What do you think?
Rate this book
Les Carnets de Cerise #1-2
Cici's Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-In-Training
Cici dreams of being a novelist. Her favorite subject: people, especially adults. She’s been watching them and taking notes. Everybody has one special secret, Cici figures, and if you want to write about people, you need to understand what’s hiding inside them. But now she’s discovered something truly strange: an old man who disappears into the forest every Sunday with huge pots of paint in all sorts of colors. What is he up to? Why does he look so sad when he comes back?
In a graphic novel interwoven with journal notes, scrapbook pieces, and doodles, Cici assembles clues about the odd and wonderful people she’s uncovered, even as she struggles to understand the mundane: her family and friends.
In a graphic novel interwoven with journal notes, scrapbook pieces, and doodles, Cici assembles clues about the odd and wonderful people she’s uncovered, even as she struggles to understand the mundane: her family and friends.
150 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2017
About the author
Joris Chamblain
90 books83 followersJoris Chamblain is a French comic writer and author of children’s books known in particular for having published, in collaboration with the illustrator Aurélie Neyret, his first comic book series Cici’s Journal (Les Carnets de Cerise) which won the Youth Prize at the Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2014 and no less than twenty awards. Joris's comics are translated in about fifteen countries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
March 20, 2017
Cici loves to read novels, comics, and science magazines. She would like to be a writer. Mrs. Forbes, Cici's former teacher, is now a local author. Mrs. Forbes begins to mentor Cici with meet-ups and suggested writing exercises to fuel Cici's burgeoning interest.
Mrs. Forbes recommends that Cici start with a personal diary or journal. She is encouraged to observe people, imagine their lives, guess their innermost feelings, then create an adventure for them. First, however, one must conduct an investigation.
Mrs. Forbes explains that a writer must gather the facts, conduct interviews, then search for clues trying to find a lead, perhaps, something unexpected. Cici, with the help of friends and cohorts Erica and Lena, become sleuths. Cici records her observations in her journal, draws picture clues, lists the character traits of her two friends and discusses the spin she will concoct to get Mom's approval to conduct her queries. The tome consists of two tales. Every Sunday, an old man disappears into the woods with his parrot Captain Flint. He carries two heavy paint cans. Later, he returns covered in paint. In the second tale, an old lady visits the local library every week requesting the same book. Why doesn't she just buy the book? Cici will look for clues to discover the real person inside each of these characters.
Through the use of journal entries, drawings and newspaper clippings, alternating with a comic book presentation of Cici's interaction with her mom, Mrs. Forbes and friends Erica and Lena, the reader will catch a glimpse of the power of observation and the tricks involved in storytelling. Author Chamblain touches upon the importance of maintaining friendships and being truthful and forthright to parents and teachers.
"Cici's Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-In-Training" was a most enjoyable read. Author Joris Chamblain and illustrator Aurelie Neyret have created a magical learning experience for middle school readers and budding writers.
Thank you First Second Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Cici's Journal".
Mrs. Forbes recommends that Cici start with a personal diary or journal. She is encouraged to observe people, imagine their lives, guess their innermost feelings, then create an adventure for them. First, however, one must conduct an investigation.
Mrs. Forbes explains that a writer must gather the facts, conduct interviews, then search for clues trying to find a lead, perhaps, something unexpected. Cici, with the help of friends and cohorts Erica and Lena, become sleuths. Cici records her observations in her journal, draws picture clues, lists the character traits of her two friends and discusses the spin she will concoct to get Mom's approval to conduct her queries. The tome consists of two tales. Every Sunday, an old man disappears into the woods with his parrot Captain Flint. He carries two heavy paint cans. Later, he returns covered in paint. In the second tale, an old lady visits the local library every week requesting the same book. Why doesn't she just buy the book? Cici will look for clues to discover the real person inside each of these characters.
Through the use of journal entries, drawings and newspaper clippings, alternating with a comic book presentation of Cici's interaction with her mom, Mrs. Forbes and friends Erica and Lena, the reader will catch a glimpse of the power of observation and the tricks involved in storytelling. Author Chamblain touches upon the importance of maintaining friendships and being truthful and forthright to parents and teachers.
"Cici's Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-In-Training" was a most enjoyable read. Author Joris Chamblain and illustrator Aurelie Neyret have created a magical learning experience for middle school readers and budding writers.
Thank you First Second Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Cici's Journal".
May 14, 2024
Wow! The artwork in here is stunningly heartwarming, bringing this story to life. I have never encountered it before - feeding the painted objects (white bears) with the meals (painted specially for them) because they probably are hungry. Them evolving with time. An extraordinary and absolutely interesting idea that takes an Art to a new level. I remember at some stage of my life trying to make a little animation by drawing several images and then quickly leafing them through - that was fun :)
I'm going to look for the other issues in this delightful series! One of my favourite scenes was where Cici was flying through amazingly realistic animal frescoes that felt truly alive with all the beautifully vivid butterflies, wild but friendly animals running joyfully, sea creatures frollicking and splashing around. As of image of Cici, the way she was depicted reminded me of Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap I never tire to re-watch. I loved Cici's journal entries, she has it in her - that subtle something that defines a writer, a gift to create stories 🩷.
