and Pizza My Heart is a fun newer addition in this series that once again showcases these squirrels overcoming a problem, an obstacle or two to get the goods.

Young readers will notice the promises and downsides of certain technologies like a high tech  vending machine and will see Norma and Belly using their critical thinking and problems solving skills as they move towards their goal. I especially loved the baddie the two friends come across later in the book at the apartment. This creature and how they end up dealing with him proves that while not everyone in the world will be your friend, they don’t have to be someone or something that will hinder you in accomplishing your goals.

At the end of the book, we learn that pizza solves all problems and when it comes to art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, hilariously.  A rescue mission to save a dear friend means getting creative in your efforts and relaying the advice of an old friend who makes a cameo from the last two books. Mika Song’s simple yet unique artwork should intrigue young readers as it has always intrigued me: she draws with pencil, sumi brushes, sumi ink and watercolor on watercolor paper. The way her art looks on the page and the materials she uses continues to challenge what graphic novels look like and what art for younger audiences can aspire to be in kid lit.

Pizza My Heart is another fast-paced yet big on laughs and small moments that will make you work up an appetite after cheering on Norma and Belly! Mika Song gives us the same formula that worked in the other two books of the series and makes this new book another winner that makes me happy to read this one. While the book is for younger ones in the preschool and to third-grade levels, it surely has the potential to also be loved by older readers like parents, educators, and librarians for the wholesome plot and puns. While I’d suggest picking up the first two books in the series to have and own, the squirrely duo and friends’ adventures are still fun to read and still accessible without a whole lot of backstory if you read Pizza My Heart first.