Twig Volume 1

November 1, 2022
Grades 6-10 Every hero needs help, and Twig is no different. As a placeling, his job is to literally place legendary items along the path for the true heroes to find. But it's Twig's first day, and he will need lots of help. Though he's only supposed to enable the quests of others, he quickly becomes embroiled in his own hero's journey, which treads familiar ground (three magical quests, etc.), but a few unexpected twists along the way keep that journey fresh. While it's not surprising for artwork to elevate a graphic novel, Strahm's vividly colored and wildly imaginative scenes take the story to a whole new level. His adorable and inventive Muppet-like character designs create an instant connection with each character and investment in the journey. Arrestingly beautiful and densely detailed single-panel landscape shots meant to simply document Twig's journey intriguingly build the world far better than words ever could. Twig's journey wraps up neatly and quickly by the end of this volume, so let's hope that he and his friends are off on another adventure soon.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2022
Twig nearly dooms the world on his first day as Placeling. After his father dies without taking on an apprentice, Twig--an appealing, large-eyed, blue creature who wears a whimsical little branch with a sprouting leaf on his head--is chosen to become the new Placeling. Tasked with retrieving magical items and placing them for future heroes to find, Twig's new role is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, not only is Twig late on his first day, he finds the Pathsayer dead. With no one to tell him where the gem he's carrying must be placed, Twig attempts to use the Pathsayer's equipment himself. This results in the gem losing all its nektar, becoming useless. The expert Nektarmancer sends Twig on his own heroic quest to find the ingredients necessary to restore the gem--which turns out to be the very last one--so it can be properly placed. If Twig fails, the world will be in terrible danger. The fantastical setting is brought to life by a vivid, enchanting art style with exquisite colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu and clean, easy-to-read lettering by Nate Piekos. Twig explores the impact of following in someone else's footsteps while being dogged by the fear of not being good enough. Despite not learning much about the hero Twig is placing his gem for, readers will be satisfied, as Twig's journey provides plenty of daring escapades to please the adventurer at heart. A charming romp through a visually stunning world. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.