"May you help others the way you helped me, and drive away their sadness..."
"This painting is the story of a meeting, if it had a title, this is what it would be..."
May 16, 2018
I expected to like this more than I did. I liked the idea of an adventurous girl, investigating mysteries and keeping a journal in the hope of becoming a writer. There are two stories in this book, I felt the second story worked better. The graphic novel story parts of the book about Cici didn't seem to fit well with the pages that were her journal.
I didn't really like the relationship Cici had with her friends, it didn't seem a positive relationship which I agree not all friendships are. I felt slightly uncomfortable about some of the storyline about Cici and her mother. Several times Cici, lies to her mum about where she is going so she can go to lonely places to investigate odd happenings, she also gets her friends to lie about her whereabouts as she is putting herself in potentially dangerous situations that her mum wouldn't let her be in if she knew. I wondered if this was a good thing to portray in a story about a 10 yr old which will be read by similar aged girls?
I didn't really like the relationship Cici had with her friends, it didn't seem a positive relationship which I agree not all friendships are. I felt slightly uncomfortable about some of the storyline about Cici and her mother. Several times Cici, lies to her mum about where she is going so she can go to lonely places to investigate odd happenings, she also gets her friends to lie about her whereabouts as she is putting herself in potentially dangerous situations that her mum wouldn't let her be in if she knew. I wondered if this was a good thing to portray in a story about a 10 yr old which will be read by similar aged girls?
August 13, 2021
The Cici's Journal series is filled with beautiful illustrations, heartfelt journal entries, and mysteries. Cici is so curious. She just can't help finding mysteries to solve. In the first journal, there is a mysterious man entering and exiting the forest with paint buckets. What is he doing with all that paint? In the second journal, Cici notices an elderly neighbor who leaves her home each week with a book in her hands. Where does she go with that book? In both cases, Cici enlists her friends for help. Lena and Erica are busy with their own lives and Cici gets impatient. Her shortcuts cause relationship problems with her friends and especially her mom. The reader has a front row seat to the fascinating discoveries Cici makes with the help of her friends and her mentor, Mrs. Flores. As a bonus, both mysteries teach Cici and her friends about history. Looking forward to "Lost and Found," the next chapter in Cici's Journals.
June 8, 2018
I feel like cheating with this review and just telling you to check out the review Lola wrote, which you can find here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Thank you Lola for already articulating so well what I wanted to say. 😊
So, onto my ramble.
I quite liked the stories of Mr Mysterious in Part One and Ms Mysterious in Part Two. The initially unseen depth of their sweet but sad stories were unexpected, although to be completely honest I felt Cici had no business playing Nancy Drew and interfering in their lives in the first place.
I loved Cici’s inquisitive nature but wasn’t a fan of the sneaky way she went about her investigations. I loved that she cares about people and wants to help once she solves their ‘mystery’ and understands what she can do to help (not that she was asked to help in the first place) but I hated that she spends the rest of her time lying to her mother and using her friends.
Because Cici is so Cici-centric all we know about one of her friends until the very end is that they are a whinger. Seriously, would you want to be friends with someone who can only describe you as a complainer, even if they’re right? It’s not that I hated Cici. A lot of the time I found her endearing and sweet but she really irritated me too. Thankfully she does learn lessons along the way about the way she’s treated her friends and mother.
My brain went a little nutty during the first story when all of the kids are lying to their parents and sneaking off to go hang out in the middle of the bush with a strange old man. Granted, he was a lovely but sad old man and I doubt he would slap a mosquito actively draining all of his blood. He could’ve been a creepy old man though. I know it’s just a story but my adult brain is practically hyperventilating (no, I don’t know how that’s physically possible either) at the thought of sending a message that it’s okay to lie to your parents to secretly meet a stranger in a remote location! Nuttiness aside, I adored the old man in the first story. He was an absolute sweetheart.
Naturally I loved that the scene of the second ‘mystery’ was the local library. Woohoo! Cici manages to solve Ms Mysterious’ mystery the first time she checked out the book that Ms Mysterious has been checking out every week for many years (of course). There’s no romantic hiding in the depths of my icy cold heart but I admit I really liked the love story of Ms Mysterious and her beau.
The illustrations were gorgeous and I loved the soft warm colours used throughout the book. The layout was really well done, with layers showing crayons, pencils (with pencil shavings) and pens laying on top of pages in Cici’s journal that made it seem as though the reader is peeking over her shoulder at the page she’s working on. She’s also pasted in relevant bits and pieces, including postcards from her friends, newspaper articles, letters and photos. The creativity of telling the story through graphic novel format interspersed with journal entries and drawings makes this visually a really interesting book.
I wouldn’t mind revisiting this book again in a few months. I wonder even as I’m writing this if I’ve been a bit harsh on Cici’s Cici-centricity. I’m interested to know if I’ll find her more endearing and less irritating next time. I hope so because the stories are quite good. I’d probably give the stories alone 3.5 stars but because I loved the illustrations so much I’m rounding up.
