Alvarez, Lorena. Nightlights. illus. by Lorena Alvarez. 56p. Flying Eye/Nobrow. Mar. 2017. Tr 18.95. ISBN 9781910620137.

Gr 4 Up –At Sandy’s parochial school, her talent for daydreaming, doodling, and wandering doesn’t endear her to the strict nuns, whose assignments the girl does her best to avoid. A bit of an outsider, Sandy is delighted when she meets a new friend, a strange, pale girl who gushes over her incredible artwork. As the protagonist’s flights of fancy begin to merge with reality, she must save herself and the drawings she cherishes. The balanced, muted hues of Sandy’s real world contrast dramatically with the lush colors of her hand-drawn fantasies. Alvarez’s artwork is gorgeous, alternating between traditional panels and, in the dream sequences, vibrant spreads that spill from page to page with grace and fluidity. Reminiscent of the charming, cheeky protagonist of Luke Pearson’s “Hilda” books, Sandy is a rosy-cheeked, pigtailed delight, solving her problems with cunning and—coolest of all—math. Readers will want to pore over this book and its many picturesque details again and again. Perhaps those who frequently find themselves with their heads in the clouds will see a little of themselves in Sandy, whose power to build new worlds will inspire others to make their own dreams come true. VERDICT How is this not on your shelf yet? Every library should have this gorgeous first purchase.–Abby Bussen, Muskego Public Library, WI

Dumas, Alexandre. The Count of Monte Cristo. adapted by Crystal S. Chan. illus. by Nokman Poon. 404p. Udon. Apr. 2017. Tr $24.95. ISBN 9781927925607; pap. $17.99. ISBN 9781927925614.

Gr 7 Up –Edmond Dantes is extremely lucky in his professional and personal life until several men who each have reasons for wanting to get rid of him have him imprisoned for many years. Edmond eventually escapes, finds the fortune that has been hidden by a fellow prisoner, reinvents himself as the Count of Monte Cristo, and develops an elaborate plan for revenge. This adaptation of Dumas’s classic story of a wronged man seeking vengeance deftly streamlines the tale while staying faithful to the source material. The manga format makes this narrative more accessible for younger readers, condensing and simplifying the complicated plot. Poon’s dramatic and expressive illustrations enhance the text. An explanation of how the original novel was adapted to manga format, a character relationship guide, and Poon’s character designs and sketches are also included. VERDICT A slimmed-down version of a weighty classic that captures the adventure, suspense, and spirit of this memorable story. For most graphic novel collections, especially where previous “Manga Classics” are popular.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Simard, Rémy. Simone: The Best Monster Ever! illus. by Rémy Simard. 48p. Owlkids. Apr. 2017. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771472937.

Gr 2-5 –Simone, a bouncy, pink-cheeked, blonde human, doesn’t look much like a typical monster—unless you happen to be Morris, a green-skinned apod with expressive eyestalks. Simone emerges from Morris’s closet one night, and after he overcomes his initial shock and horror, the two become friends and explore each other’s worlds. This slim read is divided into page-long comic strips. In one strip, all of Morris’s friends have devised the most terrifying Halloween costumes imaginable: Simone outfits. In another, Morris offers to make Simone spaghetti by digging up some fresh worms from the lawn. The jokes fall into a familiar pattern, with plenty of scatological references and rude noises throughout. Simard’s characters are depicted in bright colors with distinct black outlines. The action and expressions conveyed in each panel may remind readers of Cartoon Network favorites. VERDICT Sure to be a hit with elementary-aged jokesters, monsters and humans alike.–Jennifer Costa, Cambridge Public Library, MA