Irresistible animals star in this sublime coming-of-age tale.
In this debut fantasy, a kitten searches for her place in life while facing malevolent adversaries on a farm.
Grey is born in a barn on Black Mountain Farm. She’s barely a few weeks old when her mother leaves to live in the nearby woods, with Grey’s brother and sister not far behind. But the farm overflows with vibrant animals, some of whom believe the striking kitten is special (“The kitten’s gray fur, with its black- and sand-colored stripes, was spectacular”). Miss Jay the Bird becomes Grey’s guardian and convinces her to flaunt her feline pipes at “the Phoenix Club,” the farm’s monthly talent show. But at the same time, a sinister presence emerges. A Black Widow surrenders to the red Hourglass on her back, which develops an awareness and a voice all its own. This wicked duo obsesses over control and manipulates animals into spying on others in the mountainous region. When the two rope Grey into their scheme, the kitten seeks help from Miss Jay and some wise, magical wildlife. As Grey plans an inevitable confrontation with the Widow and the Hourglass, she learns a lot about who she is and where she wishes to be. Nilsson’s brisk, charming series opener boasts a memorable, mostly animal cast. She lovingly describes each character, such as Biggie the Deer, who likes moonshine perhaps a bit too much, and well-meaning but naïve Jack the Donkey, the Widow’s first “recruit.” Fox’s stunning illustrations further elevate these characters; highlights include Grey’s ride in a cup atop Biggie’s antlers and the recurring image of the Widow’s huge, ominous shadow. While magic permeates the narrative, from talking trees to the Hourglass’ terrifying ability, the story primarily centers on zealous Grey. She yearns to be more than a barn cat and discovers she’s capable of great deeds. Her journey not only carries this story, but also ends with a perfect setup for the sequel.
Irresistible animals star in this sublime coming-of-age tale.Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-954401-00-6
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Loodor Publishing
Review Posted Online: June 7, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it.
What happens when a robot washes up alone on an island?
“Everything was just right on the island.” Brown beautifully re-creates the first days of Roz, the protagonist of his Wild Robot novels, as she adapts to living in the natural world. A storm-tossed ship, seen in the opening just before the title page, and a packing crate are the only other human-made objects to appear in this close-up look at the robot and her new home. Roz emerges from the crate, and her first thought as she sets off up a grassy hill—”This must be where I belong”—is sweetly glorious, a note of recognition rather than conquest. Roz learns to move, hide, and communicate like the creatures she meets. When she discovers an orphaned egg—and the gosling Brightbill, who eventually hatches—her decision to be his mother seems a natural extension of her adaptation. Once he flies south for the winter, her quiet wait across seasons for his return is a poignant portrayal of separation and change. Brown’s clean, precise lines and deep, light-filled colors offer a sense of what Roz might be seeing, suggesting a place that is alive yet deeply serene and radiant. Though the book stands alone, it adds an immensely appealing dimension to Roz’s world. Round thumbnails offer charming peeks into the island world, depicting Roz’s animal neighbors and Brightbill’s maturation.
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: June 24, 2025
ISBN: 9780316669467
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
A pleasing premise for book lovers.
A fantasy-loving bookworm makes a wonderful, terrible bargain.
When sixth grader Poppy Woodlock’s historic preservationist parents move the family to the Oregon coast to work on the titular stately home, Poppy’s sure she’ll find magic. Indeed, the exiled water nymph in the manor’s ruined swimming pool grants a wish, but: “Magic isn’t free. It cosssts.” The price? Poppy’s favorite book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In return she receives Sampson, a winged lion cub who is everything Poppy could have hoped for. But she soon learns that the nymph didn’t take just her own physical book—she erased Narnia from Poppy’s world. And it’s just the first loss: Soon, Poppy’s grandmother’s journal’s gone, then The Odyssey, and more. The loss is heartbreaking, but Sampson’s a wonderful companion, particularly as Poppy’s finding middle school a tough adjustment. Hartman’s premise is beguiling—plenty of readers will identify with Poppy, both as a fellow bibliophile and as a kid struggling to adapt. Poppy’s repeatedly expressed faith that unveiling Sampson will bring some sort of vindication wears thin, but that does not detract from the central drama. It’s a pity that the named real-world books Poppy reads are notably lacking in diversity; a story about the power of literature so limited in imagination lets both itself and readers down. Main characters are cued White; there is racial diversity in the supporting cast. Chapters open with atmospheric spot art. (This review has been updated to reflect the final illustrations.)
A pleasing premise for book lovers. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9780316448222
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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