Gr 4-8-Readers are once again presented with an array of stories created by a cast of comics authors and illustrators smartly assembled by Kibuishi. With a balance of styles, sensibilities, and palettes, the work showcases seven unique approaches to the central theme of finding a hidden door. Most of the entries hinge on a kid facing an emotional or physical peril. In "Asteria Crane," Kibuishi delivers a cinematic tale of experimental dream therapy that could easily be at home as a sci-fi film. In "Luis 2.0," Jen Wang shares a sweet vignette about wanting to become someone else, only to find it's better being one's authentic self after all. The range in this slim volume is expansive. From funny to deep and fantastical to refined, all of the stories have a compelling narrative arc. The colors are just as varied, and are universally dynamic and nuanced. Consider this (and previous series installments) as a necessary addition to any graphic novel collection.-Jenna Lanterman, formerly at The Calhoun School and Mary McDowell Friends School, New York City (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The third Explorer anthology isn't as strong as its predecessors, though that likely won't matter to Kibuishi's rabid fans. A few of the stories have a didactic message, from Believe in yourself to Appreciate others, and although they're empowering, it can detract from the overall fun atmosphere. The last three stories Steve Hamaker's rollicking Fish n Chips ; Johane Matte's inventive Egyptian-grave-robbing story, Mastaba ; and Jen Breach and Douglas Holgate's pun-tastic fantasy-action tale When Is a Door Not a Door? end the collection on a high note, with solid plots and gorgeous artwork. Expect followers of the popular series to snatch it up.--Wildsmith, Snow Copyright 2014 Booklist

Enticing doorways give these seven new graphic shorts a common element. These doors range in nature from physical barriers, such as one concealing a lonely mummy's treasure in Johane Matte's "Mastaba," to a psychological threshold over which intrepid Asteria Crane in editor Kibuishi's story of the same name passes to enter a young patient's subconscious. In each tale, they lead sometimes to comical adventures, sometimes to life- (or, for the mummy, death-) changing experiences. An uncertain magician gains new confidence making soup in a "Giant's Kitchen," (Jason Caffoe), Faith Erin Hicks' "Two-Person Door" leads a would-be hero to adventure without his even opening it, and Jen Wang offers a wishing door that lets a self-conscious lad remodel himself into "Luis 2.0." Though done in different styles, the art features consistently clean lines, clear colors, easy-to-follow action and individually distinct characters. Another worthy entry in a series of themed collections that places production and storytelling on equally high pedestals. (Graphic short stories. 7-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

This third in the series (Explorer: The Mystery Boxes, rev. 5/12; Explorer: The Lost Islands, rev. 1/14) follows the same successful formula: a handful of graphic artists start with the same topic, each coming up with a unique story. Kibuishi kicks off the collection with a suspenseful sci-fi tale about a doctor who travels into a young boy's nightmare to save his life, though she may lose her own. In Jason Caffoe's story, a girl loses her spell book but finds herself in a giant's kitchen, where the chef encourages her to trust her instincts when it comes to magic. Jen Wang's "Luis 2.0" tells about a boy and girl who discover a place where they can transform into the "cool" versions of themselves, only to discover they like their original selves better; Steve Hamaker tells a humorous sci-fi tale featuring a fish and cat duo who must chase down a runaway robot; Jen Breach and Douglas Holgate contribute a story ("When Is a Door Not a Door?") with a riddle, in which an adventurous girl rescues a dragon from a trio of ogres. The wide variety of genres and illustration styles keeps the theme fresh and intriguing; here's hoping Kibuishi continues to explore further mysterious topics. jennifer m. brabander (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.