So, onto my ramble.
I quite liked the stories of Mr Mysterious in Part One and Ms Mysterious in Part Two. The initially unseen depth of their sweet but sad stories were unexpected, although to be completely honest I felt Cici had no business playing Nancy Drew and interfering in their lives in the first place.
I loved Cici’s inquisitive nature but wasn’t a fan of the sneaky way she went about her investigations. I loved that she cares about people and wants to help once she solves their ‘mystery’ and understands what she can do to help (not that she was asked to help in the first place) but I hated that she spends the rest of her time lying to her mother and using her friends.
Because Cici is so Cici-centric all we know about one of her friends until the very end is that they are a whinger. Seriously, would you want to be friends with someone who can only describe you as a complainer, even if they’re right? It’s not that I hated Cici. A lot of the time I found her endearing and sweet but she really irritated me too. Thankfully she does learn lessons along the way about the way she’s treated her friends and mother.
My brain went a little nutty during the first story when all of the kids are lying to their parents and sneaking off to go hang out in the middle of the bush with a strange old man. Granted, he was a lovely but sad old man and I doubt he would slap a mosquito actively draining all of his blood. He could’ve been a creepy old man though. I know it’s just a story but my adult brain is practically hyperventilating (no, I don’t know how that’s physically possible either) at the thought of sending a message that it’s okay to lie to your parents to secretly meet a stranger in a remote location! Nuttiness aside, I adored the old man in the first story. He was an absolute sweetheart.
Naturally I loved that the scene of the second ‘mystery’ was the local library. Woohoo! Cici manages to solve Ms Mysterious’ mystery the first time she checked out the book that Ms Mysterious has been checking out every week for many years (of course). There’s no romantic hiding in the depths of my icy cold heart but I admit I really liked the love story of Ms Mysterious and her beau.
The illustrations were gorgeous and I loved the soft warm colours used throughout the book. The layout was really well done, with layers showing crayons, pencils (with pencil shavings) and pens laying on top of pages in Cici’s journal that made it seem as though the reader is peeking over her shoulder at the page she’s working on. She’s also pasted in relevant bits and pieces, including postcards from her friends, newspaper articles, letters and photos. The creativity of telling the story through graphic novel format interspersed with journal entries and drawings makes this visually a really interesting book.
I wouldn’t mind revisiting this book again in a few months. I wonder even as I’m writing this if I’ve been a bit harsh on Cici’s Cici-centricity. I’m interested to know if I’ll find her more endearing and less irritating next time. I hope so because the stories are quite good. I’d probably give the stories alone 3.5 stars but because I loved the illustrations so much I’m rounding up.
June 13, 2021
Gorgeously illustrated, this is a great graphic novel for kids describing both the importance of persistence but also about paying attention and thinking about people other than yourself (especially your friends and families). It's easy to get interested along with Cici in the two mysteries she discovers (and solves!) and it's also great to see how she learns and grows. Highly recommended for the art, story, characters, and theme.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2022
I absolutely loved this middle grade graphic novel. Cici is an aspiring writer who loves a good mystery. This first book had 2 separate stories each with a mystery that Cici attempts to solve. I found it so very heartwarming and even teared up a bit! The art is wonderful and I loved the pages right out of her journal. I loved the librarian and the author next door. The two best friends weren't my favorite, but I did appreciate the friendship struggles they had to work through. I have already put book 2 on hold at the library. Would absolutely recommend picking up this book for a wonderful, quick read.
Shelved as 'first-second-publications'
November 8, 2017Cici dreams of being a novelist. Her favorite subject: people, especially adults. She’s been watching them and taking notes. Cici’s Journal is interwoven with journal notes, scrapbook pieces, and doodles, Cici assembles clues about the odd and wonderful people she’s uncovered, even as she struggles to understand the mundane: her family and friends.
December 28, 2017
Cici is a young, would-be writer who loves to solve mysteries . . . very mild mysteries like where does that man go everyday with all those paint cans, and why does the old lady keep checking the same book out of the library. I'm guessing some readers will find this rather dull, but I was hooked.
This was translated from a French series, and the artwork has a charming, very European feel to it.
Most enjoyable.
This was translated from a French series, and the artwork has a charming, very European feel to it.
Most enjoyable.
February 7, 2023
I don’t read many graphic novels, but my good friends encouraged me to pick this one up and I’m glad I did! The artwork was stunning*—just show stopping. By far my favorite aspect of the novel.
The book is split into two parts and follows a girl, Cici, who is an aspiring novelist. As an aspiring novelist, she’s also an investigator and follows mysteries with exclusionary focus—which gets her into trouble because she makes bad decisions in pursuit of her mission. Each part explores a different mystery. I found the story in part two more compelling and with higher stakes than the first part (but the first part was important to lay the foundation), giving the novel a little more drive and a little more pathos.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel and I’m eager to read the follow up!
