Friday, November 5, 2021

No one returns from the Enchanted Forest by Robin Robinson

Several years ago Robin Robinson created art for Mairghread Scott's The City on the Other Side and now she has created her own original graphic novel fantasy.

The story opens in the underground home of the goblins, a race of small, multicolored creatures with pointed noses and a cheerful multiplicity of personalities. Two sisters are the focus of the story, Bix, the older sister, always anxious and worrying over the future and the wild antics of Pella, whom she's cared for since the death of their parents. She has reason to fret; the goblins must leave their home because of the increasing frequency of violent earthquakes and Pella decides to run away to the Enchanted Forest to give the, possibly mythical, Earth Queen a piece of her mind.

The story alternates between the adventures of the sisters; Pella confronts danger and discovers her habit of rushing headlong into things may not always be the solution. Bix faces her fears and anxiety and learns she can be brave and speak up when her sister is in trouble. Both meet new friends and fantastical creatures and in the end they change their world for the better. Humor and magical details abound, from Bix's yarn that saves many a situation to the creatures, both small and powerful, who inhabit the world outside their caverns.

Verdict: A charming story with an underlying message that will resonate with readers long after they've enjoyed the magical details of the sisters' journey. A great choice for fans of fantasy adventure graphic novels like Hilda, Lightfall, or Sand Warriors. Here's hoping we see more from this creator in the near future.

ISBN: 9781250211521; Published May 2021 by First Second; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

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