Burt's Way Home - Hardcover

John Martz is a cartoonist and illustrator in Toronto, ON. He is the creator of the wordless online comic strip Machine Gum, and the illustrator of several picture books including Abbott & Costello's Who's On First? (Quirk Books, 2013). His comics and illustrations have appeared in The Globe & Mail, MAD Magazine, Lucky Peach, Canadian Notes & Queries, and kuš! He won the 2013 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Story for his comic book Gold Star (Retrofit Comics, 2012). His book, A Cat Named Tim and Other Stories, was shortlisted for The Governor General's Literary Awards and was nominated for the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Early Readers (up to age 7).

This incredibly sweet story is aimed at kids, but its emotional depth will satisfy many adults. ― John Seven, The Comics Beat

"Kids will love the story of Burt trying to get back home and his ingenuity (as well as the surprise about his family). Parents will love how the story explores the dynamic beyond birth families." - Carrie Anne, EverythingMom

"Readers of all ages, including parents, will enjoy the way that Burt's fantasy and Lydia's caring presence come together in this wonderful graphic novel." - Alice Albarda, Resource Links

"John Martz has created a sweet story that is both whimsical and grounded in Burt's Way Home, a story that could easily be heartbreaking, but which ends on an unmistakable note of hope." - Meredith Cleversey, CM: Canadian Review of Materials 4/4 and Highly Recommended

"Toronto cartoonist and illustrator John Martz is an Eisner and Governor General's Literary Award nominee at the top of his game. With clean lines and understated simplicity, the wordless spreads speak as loudly as those with text." - Linda Ludke, Quill & Quire

"A perfectly formed little book, this is set amongst snowflakes, staring out at the stars." - Stephen L. Holland, Page 45

"Burt's Way Home is a touching story that mixes the prosaic details of foster care with the grand scope of a space opera." - Dan Kois, The Slate Book Review

"This is a book of the sweetest optimism. 'You'll understand when you're older' is a familiar refrain to anyone who remembers their childhood, but Burt understands plenty, in his own way. He would be baffling if not for the patience and love of someone who cares for him, trying to see what he sees." - Kate Beaton, author of Hark! A Vagrant

Praise for A Cat Named Tim and Other Stories

Shortlisted for The Governor General's Literary Awards

Nominated for the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Early Readers (up to age 7)

"Kids will love the cute animals and their silly antics. It is perfect for early readers and visual learners and will be a welcome addition to any early readers' collection." - Lori Henderson, Good Comics For Kids, School Library Journal

"Martz' illustrations are crisp and candy-colored and a joy to look at." - Rich Barrett, Mental Floss

"Visual learners and younger children alike will pore delightedly over these nearly wordless sequences." - Kirkus

"This book could be for kids who cannot read or kids that can but like to tell their own story. The pictures are fun for anyone to look at." - Adam, Age 7, San Francisco Book Review

"This colorful book is destined to be a hit with imaginative little ones." - Allyce Amidon, Foreword Reviews

"John Martz is a master of inventive comics storytelling, and this is the kind of book I wish I'd had when I was a kid: inspiring, eye-opening, and never not fun. A Cat Named Tim is a treasure chest of wonderful." - Ryan North, Adventure Time, Dinosaur Comics

“Sweet and completely child-like, life’s constant journey away from home will resonate with everyone.” ― Angela Matano, Campus Circle