Reviews
If you haven't discovered the Weebeasts, a wonderful imaginative world awaits you. Peaceable and compassionate little creatures not too remote from humans, the Weebeasts are constantly evolving throughout their history, which has parallels with ours. Intrepid explorers, they've an eco-friendly philosophy, have developed a highly sophisticated technology and unlike (some) humans, they learn from experience, so harmful incidents are not repeated. So far Micah Linton has unearthed enough detail in his field studies to suggest that mythology is populated by Weebeasts - he is producing three volumes of Weebeast culture, with more to follow. Rendered in pencil and watercolour, the world of these irresistible wee beings is brought to life in textless books for readers of any age. Ingenious! Those who enjoy the endearing, unthreatening Moomins should find Weebeasts equally charming.
Lynndy
www.gleebooks.com.au/default.asp
This three-story book set seems an enigma at first glance, as there are no written words except for the titles. Then, it becomes a beloved tale as the reader wanders into a new mythical land at the beginning of time where elves, gnomes, trolls, pixies, and other creatures are the weebeasts that explore, settle the land, and begin their own traditions and culture. This first volume in a projected series is an origin tale with the words to be filled in by the young reader, encouraging language development and a never-ending realm of storytelling where the child will make up names and adventures for the characters.
Micah Linton's imaginative story and illustrations are vivid, compelling, and extraordinary. The rich watercolor illustrations allow the reader's imaginative eye to roam, filling in the story as she goes. For instance in one illustration a weebeast is on a cliff opposite huge colorful beasts (or are they monsters?), on another cliff. What will happen? What is the weebeast saying? This set of books is a valuable contribution to a family library, a classroom language development center, and can be especially useful in an English as a Second Language setting. If you visit the web site, you will find even more delightful information as well as a weebeast plush toy to add to a child's imaginative play. Weebeastology is highly recommended for children as young as preschoolers, who love to pour over pictures, up to middle to young high schoolers in an ESL or special education classes. Enjoy your read!
Review by Judith Nasse
http://childrens-book-reviews.blogspot.com
The fictional species of weebeasts, also known as gremlins, pixies, elves, and trolls, have left behind a remarkable series of pictures showing what life is like in their world. After exhaustive research, the Weebeastology Discovery Team has compiled these scenes into the first volume of weebeastology.
Boxed into a 3-book set, these scenes show weebeasts as they go about their daily business, but alas, these unique creatures left no language to go with the pictures. The interpreter must decide what these scenes represent.
Illustrator Micah Linton creates this unusual world in pencil and watercolor, stimulating the imagination with his pictures. This set is targeted towards ages 9-12, but all those who like to use their own creativity in exploration would find them enjoyable. Graphic novels without the words, they invite you to create your own characters and stories, as many times as you like.
If you think you're up to the challenge of joining the Weebeastology Discovery Team, you need to take a look at these volumes and help them try to figure out the weebeast history. It's sure to be a great adventure.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
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