Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure (Clementine Fox #1)

Young Clementine Fox seizes the opportunity to leave her problems and schooling behind by stowing away on the back of a traveling turtle in this cozy, sea-faring graphic novel series launch, Luna’s debut. