I usually love Neil Gaiman's books so I didn't feel worried picking this one up after Beloved. I figured if anyone could hold their own after a masterpiece it should be him. No. Other than an interesting idea (made stronger in the film) this book held nothing for me. It was too simplistic. Maybe it's the sort of book to read to a five year old at bedtime if you want to give them nightmares, but it is not up to Gaiman's usual standard. I didn't read this edition. Mine was not illustrated and maybe that makes a difference. But this was not for me. 

I'll make this largely a visual post, since it's all about judging a book by its cover ;)

Author: Neil Gaiman

Adaptation & Illustration: P. Craig Russell

Pages: 186

Wonderful.  Whimsical with a slight hint of creepy.  

Coraline is a bright, adventurous child who doesn't get enough attention from her parents, but she's perfectly capable of occupying her time exploring.  There is a cast of wacky characters, a key to a door that leads nowhere, and then somewhere.  It becomes a doorway to another version of her world where the characters are twisted copies of the ones from her world.  And the Other Mother, is clearly a creepy monster disguised as her mother to lure her into a false sense of security so she can eat her...probably.  Most definitely.  And EWWWW spiders!  

The artwork was wonderful and while I haven't read the original novel and cannot compare the adaptation to it, I think it's fantastically done.  I've seen the movie so I had something to go on.  And as with anything that features a sassy cat--or any cat--he was my favorite character!  I very much enjoyed reading this.

Coraline, the Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman is on sale for $1.99! I don't know how long it will be on sale and what part of the world this sale is for. I thought I would pass along the news. Here

Also anyone with kids (or kids at heart like me!) The first three Ivy & Bean books by Annie Barrows are on sale for $.99 each! Number 1, Number 2, Number 3 They are $3 after the first 3.