Star Knights

Davault empathetically delves into the consequences of internalized bias and discrimination through an anthropomorphic animal society lens in this insightful graphic novel debut. Tad, a kindhearted frog, has always dreamed of becoming a legendary Star Knight, an animal who has been blessed with powers from making a wish on a fallen star. But prejudice against salamanders and frogs, deemed “mud dwellers,” coupled with threats of an evil marsh witch toad turning Star Knights into corrupt Fallen Fauna, dampen Tad’s ambitions. When stars begin falling from the sky en masse, as they did when the original Star Knights were created, Tad is determined to obtain a wish for himself, and he succeeds. Finally a Star Knight, Tad meets the Star King Stello, who accidentally fell from his throne among the stars, and vows to return him back to space, except the Fallen Fauna have other plans—to steal the Star King’s Crown. Intricately detailed art in a vivid jewel-toned palette, cartoonlike character designs that recall Steven Universe, dynamic and angular paneling, and a plot overflowing with magic and lore make for a thought-provoking adventure. Ages 8–12. Agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative. (July)