Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library- the graphic novel
By Chris Grabenstein
Nov. 7
Random House Graphic
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
So much fun! Kids are going to love this addition to the series. Illustrations by HOLGATE are wonderful .
I will be recommending this for readers 8 years old and up. Very well done!
4 stars

I was already a fan of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library after reading the juvenile novel, but now I want to go and visit it! This graphic novel is a perfect compliment to the original story, and brings it alive with illustrations of what the library and characters look like. I found myself laughing over and over at the literary puns included throughout the story too! Thanks for bringing this story to life again for graphic novel readers! It is a blast!

Another delightful romp from this author. I really enjoyed this book as with the others in the series!

The original "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" was an extremely popular book/series in my fifth grade classroom for years. After reading the same story in graphic novel format, I can't wait for my new students to reconnect with this story and these characters. I have no doubt that they will love this story once again. I can't wait to own this book...and hopefully more books in this fun series will be redone in graphic novel format. Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced digital copy!

I had no idea that Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library could get better. Having this book in graphic novel form brought even more life to this book. My youngest son was identified with Dyslexia and graphic novels are easier for him to read since it breaks the sentences into more manageable chunks. If you have or haven’t read Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, I highly recommend reading the graphic novel version at least once. Our book club is looking forward to reading this book next Spring!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children‘s for the opportunity to review this book prior to publication.

I was thrilled when I heard this book was getting a graphic novel treatment. Chris Grabenstein is an almost guaranteed hit with my middle school crowd, and this book in particular has been a fan-favorite since it came out. The art style is just right - lots of relevant details while keeping things fresh and modern looking - just like the library in the book. While I loved picturing the environment, puzzles, and characters, this adaptation allowed me to enjoy the story - and the puzzles - in a whole new way.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a fun read! I’ve enjoyed the series since they first came out and the graphic novel brought the story more to life!

My daughter and I got to read this one together. We have previously listened to the original and LOVED the graphic novel. The graphic novel allows for children who might be less interested in reading get more engaged because the pictures are amazing! I would absolutely use this book in my classroom for a book club!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the advance copy for review.

Mr. Lemoncello's Library is such a wonderful book in the classroom. Now even more kids will be able to jump into his wacky library. The story is exciting and engaging for readers and the illustrations in the Graphic Novel add so much more to the story. This will definitely be an addition to my classroom.

Definitely purchasing.

The first thing that struck me about this graphic novel adaptation was the fact that the illustrations really make the setting pop; the bright colors add a layer of fun, it's easier to tell the multiple characters apart, and being in this magical library is even more of a treat. The second thought I had was "I NEVER want to go into an escape room!" Just no. This is true to the original, although I feel like the interesting backstory of Mr. Lemoncello is not explored as much. I remember really liking this book when I first read it, and it was popular with my students until about 2017; I never bought book four or five because they stopped being read.

I'm very glad that I moved the graphic novels into the fiction section; if I buy this one, it might improve readership in the other books. I could tell that it was ten years old (don't know that Grabenstein would have used books by Rowling, Seuss, or Dahl in the story today), but it will still seem fresh to young readers.

I haven't read the original text, but really really loved this book!

The characters walk the reader through enough of the puzzles for you to still feel smart when you figure them out on your own.

Will definetly be getting this for my middle school library!

If you love the retelling of a story through a graphic novel, then this is for you. Mr. Lemoncello has reopened a library in town and hosted a competition for 12-year-olds to spend the night in it before the grand opening. The 12 winners get in only to find that they are now in a game, an escape room of sorts trying to find a hidden way out through the use of different clues hidden throughout the library.

The graphic novel really takes this book to the next level as you can see everything that you would read about.

A must-read for anyone looking for a new graphic novel to read.

Chris Grabsenstein's "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" was a cute and quick read - one that I'm sure fans of the novel will like. Kyle is one of he lucky kids who get to spend the night in the town's new library designed by Lugi Lemocello, a famous game maker. Kyle and his friends must solve the "escape-room" like riddles in order to leave the library. From riddles to locks, the kids must work collectively to solve their escape.

Not having read the novel series, I cannot compare it to that. But from just reading the graphic novel, it is a delightful children's book that promotes friendship, kindness and of course - adventure in the library!

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and talented author. I read this with a grandson. We enjoyed it. The pictures and the story were fun . Mr. Lemoncello books have been favorites of my grandchildren. I like them also. Enjoy.

The graphic novel captures all the important events from the original novel. I think this version will appeal to many students and will create new fans of the series.

Clever mystery about a group of book loving kids and an eccentric game maker. Graphic novel format enhances story. Engaging and full of puzzles to solve and fun book references.

I hadn't read the original book, so this was my first jaunt through the story. I loved all the book connections and library love. It's an escape room library scavenger hunt. I think this will respark interest in this series that was widespread when the first book in the series came out. Can't wait to share this newly accessible version of the story.

I love that this fun book is now more accessible for readers as a graphic novel! I first read Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library years ago, and instantly described it as a bookish version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! I love all the book references, games and challenges, codes and puzzles, and the message of cooperation and working together. Readers will be calling for the rest of the series to also get the GN treatment!
I thought this was a great adaptation, and much truer than the movie version. The art was terrific, with vibrant colors and details that didn't require narration or dialogue to understand. This is a fast-paced, action-packed story that is just plain FUN!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouseGraphic for the digital advanced copy!

I've been a fan of the Mr. Lemoncello series for a while now, and this is another great addition! Students will love this graphic novel version of the fun adventures in the library with Kyle and his friends! The heart of the story is still there. Students will love the visuals!

I absolutely LOVED Mr. Lemoncello's Library in chapter book form, so I was delighted when I discovered that they created a graphic novel version. I was able to relive everything I LOVED from the chapter book once again,

This is the story of a remarkable library created by Mr. Lemoncello and the 12 kids who got to enjoy his library before it was officially open to the public. Of course, Mr. Lemoncello made his fortune making games, so the winner of his library challenge gets a stellar prize. Who will win? Read on to find out!

Riddled with riddles, puzzled with puzzles and haunted by clues, the characters have to navigate the game to escape the library.

Highly recommend both versions of this novel! Enjoy!