GVN Talking Comics Exclusive: ‘Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library: The Graphic Novel’ Sneak Peek

Chris Grabenstein’s best-selling children’s book, ‘Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library’, has been entertaining both children and adults for almost 10 years. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, Grabenstein and illustrator Douglas Holgate have joined forces to transform the beloved story into a delightful graphic novel. On November 7th, Random House Books for Young Readers will release this new version of Grabenstein’s tale for old and new fans to enjoy.

Now, thanks to Chris, Douglas and Random House Books for Young Readers, we are proud to reveal this exclusive preview from Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library: The Graphic Novel, followed by a quote from the author himself discussing the excerpt:

Writer Chris Grabenstein’s Insights

“Poor Yasmeen. On page 89 and 90, she’s so excited about the chance to star in Mr. Lemoncello’s holiday commercials, she’s really not paying attention to Dr. Zinchenko’s recitation of the escape game’s rules. But Charles Chiltington sure is. He knows exactly what to do to eliminate at least one player from the board. He basically tricks Yasmeen into using a fire exit, even though that’s strictly prohibited. But, alas, Yasmeen didn’t hear Dr. Zinchenko say that. She was too busy getting ready for her close-up. Now that we’ve seen Charles in action, we know he will gleefully do anything to win.”

Here is the Press Release that announced this exciting graphic novel from Random House Books for Young Readers:

Award-Winning Children’s Author Chris Grabenstein’s Bestselling Novel
ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO’S LIBRARY Is Now a Graphic Novel

Just in Time for the 10 Year Anniversary of The Novel’s Original Release,
The Full-Color Graphic Novel Adaptation Features Action-Packed Art by Douglas Holgate,
The Bestselling Illustrator of The Last Kids on Earth!

(10/25/23) Award-winning children’s author Chris Grabenstein’s novel Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library has charmed kids, parents, teachers, and librarians alike for a decade with its colorful characters, pithy puns, and unforgettable, imagination-filled library. Now, just in time for the novel’s ten-year anniversary, Grabenstein — the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mr. Lemoncello, Smartest Kid in the Universe, Dog Squad, and Welcome to Wonderland series — and Douglas Holgate — the #1 bestselling illustrator of The Last Kids on Earth graphic novels — are teaming up for “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library: The Graphic Novel,” a full-color, action-packed adaptation of Grabenstein’s celebrated novel.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library has been widely acclaimed. Booklist even compared Mr. Lemoncello to Willy Wonka. The novel spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was nominated for 44 state awards. All told, the six books in the Lemoncello series have sold over two million copies. When he isn’t touring schools and inspiring the next generation of readers and writers, Grabenstein is currently hard at work on a seventh and final book for the series.

“Kids always tell me I write ‘movies for the mind,’” says Grabenstein. “So, it was fun to translate this story into a graphic novel. It reminded me of the storyboards we used to create when I worked in advertising. I was very fortunate to have Douglas Holgate along for the ride. His artwork brings wonderfully vivid life to all the figments of my imagination.”

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library invites readers to find out if game-loving Kyle Keeley can escape from what James Patterson calls “the coolest library in all the world.” In the story, Kyle learns that the world’s most famous game maker, one Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town’s new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night. Kyle’s determined to be there, but the tricky part isn’t getting into the library—it’s getting out. Because when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route.

“Featuring fast pacing, lots of action, puzzles and codes the reader can solve, strong boy and girl characters, and a touch of mystery, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is packed to the rafters with kid appeal,” said Shana Corey, Editorial Director, Random House Graphic. “It’s also perfect for librarians and teachers looking for graphic novels with positive messages and great themes for discussion.”

Working alongside colorist Marta Todeschini and designer and letterer Juliet Goodman, Grabenstein and Holgate are ready to charm a new generation. Random House Books for Young Readers will publish Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library: The Graphic Novel on November 7, 2023.