Flying Eye Books are a cracking publisher and one of the many strings to their bow is the graphic novel output. The Hilda series, Monster Support Group, Nightlights and Juniper Mae are just some of the brilliant graphic novels that they have put out over the years. It is safe to say that the madness of Cactus Kid by Emmanuel Guerrero can stand proud in that company.
The world has been crying out for the story of a Cactus training to be a wizard so he can return home as the most powerful wizard ever and prove his family wrong. With a back story like that driving you on, you’re willing to do anything.
Like all good adventures, very little goes to plan and Cactus finds himself drawn into competing in the 12th annual MotoBrawl and caught in the middle of two gangs desperate to stop each other no matter the cost. Add to that a giant lizard hunting down Cactus and you know the ride is going to get bumpy. It is clear that every mad idea that Emmanuel Guerrero has had appears on the pages and the book is great for it. If I were a Primary school child, my head would have fell off (in a good way) at the bonkers brilliance of Cactus Kid.
Now for the teacher bit. Below is the link to the findings of the Literacy Trust’s research around reading engagement and how comics or graphic novels can have a real positive impact on children as readers.
Cactus Kid – class comic!
The Great British Bookworm 