Mr. Smarty Pants: Aww Nuts!

by Charity Reid, Astronym (Illustrator)

Overview

Benjamin Carver III, aka Mr. Smarty Pants, is basically a kid genius, comes from a lineage of Black inventors, and his family owns the local peanut factory, Carver Nuts.

One minor problem—he's extremely allergic to peanuts! So he invents tech solutions for his allergy problems.

When Deon, aka Dark Midnight, of the rival chocolate factory in town is jealous of Mr. Smarty Pants' lab and inventions, he creates a plan to steal them to become the top inventor in town. But Dark Midnight doesn't know Mr. Smarty Pants has the PB&J squad on his side, made up of his best friends Pete and Jemma.

An accessible introduction to graphic novels and reading for reluctant readers, Mr. Smarty Pants is fun-to-read and humorous while exposing kids and teens to STEM and Black History Figures like George Washington Carver.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781958372494
Publisher:	Soaring Kite Books
Publication date:	09/10/2024
Pages:	56
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 11.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	9 - 10 Years

About the Author

Charity Reid is an elementary educator with a love for books and learning. As a mom, she is passionate about creating books where her boys can see themselves reflected.

Chelsea "ASTRONYM" Blackwell is an illustrator and comic artist with an affinity for bright colors, eccentric themes, and quirky characters. She loves creating narrative with art, building stories in imagery.

Editorial Reviews

07/01/2024

Gr 3–7—Young inventor Benjamin Carver III strives to emulate his namesake George Washington Carver—who happens to be his great-great-great uncle. Even so, Ben prefers the moniker Mr. Smarty Pants. He spends his time creating in his garage, trying to navigate his peanut butter allergy and fighting his arch nemesis Deon, aka Dark Midnight, with his sidekicks Peter and Jemma. Deon has a chance at growth but quickly backslides, creating an opening for a sequel. Readers will enjoy Ben's inventions, the side characters, and touches of humor. The realities of living with a peanut allergy are well demonstrated, along with teamwork and friendship. Done in a traditional comic book format, with speech bubbles and narration, this book shines with well-drawn, expressive characters and a palette that leans dark and moody but still feels youthful. Ben and his family are Black, and most of the other characters are people of color. VERDICT Add to collections where STEM-themed graphic novels are in demand.—Melisa Bailey

School Library Journal

"[T]his book shines with well-drawn, expressive characters and a palette that leans dark and moody but still feels youthful."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher