GRAPHIC NOVELS

A User's Guide to Neglectful Parenting

by Guy Delisle
(text & illus.). Drawn & Quarterly. 2013. 192p. tr. from French by Helge Dascher. ISBN 9781770461178. pap. $16.95. F/HUMOR
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In his hilarious, subdued, and insightful book, author/artist Delisle gives the reader what may be a semiautobiographical take on a father parenting his young son and daughter. The vignette topics range from the tooth mouse (a version of the tooth fairy), going to watch swimming lessons, helping out with the plumbing, tucking a child into bed, and more. The art style captures the humor perfectly with the facial expressions of the father, and the moments of silence as he thinks carefully about what to say make his gaffes more humorous.
VERDICT This is a great graphic novel, especially for parents. The unnamed father (presumably Delisle) responds with sayings that probably go through many parents' heads but are never said, creating awkward moments of hilarity. Keep in mind that there is graphic language. Recommended for those who enjoy comics focusing on family dynamics such as Foxtrot, Calvin & Hobbes, and Zits.
Reviewed by Ryan Claringbole, Chesapeake P.L., VA , Nov 15, 2013
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