I regularly read all kinds of books, including young adult and children’s literature, but this is the first time I’ve ever felt too old to enjoy a book for kids. That being said, I can’t fault it just because I’m not in the target demographic. I think it’d be a fun series of comics for preteens and young teenagers.
Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five fun girls who are living it up at Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s camp for ladies into adventure. On their adventures, they keep running into things that shouldn’t be possible. There is some kind of mystery (possibly magical mystery) afoot. Their counselor, Jen, keeps trying to keep everything under control, but it’s clear to the girls that this isn’t going to be a normal summer.
The series definitely has charm to it. For one, they have Noelle Stevenson (of Nimona fame) doing the art and she’s a perfect fit for Lumberjanes. Her quirky, colorful style really enhances the writing. I could also see this being better read as single issues versus a trade paperback. The heavy dose of adventuring and quirkiness would probably be better in smaller amounts.
This book was a bizarre experience for me. The art was fun and quirky, but maybe a bit too much so? And I could have done with about 1000 fewer snappy one-liners. Maybe I’m just old and cranky…
Definitely agree with the one-liners. This would have definitely gotten a lower rating from me if it had been meant for adults, but I think I would have liked them if I was 12 again. Have you read Nimona yet?