The book is split into two parts and follows a girl, Cici, who is an aspiring novelist. As an aspiring novelist, she’s also an investigator and follows mysteries with exclusionary focus—which gets her into trouble because she makes bad decisions in pursuit of her mission. Each part explores a different mystery. I found the story in part two more compelling and with higher stakes than the first part (but the first part was important to lay the foundation), giving the novel a little more drive and a little more pathos.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel and I’m eager to read the follow up!
October 14, 2018
I know I'm not the target audience, but, boy did this book actively annoy me.
Cici is an obnoxious little busybody who lies constantly, stalks elderly people, and treats her friends like crap or simply uses them in whatever way is convenient for her. As one of her friends sums up, "We don't matter to her...She spends all her time spying on people and meddling in their lives instead of playing with us..." There is an attempt to reform Cici by the end of the book, but it all comes off as too little too late.
And it is repetitive that both stories collected in this book rely on old people who are incredibly obsessed and abandoned areas that are nearly forgotten: a defunct zoo and a giant room in a library left untouched for 30 years because, you know, libraries are never hurting for space.
Not good.
Cici is an obnoxious little busybody who lies constantly, stalks elderly people, and treats her friends like crap or simply uses them in whatever way is convenient for her. As one of her friends sums up, "We don't matter to her...She spends all her time spying on people and meddling in their lives instead of playing with us..." There is an attempt to reform Cici by the end of the book, but it all comes off as too little too late.
And it is repetitive that both stories collected in this book rely on old people who are incredibly obsessed and abandoned areas that are nearly forgotten: a defunct zoo and a giant room in a library left untouched for 30 years because, you know, libraries are never hurting for space.
Not good.
January 16, 2023
EVERYONE needs to read this books. I cried. I cried reading a middle grade graphic novel. It's so good.
Watch my reading vlog talking about my experience with it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Dgr...
Watch my reading vlog talking about my experience with it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Dgr...
June 24, 2021
WOW
The illustrations are gorgeous, and the journal is beautifully put together, this has been by far the best comic I have ever read!!!
⋆┈┈｡ﾟ❃ུ۪ ❀ུ۪ ❁ུ۪ ❃ུ۪ ❀ུ۪ ﾟ｡┈┈⋆
Basically it follows young Cici, a young detective who wishes to be an author when she grows up through two mysteries.
One about a zoo and the other about forgotten letters, read on to find more!!!
Thank you First Second Books and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy!
I wish the author luck for more books in this series!!
My rating ⊱ ─ {⋅. ✯5 stars✯ .⋅} ─ ⊰
The illustrations are gorgeous, and the journal is beautifully put together, this has been by far the best comic I have ever read!!!
⋆┈┈｡ﾟ❃ུ۪ ❀ུ۪ ❁ུ۪ ❃ུ۪ ❀ུ۪ ﾟ｡┈┈⋆
Basically it follows young Cici, a young detective who wishes to be an author when she grows up through two mysteries.
One about a zoo and the other about forgotten letters, read on to find more!!!
Thank you First Second Books and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy!
I wish the author luck for more books in this series!!
My rating ⊱ ─ {⋅. ✯5 stars✯ .⋅} ─ ⊰
August 22, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
If you love Harriet the Spy — try this graphic novel 🧡
Cici dreams of being a writer, so she’s always on the hunt for a good story. She does this by finding people with peculiarities about them, and watching them until she figures out their story. She records all her findings in this mixed media journal/graphic novel.
This graphic novel is beautiful in every way. The artwork was a pleasure to look at, and it perfectly matched the heart-warming story that went along with it. No spoilers here, but the big reveals about both people Cici follows are purely magical.
I found the mixed media format to be a bit much for myself. For others who enjoy reading graphic novels or who are highly visual, they may enjoy this added feature of the story.
Highly recommend, especially for those who are new to the graphic novel format!
If you love Harriet the Spy — try this graphic novel 🧡
Cici dreams of being a writer, so she’s always on the hunt for a good story. She does this by finding people with peculiarities about them, and watching them until she figures out their story. She records all her findings in this mixed media journal/graphic novel.
This graphic novel is beautiful in every way. The artwork was a pleasure to look at, and it perfectly matched the heart-warming story that went along with it. No spoilers here, but the big reveals about both people Cici follows are purely magical.
I found the mixed media format to be a bit much for myself. For others who enjoy reading graphic novels or who are highly visual, they may enjoy this added feature of the story.
Highly recommend, especially for those who are new to the graphic novel format!
September 1, 2022
4.5 ⭐️CiCi is a precocious, observant and passionate girl. This was a fun experience reading through CiC’s 12 year journal. The tension and misunderstandings of Cici were so relatable. The illustrations are chefs kiss. Loved the themes of trusting with an open heart, friendship, openness, forgiveness. All lessons we continue to learn as we grow up. Beautiful story.
