JUNIPER MAE

A girl’s crash-landing leads to new friends and a new perspective along with the power to solve the problems confronting her city.

When Juniper Mae’s newest invention (a jet pack) leaves her stranded in the forest that surrounds Tykotech City, she is terrified to encounter the dangerous beasts rumored to live there. But a kind, froglike creature named Albie brings her to his village, and his fellow tama-tamas’ method of energy production seems to be the perfect solution to the energy crisis facing Tykotech City. Juniper is inspired by Albie’s people’s tales of the Guardian Knights and, upon her return to the city, transforms herself into a modern-day version of the fabled Knights, protectors of all. Juniper’s newfound belief in herself leads her to take on the problem of the city’s failing energy supply. This incredibly adorable story’s up-close panel work and expansive, double-page spreads depicting landscapes and action sequences make the relatively small world feel immersive and captivating, and the vivid color scheme includes many glowing elements that give a fun effect to the artwork. The quick, tidy mystery solved here is part of a larger network of problems that will clearly be addressed in future installments. Juniper and her family have pale skin and white hair; their world is a diverse one.

A brief introduction to charming characters and a delightfully imaginative world.