Back in April 2017 I was sent a book to review. Nothing odd there. However, it turned out to be a far better book than I had expected with some lovely artwork.
There is a certain thing that tells me a book must be good (as far as I am concerned) and that is the fact that occasionally I will take it from the shelf and re-read it or simply look over the artwork.
Not sure about its availability or price now but if you can get it do because it is something to treasure.
Here is the 2017 review
- David Wiesner & Donna Jo Napoli
- Hardcover: 182 pages
- Full colour
- Product Dimensions: 18.4 x 1.9 x 25.4 cm
- Age Range: 10 - 12 years
- ISBN-10: 0544815122
- ISBN-13: 978-0544815124
The triple Caldecott winner David Wiesner brings his rich visual imagination and trademark artistry to the graphic novel format in a unique coming-of-age tale that begins underwater.
A young mermaid, called Fish Girl, in a boardwalk aquarium has a chance encounter with an ordinary girl. Their growing friendship inspires Fish Girl's longing for freedom, independence, and a life beyond the aquarium tank. Sparkling with humor and brilliantly visualized, Fish Girl's story will resonate with every young person facing the challenges and rewards of growing up.
Yeah, like I care who won what award. But a review book is a review book..even if it means my shelves are closer to collapsing.
So the book arrived. Did I really -really- want to read some bland story about "growing up"? I mean, I've done that already -some of you may have, too- it ain't great shakes. Teen girl angst? My head would need a toilet bowl fast.
So the book itself is very nicely packaged. I took a deep breath and jumped straight in...it was around 0200 hrs so I needed something to make me sleep. Fail. The art is absolutely wonderful and it looks hand drawn and water coloured. I actually ran through the book about three times to look at the art before I even started on the story! The art is that wonderful. THIS is how you should do comic art though it would take a lot of time. Cue: "But this was all digital, Terry!" If it is....I retire.
And I really liked the story but here is the thing: I did not read it as a young girl (not me -the character!) growing up, yes, there was that aspect, but the whole thing seemed -to me- to be a modern continuation of ancient mythology....it all seemed to be there...unless that was just me? There is the element of growing to be an individual with more freedom but I think by promoting it as just that will turn a lot of potential readers away.
The scenes with Fish Girl, named Mira by her friend Livia, and the octopus are lovely. And Neptune has you wondering -just an attraction owner or-? This is not "just a girl book" because I was thinking that even an X-Men fan (I'm talking about the pre-1995 real X-Men comic and what it stood for) could appreciate this because Mira is, after all, "gifted" (?) in a way and trying to find her place in society. The book works on so many levels so don't sell it short based on that "growing up girl" line!
And I just checked. I need not retire just yet. There is a Q&A with the creators at Publishers Weekly and, yes, this is drawn and water coloured art. :-P I still got it.
Buy it for your kids or for yourself. Male or female. I read it straight through and I'll not read it again for a very long time because I want the reaction I got from the first reading!
Looks gorgeous. I love the colour balance. I can see in these few panels/ pages something subtle... Something chosen.... Y'know,
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of comics is in the diversity you can achieve with the whimsy and will of your imagination. I miss it. TTFN.
I know. I was expecting a nice cover and not much else but this one was a fun read and the art lovely.
ReplyDeleteNote. This is watercolour .... you can see the texture of the paper in some pictures. Has it been touched up ? Probably not.... Artists have their pride you know ! TTFN.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that as there is the wash type effect in the art. May have to see if these people did anything new!
ReplyDelete