September 3, 2021
Cici is an aspiring novelist who gets most of her inspiration from mysteries around her small town. While she tries to piece the clues of two local mysteries together, she ends up alienating her friends and family in the process. These are cute, colorful, fun, heartwarming little graphic novel installments that middle grade readers will enjoy.
July 29, 2021
This was the 1st graphic novel I purchased & posted right after starting this IG. So it was only fitting that this is the 1st graphic novel I’ve read! The 2nd volume just came out, so it seemed perfect timing to read them back to back as well! I loved this! Cici dreams of being a novelist. Her favorite subject: people, especially adults. She’s been watching them & taking notes. Everybody has one special secret, Cici figures, & if you want to write about people, you need to understand what’s hiding inside them. But now she’s discovered something truly strange: an old man who disappears into the forest every Sunday with huge pots of paint in all sorts of colors. What is he up to? Why does he look so sad when he comes back? Interwoven with journal notes, scrapbook pieces, & doodles, Cici assembles clues about the odd & wonderful people she’s uncovered, even as she struggles to understand the mundane: her family & friends.
I adore Cici. She’s a girl after my own heart. She loves mysteries, & trying to solve them. She also wants to be an author one day, so she keeps this journal for clues, & for detailing bits of her life. I loved the layout of this, & thought it so creative, & fantastic! Great insights on the simple act of the power of just observing, & lessons for future story writers. Cici also learns some valuable life lessons in here. For example, being honest with those you love, & valuing your friendships. The artwork by Aurélie Neyret is BEAUTIFUL! I loved everything about this, & I’m excited to continue on! Highly recommend!💜
I adore Cici. She’s a girl after my own heart. She loves mysteries, & trying to solve them. She also wants to be an author one day, so she keeps this journal for clues, & for detailing bits of her life. I loved the layout of this, & thought it so creative, & fantastic! Great insights on the simple act of the power of just observing, & lessons for future story writers. Cici also learns some valuable life lessons in here. For example, being honest with those you love, & valuing your friendships. The artwork by Aurélie Neyret is BEAUTIFUL! I loved everything about this, & I’m excited to continue on! Highly recommend!💜
July 7, 2020
Interesting, and good. The mysteries seem like they could be real.
November 6, 2017
Cici dreams of being a famous writer someday, a novelist maybe! To start out, though, she's practicing by journaling like a reporter and finding mysteries in her small town.
The construction of the book was a fun amalgamation of comic book panels, handwritten journal entries, and photographs. Since this was an arc there were some panels that were harder to see than others, such as the photographs, but the general layout gave a good impression of what the book would look like in its final form. Neyret's artwork was very bright in it's panels, eye catching and soft around the edges. My favorite scenes were the library panels from the second story. There was a magical quality to the different sections of the library, from the children's shelves to the history section.
As for the characters, Cici was difficult to like as a main character. As good as a spy as she thought she was, her skills of observation needed a lot of work. She wasn't trustworthy either, constantly lying to her mother and her friends and never suffering any consequences for those actions (another thing that frustrated me - Cici never got in trouble for anything).
Erica, one of Cici's best friends, seemed like the voice of reason in their small group. While Cici badmouthed her quite a bit, saying nearly every time she spoke about Erica that all she did was complain, Erica had good reason to say the things she did about Cici. How she kept asking them to lie, how she needed them as cover stories, things like that. I understood why she got angry at Cici and why they finally fought near the end of the book.
Cici doesn't always have the best decision making skills. Her friendship with Ms. Flores at the onset of the book from Cici's perspective is a close one, but in her own words she doesn't know much about Ms. Flores, her mother doesn't like that she hangs out with her so much, and she has to lie to her mother about the amount of time she spends at the Flores house. That struck me as really strange, especially since this book seems to take place in the present. I think the story as a whole, from the zoo in the first story onward, would have worked better in an earlier time period, perhaps in that of Kit the American Girl or Harriet the Spy. The liberties of their time periods would have melded better
There was something about Cici's voice that I found hard to really like. The way that she communicated throughout her journal entries, the way she thought, these passages all sounded like the way an adult thought a ten-year-old child would say things or think things rather than the way such a child would actually say or think. Her voice, the writing behind it, wasn't wholly believable. It wasn't a painful interpretation, but it wasn't as good as it could have been.
Cici's Journal might be suited to a young crowd that won't pick at the story lines as I have or character building, but I'm not sure they'll be wholly satisfied with the characters having little to no consequences and disregard for friendships.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The construction of the book was a fun amalgamation of comic book panels, handwritten journal entries, and photographs. Since this was an arc there were some panels that were harder to see than others, such as the photographs, but the general layout gave a good impression of what the book would look like in its final form. Neyret's artwork was very bright in it's panels, eye catching and soft around the edges. My favorite scenes were the library panels from the second story. There was a magical quality to the different sections of the library, from the children's shelves to the history section.
As for the characters, Cici was difficult to like as a main character. As good as a spy as she thought she was, her skills of observation needed a lot of work. She wasn't trustworthy either, constantly lying to her mother and her friends and never suffering any consequences for those actions (another thing that frustrated me - Cici never got in trouble for anything).
