slavic_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
chilipenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
aclopez6's review against another edition
5.0
CW: magic (witches), potions
This is part of a series of "Cautionary Fables & Fairytales", with each short story having a message or key takeaway. I would recommend that patrons check out the other books in the series if they enjoyed this one -- The Nixie of the Mill-Pond and Other European Stories, The Night Marchers and Other Oceanian Stories, and Tamamo the Fox Maiden and Other Asian Stories.
This book was shelved in the YA graphic novels section at my local library, but it is accessible to younger audiences as well. I would recommend this for grades 5 - 12.
Some of the stories were recognizable to me from picture books and short stories I read growing up, such as "Anansi Tries to Steal Wisdom" (why spiders have eight legs/are venomous), "Why Turtles Live in Water", and "Queen Hyena's Funeral" (hyena laugh). Others were ones I had never heard of, and a part of me wished that more cultural context or information about the origin of each story was included. There were short bios about each illustrator in the back of the book, but the book left me wanting more. Some highlights from the book: "Chief 5 Heads", "The Disobedient Daughter who Married a Skull", and "The Girl Who Married a Lion".
This is part of a series of "Cautionary Fables & Fairytales", with each short story having a message or key takeaway. I would recommend that patrons check out the other books in the series if they enjoyed this one -- The Nixie of the Mill-Pond and Other European Stories, The Night Marchers and Other Oceanian Stories, and Tamamo the Fox Maiden and Other Asian Stories.
This book was shelved in the YA graphic novels section at my local library, but it is accessible to younger audiences as well. I would recommend this for grades 5 - 12.
Some of the stories were recognizable to me from picture books and short stories I read growing up, such as "Anansi Tries to Steal Wisdom" (why spiders have eight legs/are venomous), "Why Turtles Live in Water", and "Queen Hyena's Funeral" (hyena laugh). Others were ones I had never heard of, and a part of me wished that more cultural context or information about the origin of each story was included. There were short bios about each illustrator in the back of the book, but the book left me wanting more. Some highlights from the book: "Chief 5 Heads", "The Disobedient Daughter who Married a Skull", and "The Girl Who Married a Lion".
thevultureeye's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
mommamel11's review against another edition
5.0
I read the occasional graphic novel. This was on some “best” list a year or two ago. It is a collection of African folktales illustrated in comic book style. I recognized some of the stories. The comic bookstyle gave it a bit of an edge. Each one featured a different illustrator. Lots of women participated. I really enjoyed this collection.
bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
3.5
I have read a few graphic novel anthologies now, and it's always interesting to see how different artists take the same theme and illustrate them differently. These illustrated fables were a lot of fun to read, though I don't know the original stories and so can't compare these versions to any other tellings.
apologiesforeverything's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
malmal's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Some of the art styles just didn't vibe with me
stephisbranded's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved this. Some of the stories are modernized in a way I found entertaining and fun. I like how each story has different artwork as well.
ceraphimfalls's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Updated but not reimagined folktales are exactly what I needed on this sleepy, rainy day. They were easy to read, but poignant. The art was diverse and interesting and the writing was tight, but accessible. There are parts that feel wobbly or somewhat incomplete, but it was a solid showing for the first in an anthology series- especially since I'm not a great fan of anthologies!
Highlights: Gratitude, The Lion's Whisker, and The Stranger**
Highlights: Gratitude, The Lion's Whisker, and The Stranger**