Publisher: First Second
Release Date: September 20, 2017
Price: $19.99
Creator(s): Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi
Format: 160 pgs., Full-Color, Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-6267-2426-6
Age Rating: 7-11
ICv2 Rating: 4 Stars out of 5
Imagine Dutch folklore [the little boy with his finger in the dike] blended with Nausicaa of the Valley of the Winds, but with characters who look like animal stuffies, with varying art styles, and you’re partway there. The artwork is quirky and clever, but sometimes has a digital-style unreality to it that may distance some readers from the story, which is its only real flaw.
The story is about a young pig who is the sole remaining keeper of the dam and the reverse-windmill which blows back the smoke-like substance that would otherwise destroy the folks of sunrise valley. This technical marvel was created by his father who, for mysterious reasons, seems to have walked off into his doom. So, young Pig, and friends Fox and Hippo get dragged off into an adventure very much against their wishes, and find that things are not what they seem.
Like Amulet, this book draws the reader in quickly, and isn’t afraid to turn dark when needed, but the use of animal characters keeps it from being directly threatening for younger readers. Also like Amulet, at least some readers will be in a hurry to read the next volume, but that will be a while.
The primary audience will be as the publisher suggested, ages 7-11, but older can also enjoy it.
--Nick Smith: Library Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.