Erica, one of Cici's best friends, seemed like the voice of reason in their small group. While Cici badmouthed her quite a bit, saying nearly every time she spoke about Erica that all she did was complain, Erica had good reason to say the things she did about Cici. How she kept asking them to lie, how she needed them as cover stories, things like that. I understood why she got angry at Cici and why they finally fought near the end of the book.
Cici doesn't always have the best decision making skills. Her friendship with Ms. Flores at the onset of the book from Cici's perspective is a close one, but in her own words she doesn't know much about Ms. Flores, her mother doesn't like that she hangs out with her so much, and she has to lie to her mother about the amount of time she spends at the Flores house. That struck me as really strange, especially since this book seems to take place in the present. I think the story as a whole, from the zoo in the first story onward, would have worked better in an earlier time period, perhaps in that of Kit the American Girl or Harriet the Spy. The liberties of their time periods would have melded better
There was something about Cici's voice that I found hard to really like. The way that she communicated throughout her journal entries, the way she thought, these passages all sounded like the way an adult thought a ten-year-old child would say things or think things rather than the way such a child would actually say or think. Her voice, the writing behind it, wasn't wholly believable. It wasn't a painful interpretation, but it wasn't as good as it could have been.
Cici's Journal might be suited to a young crowd that won't pick at the story lines as I have or character building, but I'm not sure they'll be wholly satisfied with the characters having little to no consequences and disregard for friendships.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
I really enjoy reading graphic novels and this was one of the best ones that I’ve read. We follow CiCias she writes in her journals about mysterious things are happening in her town. I particularly liked the first mystery about the older gentleman and the zoo. The illustrations are beautiful and the cast of characters are well done. I look forward to reading more on the series.
July 14, 2018
Mystery, friendship, conflict resolution, writing....so much going on (in a good way) with this graphic novel.
March 9, 2018
The art is lovely and it’s a nice idea, but overall it lacks substance. The writing is only ‘okay’ and it manages to take a pretty basic premise and deliver a muddy execution.
While reading, I couldn’t help wondering who this book is for. There are some things that seem like they might relate to girls this age in general, but they don’t go deep enough to hit the mark. Difficulty getting along with parents? Cici lies to her mother for no reason beyond a frustratingly vague “It’s too hard to talk to her” that explains nothing. So lazy. Fighting with friends? Her friends (eventually) express unhappiness with the disgraceful way Cici treats them, their attempts to make up are rebuffed, and yet she reconciles in a token effort a few pages from the end. There’s no reason to side with Cici, and this kind of story really needs some bond between reader and protagonist.
The book doesn’t seem to be for aspiring young writers, either. Unless maybe they’re aspiring to be investigative journalists. Cici spies on people, lies to them, enlists others to lie for her, and keeps a journal. But the word ‘journalist’ isn’t used, so I’m going to assume that isn’t the intention. I picked this up thinking she wanted to be a novelist. She doesn’t act like she even reads novels. In fact, Cici doesn’t seem to have much of an imagination. She also never writes anything but her journal, and (supposedly) writing exercises given to her by the actual writer character Mrs Flores.
For me, the major giveaway that Cici doesn’t actually want to be a novelist was when Mrs Flores took inspiration from Cici’s first adventure and wrote and published a novel based on those events. Cici’s reaction was to be honoured. Didn’t Cici want to write it? Wouldn’t that have been the point of investigating her mystery? Is she just a nosy person who digs into the painful pasts of the elderly because she doesn’t have any other hobbies?
It’s a shame, because the book looks fantastic. The art style is beautiful and full of energy. It imbues the characters with personality. The mix of comic panels and a journal with newspaper cutouts, photos, and stylised child drawings is fun to read and looks lovely.
While reading, I couldn’t help wondering who this book is for. There are some things that seem like they might relate to girls this age in general, but they don’t go deep enough to hit the mark. Difficulty getting along with parents? Cici lies to her mother for no reason beyond a frustratingly vague “It’s too hard to talk to her” that explains nothing. So lazy. Fighting with friends? Her friends (eventually) express unhappiness with the disgraceful way Cici treats them, their attempts to make up are rebuffed, and yet she reconciles in a token effort a few pages from the end. There’s no reason to side with Cici, and this kind of story really needs some bond between reader and protagonist.
The book doesn’t seem to be for aspiring young writers, either. Unless maybe they’re aspiring to be investigative journalists. Cici spies on people, lies to them, enlists others to lie for her, and keeps a journal. But the word ‘journalist’ isn’t used, so I’m going to assume that isn’t the intention. I picked this up thinking she wanted to be a novelist. She doesn’t act like she even reads novels. In fact, Cici doesn’t seem to have much of an imagination. She also never writes anything but her journal, and (supposedly) writing exercises given to her by the actual writer character Mrs Flores.
