Tuesday, December 19, 2017

BOLIVAR by Sean Rubin / Book Review #Bolivar


Written & Illustrated by: Sean Rubin
Published by: Boom! Studios
Released on: November 21st, 2017 (in comic book stores on 11/15/17)
Ages: 8 & up
Purchase from: Simon & Schuster | Boom! StudiosAmazonB&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review 

What would you do if your neighbor was a dinosaur?

Going extinct isn't for everyone.

Sybil knows that there is something off about her next door neighbor, but she can't seem to get anyone to believe her. Everyone is so busy going about their days in the busy streets of New York City that they don't notice Bolivar. They don't notice his odd height, his tiny arms, or his long tail. No one but Sybil sees that Bolivar is a dinosaur.

When an unlikely parking ticket pulls Bolivar into an adventure from City Hall to New York’s Natural History Museum, he must finally make a choice: continue to live unnoticed, or let the city see who he really is.


A entertaining and engaging picture book / comic book readers of all ages. Bolivar is an exciting story about the last dinosaur who just happens to live in NYC. This story is a fun adventure that takes readers through the hustle and bustle of New York City, while getting to know more about Bolivar, and discovering the wonder that's all around us. 

Bolivar is the kind of neighbor I wish I had. Seriously, who knew dinosaurs still existed. This story is about the very last dinosaur alive, and he lives in New York City. Bolivar easily fits into New York City. The city is so busy, no one even notices he's there. He's able to go about doing things without anyone so much as glances up at him, because everyone is too busy. Everyone that is, except his next door neighbor, Sybil. This young girl sees him, but no matter how hard she tries to get her mom to see him, she's always too busy to stop by she's doing to look. 

The comic relief in this story is the fact that Sybil does see Bolivar, but no one believes her, and every time she has the proof he's right there, something happens, and no adult has the time to listen to her. It's also sad in a way, but this fits right into the book's message, which is; realizing that there is magic and wonder all around us. All we have to do is take the time to slow down and look around us to discover it. I love this theme. After a mishap at the Museum, an unlikely friendship forms between Sybil and Bolivar.  

What a fantastic story. This book makes me wish I could spend the day in NYC visiting the museums, and eating some tasty NYC style food with Bolivar and Sybil.  The illustrations are perfect for kids, as well as the wording. Despite it's size, it's an easy to read, fast paced book. It has the perfect cross over appeal for both picture book readers and comic book fans. We loved it. It's a fun read and one I'd recommend checking out. It will definitely make the perfect holiday gift for any dinosaur fan or comic book collector. 

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~