Comics and Graphic Novels

Graphic Novel Chapter Book Review – Trial and Error

TRIAL AND ERROR

Written by Robin Newman

Illustrated by Deborah Zemke

(Creston Books; $18.99, Ages 7-11)

 

 

 

Trial and Error cover art scale of justice with animals.

 

 

HONORS:

A 2026 Bank Street College of Education Best Book

Northern Lights Book Award

IPPY Bronze Medal

 

REVIEW:

In her much-lauded new series, Robin Newman has made law and order accessible and enjoyable for second- to fifth-graders. Trial and Error, a punny 64-page graphic novel chapter book, features four animal-populated cases, each a new chapter. The whimsical black-and-white illustrations by Deborah Zemke, who has teamed up with Newman on four previous books, are winners as well. Just check out the book’s cover if you want to get a sense of the humor that’s infused on every page.

Readers are introduced to Sawyer, an ant known as the “Critter Lawyer,” who, from an early age, had a penchant for following rules. Inspired by a bookworm’s advice, Sawyer became a lawyer. Think Lincoln Lawyer as an insect. But in order for this attorney’s career to take off, Sawyer needed clients.

 

Trial and Error int1 Squirrels 1.
Interior spreads from Trial and Error, written by Robin Newman and illustrated by Deborah Zemke, Creston Books ©2025.

 

As someone who cares about fairness, I found that Trial and Error resonated with me. Newman does a wonderful job of showing that “rules exist for a reason” through cleverly conceived cases that illustrate what a lawyer does, and the types of cases they handle. That includes taking a case to trial before a judge and working with clients to mediate and negotiate a settlement. Case #1 involves an alleged speeding snail, and readers’ first introduction to Officer Opossum and Judge Wise Owl; Case #2  involves two squabbling squirrels (with a surprise twist); Case #3 involves a hogging hog unhappy about his neatness-obsessed sty-mate who happens to be his twin brother; and Case #4, The Jaywalking Chicken, brings back Officer Opossum. Adding to the pleasure of reading Trial and Error is witnessing the triumphs of savvy Sawyer, whose services are sure to be in demand down the road.

 

Trial and Error int2 Squirrels 2
Interior spreads from Trial and Error, written by Robin Newman and illustrated by Deborah Zemke, Creston Books ©2025.

 

e

It’s great how varied each case is and how each one touches on different aspects of the law. Newman uses legal terminology sparingly throughout the book, and when she does, it is easy to understand from context (e.g., docket, ordinance, testimony). She then breaks it down in a glossary called Legal Notes. The backmatter also contains an In Brief section explaining the role of a lawyer and how laws and rules have been created “to help people live safely together in communities.” She even applies this to home life and school.

I’m happy that Trial and Error is the first in a new graphic chapter book series, and I look forward to seeing Sawyer return with more critter cases to resolve.

Click here for a helpful curriculum guide.

Click here for a word search.

Watch a video here.

Share this:

Nonfiction Picture Book Review – Pizza, Pickles, and Apple Pie

 

 PIZZA, PICKLES, AND APPLE PIE:

 The Stories Behind the Foods We Love

Written and illustrated by David Rickert

(Kane Press; $19.99, Ages 8-12)

 

 

Pizza Pickles and Apple Pie cover three humorous historical characters with food.

 

 

Though the title, Pizza, Pickles, and Apple Pie: The Stories Behind the Foods We Love, is somewhat serious-sounding, you can tell from the silly antics on the cover that this book is going to be a lot of fun. Beginning with breakfast, we take a trip through time and around the world discovering facts about kid-approved foods from waffles to apple pie.

e

Pizza Pickles and Apple Pie int1 before breakfast
Interior illustrations from Pizza, Pickles, and Apple Pie: The Stories Behind the Foods We Eat by David Rickert, Kane Press ©2023.

 

I appreciated the multicultural tidbits such as the wide array of popular pizza toppings: squid and eel (Japan), ginger and tofu (India), or peas, corn, and raisins (Brazil). The evolution of popcorn interested me: all those popping kernels were first contained in an 1800s popcorn popper but it was the invention of the microwave that made popcorn the number two thing people use their microwaves for (heating leftovers is the first). And, birthday parties will never be the same for me now that I know blowing out candles increases the bacteria on the surface of the cake.

The extra sections in the back can give kids hours of busy time. For example, they can research their own favorite food, learn how to create a food comic, and there’s a step-by-step on how to draw people’s facial expressions.

 

Pizza Pickles and Apple Pie int2 ice cream becomes cool.
Interior illustrations from Pizza, Pickles, and Apple Pie: The Stories Behind the Foods We Eat by David Rickert, Kane Press ©2023.

 

 

While the target audience for this book is grades 3-7, I can see younger kids enjoying this book because of its easy-to-follow comic panels. The sections with longer text will appeal to older kids; the activities can be tailored to all ages. Overall, this humorous food history book is one that kids can devour again and again.

Read more about author-illustrator David Rickert here.

 

Read another food-related book review by Christine here.

 

Share this:
Back To Top