For me, the major giveaway that Cici doesn’t actually want to be a novelist was when Mrs Flores took inspiration from Cici’s first adventure and wrote and published a novel based on those events. Cici’s reaction was to be honoured. Didn’t Cici want to write it? Wouldn’t that have been the point of investigating her mystery? Is she just a nosy person who digs into the painful pasts of the elderly because she doesn’t have any other hobbies?
It’s a shame, because the book looks fantastic. The art style is beautiful and full of energy. It imbues the characters with personality. The mix of comic panels and a journal with newspaper cutouts, photos, and stylised child drawings is fun to read and looks lovely.
September 4, 2018
Cici loves a good mystery! When she and her friends see an old man lugging paint cans through the forest, Cici will do anything to unravel the enigma of the painter. But when she ignores her friends, lies to her mother, and takes advantage of her writing mentor, Cici could lose everyone she loves if she doesn't learn to curb her wild curiosity.
This edition includes volumes 1-2 of Cici's story.
I adore the beautiful illustrations with soft colors and clean lines. Every page is gorgeous, and I read it slowly so that I could enjoy each panel.
Cici's story is imaginative and whimsical. The plot is interesting and charming, with lots of varied characters. It's such a sweet story of friendship, reclaiming the past, and learning to trust.
I love that Cici is initially intrigued by the mystery, but then she truly wants to help people and make their lives better. She has a generous heart, but her actions are sometimes misplaced. She has such great character development!
This edition includes volumes 1-2 of Cici's story.
I adore the beautiful illustrations with soft colors and clean lines. Every page is gorgeous, and I read it slowly so that I could enjoy each panel.
Cici's story is imaginative and whimsical. The plot is interesting and charming, with lots of varied characters. It's such a sweet story of friendship, reclaiming the past, and learning to trust.
I love that Cici is initially intrigued by the mystery, but then she truly wants to help people and make their lives better. She has a generous heart, but her actions are sometimes misplaced. She has such great character development!
March 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, I loved both of the adventures that CiCi went on in this graphic novel. I also love that it was translated from French. I wasn't a fan of CiCi at some points in the story as she could be quite self centered and lied to her mom and friends, but I liked how her character developed by the end of the book. I actually enjoyed the mystery and the plot more than the characters.
June 11, 2021
I want to thank Netgalley, Joris Chamblain and Aurélie Neyret, and First Second Books for giving me a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I want to say that the artwork of this book is superb! I really fell in love with the artwork. Each scene is so beautiful and atmospheric. And I enjoy also seeing the journal entries!
Now for the actual story, I love both of the mysteries. I actually enjoyed reading them and they are both so warm-hearted and sweet. I love the first part with the old man, but I think I love the second part the most because it actually got me teary-eyed. Both stories are sad in a way and still had that sense of being a comfort to me.
For the characters, I actually liked it that each is so distinct from each other. They are easy to remember. And I like how the book makes the characters still stays with their personalities and traits. I really feel connected to Cici because I once was dreaming of becoming an author. I also love how imaginative Cici is, she makes me smile by her stories of people around her. Although at the second part, I was kinda annoyed at her. I thought that the book will just leave it like that but it got character developments and i'm kinda happy to see Cici being a better version of herself.
Overall, I rated this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's really warm-hearted and the kind of book that feels like giving you a hug. So, be sure to check this one out!
First of all, I want to say that the artwork of this book is superb! I really fell in love with the artwork. Each scene is so beautiful and atmospheric. And I enjoy also seeing the journal entries!
Now for the actual story, I love both of the mysteries. I actually enjoyed reading them and they are both so warm-hearted and sweet. I love the first part with the old man, but I think I love the second part the most because it actually got me teary-eyed. Both stories are sad in a way and still had that sense of being a comfort to me.
For the characters, I actually liked it that each is so distinct from each other. They are easy to remember. And I like how the book makes the characters still stays with their personalities and traits. I really feel connected to Cici because I once was dreaming of becoming an author. I also love how imaginative Cici is, she makes me smile by her stories of people around her. Although at the second part, I was kinda annoyed at her. I thought that the book will just leave it like that but it got character developments and i'm kinda happy to see Cici being a better version of herself.
Overall, I rated this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's really warm-hearted and the kind of book that feels like giving you a hug. So, be sure to check this one out!
February 24, 2018
Oh my, I loved this! I could tell it would be my type of book when I read the dedication "to the little hidden message that slept for fifty years in a treasure chest, before a little boy could discover it..." Makes me want to leave secret messages for my descendants to find, I love this kind of stuff! Plus Cici is an aspiring writer who ferrets out the mysteries around her like Harriet the Spy, and the second story involves a library and secrets from the past. It felt a little like The Shadow of the Wind for kids!
The art is so so pretty, with beautiful colors and picturesque landscapes of Cici's French village and countryside. The overall page layouts are very well-done, with innovative paneling and a mix of scrapbook and (drawn) photos giving it a handmade look. My favorite pieces are the chapter title pages, gorgeous summations of each story in one color theme.
It also made me so happy to be a librarian! I was practically bawling reading the story that revolved around a library book, it was so beautiful. 😭 (The young librarian in this was also my retro style ideal for the profession--such cute outfits and hair!) I sincerely hope First Second will continue to publish the other volumes of this French treasure, or I may need to try tackling the foreign editions with my rusty language skills!
