Publisher: First Second
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Price: $14.99
Creator: Andi Watson
Format: 176 pgs., Black & White, 6"x8.4", Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-6267-2149-4
Age Rating: N/A
ICv2 Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5
"The grave's a fine and private place, but none I think do there embrace. " --Andrew Marvel.
In this case, that's not really true. It's a post-life love story, with lots of cooking. While not everyone will be a fan of Andi Watson's art, the story is going to be the draw in this book. The story earned four stars, but the art only three.
The princess of the land of the dead has a lazy, hypochondriac father, which most people would find odd, since he's already dead. Since this leaves her doing all of the royal work as well as overseeing the castle, things have tended to go wrong.
Enter an ex-vampire turned chef. The hijinks which ensue are a weird blend of Charles Addams with Casper the Friendly Ghost, along with lots of food. Watson's art makes a few of the character types difficult to recognize for what they're supposed to be, but at least you can tell them apart.
This book will be popular with kids who can laugh at things which are outwardly a little scary. Older kids and adults will appreciate the love story which turns up, one which is very sweet in every way.
For all but the youngest or most sensitive readers.
--Nick Smith: Library Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.
