Kenneth and Queenie Super friends! by Raymond McGrath

In the vein of the Ollie and Bea and Narwhal and Jelly series, Super Friends is the second in this junior graphic novel series that explores friendships in a fun, environmental and approachable way. Lots of humorous puns, full-colour graphics and a story told entirely in short bursts of simple dialogue make these perfect for newly independent readers who are still attached to illustration-heavy chapter books. Queenie is 'almost a queen bee' and Kenneth is a bumblebee, meaning they have different ideas on pollination techniques. 

This title consists of three short connected stories, although the chapter breaks are hard to discern and separated with short interlude pieces titled The Delicate Art of Pollination, which could leave the reader confused, as these are better signposted than the stories themselves. The characters, including some other minor friends, are individual and lovable and there is lots of funny banter and humorous illustrations. 

While this will draw children's attention to the natural world and some bee information is woven throughout the story, this is mainly a fun story, rather than being educational. Even 'The Art of Pollination' interludes between the chapters are jokey, rather than factual. 

Themes: Graphic novels, Friendship, Humour, Bees.

Nicole Nelson