The art is so so pretty, with beautiful colors and picturesque landscapes of Cici's French village and countryside. The overall page layouts are very well-done, with innovative paneling and a mix of scrapbook and (drawn) photos giving it a handmade look. My favorite pieces are the chapter title pages, gorgeous summations of each story in one color theme.
It also made me so happy to be a librarian! I was practically bawling reading the story that revolved around a library book, it was so beautiful. 😭 (The young librarian in this was also my retro style ideal for the profession--such cute outfits and hair!) I sincerely hope First Second will continue to publish the other volumes of this French treasure, or I may need to try tackling the foreign editions with my rusty language skills!
September 22, 2018
Cici's Journal by Jors Chamblain - Aurelie Neyret.
I am in love with this graphic novel!, ohh please do..recommend me another graphic novel, as now I am so in the mood for another one ❤😍. This graphic novel is about Cici, a ten and half years old, whom always dream to be a novelist. She love to write. So her mother give her a journal so she can keep her findings from her everyday advantures.
So Cici started to observe people, imagine their lives and maybe reveal their secrets. When she meet people, she always try to dig out that "thing". But digging to other people lives sometime put her in danger and not to forget, she has to lie to her mother about what she do everyday. Because, can even her mother understand that ?. I love the story, it is so deep, especially when you want to be a writer, this book is for you. 4🌟🌟🌟🌟 read for me ❤. #cicisjournal #graphicnovel #bookstagram #instabooks #booktography #bibliophile #booknerd #bookaholic #yabooks #yafiction #bookshelfie #booklover #bookish #bookworm #bookstagramfeature #bookishmerchandise#bookstagramindonesia #bookish_indonesia
I am in love with this graphic novel!, ohh please do..recommend me another graphic novel, as now I am so in the mood for another one ❤😍. This graphic novel is about Cici, a ten and half years old, whom always dream to be a novelist. She love to write. So her mother give her a journal so she can keep her findings from her everyday advantures.
So Cici started to observe people, imagine their lives and maybe reveal their secrets. When she meet people, she always try to dig out that "thing". But digging to other people lives sometime put her in danger and not to forget, she has to lie to her mother about what she do everyday. Because, can even her mother understand that ?. I love the story, it is so deep, especially when you want to be a writer, this book is for you. 4🌟🌟🌟🌟 read for me ❤. #cicisjournal #graphicnovel #bookstagram #instabooks #booktography #bibliophile #booknerd #bookaholic #yabooks #yafiction #bookshelfie #booklover #bookish #bookworm #bookstagramfeature #bookishmerchandise#bookstagramindonesia #bookish_indonesia
April 26, 2022
Truly the perfect middlegrade/juvenile fiction graphic novel and the best example of this media I have read so far! Enchanting storylines and plots, so creative, the artwork was stellar, so realistic and captured the full range of human emotion perfectly. Thought that the work highlighted so beautifully a positive mother-daughter relationship, supportive young, female friendships, and showcases dynamic, multi-generational friendships as well.
CiCi is always observant and watchful of those around her - their habits, their wishes, their odd ticks and mannerisms - and due to her natural curiosity, she discovers not just the secrets of those around her, but also learns new things about herself too.
This first volume was almost put together episodically, so I hope there is more CiCi in the future! I loved it!
CiCi is always observant and watchful of those around her - their habits, their wishes, their odd ticks and mannerisms - and due to her natural curiosity, she discovers not just the secrets of those around her, but also learns new things about herself too.
This first volume was almost put together episodically, so I hope there is more CiCi in the future! I loved it!
April 4, 2018
A lovely set of mysteries for kids. Cici is a feisty and fun character with plenty of rough edges to explore. Her friends tend to get drug along on mystery solving expeditions whether they like it or not which leads to some infighting & character growth opportunities. The Cici/Mom relationship is frustrating but feels real. If the series continues I hope we'll get to see more of their relationship as it shifts and grows (& maybe some back story?). The art is super cute & looks fantastic in the comic sections & the letters and Cici's illustrations in the other bits help connect you to Cici and understand her thoughts nicely. Perfect for the young detective in your life or anyone looking for a beautifully illustrated little mystery.
September 15, 2018
THIS is why I continue to read books out of my comfort zone. I am not a fan of either Middle-Grade books or Graphic novels and this book fits solidly in both of those categories, but it was a surprisingly moving and entertaining. The emotions illustrated on the faces were palpable. Of course I sympathized with the adults of the book, but unlike many MG novels I've read lately it doesn't paint the adults as bumbling idiots or unemotional authoritarians. It shows both sides of the story while still focusing on Cici and her adventures. It is a beautifully illustrated story inter-cut with Cici's journal pages. I cried--yes I cried reading this book. When I finished, I handed it to my 3rd grade daughter and said to her for the first time in my life, "You have to read this book! It's amazing!"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews