Kid Konnection: Lucy & Andy Neanderthal

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a middle grade graphic novel that's both fun and educational!

Summary: From the author of the New York Times bestselling Jedi Academy books comes a hilarious graphic novel series about two young cave kids living 40,000 years ago.

Lucy and Andy are a sister and brother who get into trouble much like any sister and brother. Only difference? Lucy and Andy live in the Stone Age! Discover their laugh-out-loud adventures as the Paleo pair take on a wandering baby sibling, bossy teens, cave paintings, and a mammoth hunt. But what will happen when they encounter a group of humans?

Includes extra information about Neanderthal life that’s sure to appeal to future paleontologists and science phobes alike! And don’t miss Lucy and Andy’s next outing, Lucy & Andy Neanderthal: The Stone Cold Age — coming soon! -- Crown

I've been wanting to pick up the middle grade graphic novel LUCY & ANDY NEANDERTHAL by Jeffrey Brown ever since I saw the review on Bermuda Onion's blog. Booking Son is a big fan of Mr. Brown's Jedi Academy series, so there was that. Plus, I thought the cover and illustrations looked adorable.

LUCY & ANDY NEANDERTHAL tells the story of brother and sister team, Lucy and Andy. They are pretty typical siblings -- they definitely like to argue and fight; and there is always competition between the two. They have some interesting encounters like sneaking out for a mammoth hunt and losing their baby brother... and even meeting humans!  Despite living in the Stone Age, I do think their actions will resonate with a lot of readers.

I have to say that there's a lot to like about LUCY & ANDY NEANDERTHAL! It's a terrific book for middle grade readers, even the reluctant ones. The illustrations are fantastic and the storylines are entertaining. There is also a ton of silly humor which I promise will bring a smile to your kid's face. And last but not least (and maybe my favorite part of the book)... there is some great information on the history of Neanderthal life.

In addition to the comic strip panels which tell Lucy and Andy's story, there are pages at the end of each section which show two scientists studying and discussing Neanderthals. There are also notes throughout the book with offer some teaching moments. I love that these parts of the book provide information about the Stone Age; and kids will be having so much fun, they won't even realize that they are learning!

I was excited to learn that LUCY & ANDY NEANDERTHAL is the first book in the series. The next book will be called LUCY & ANDY NEANDERTHAL: THE STONE COLD AGE. I honestly enjoyed this book so much that I was left wanting more. These characters are engaging, and it's a great way to learn about science and history.

LUCY & ANDY NEANDERTHAL is a winner and should be a must-have in classrooms and libraries. Highly recommended to middle grade readers ages 8 - 12.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!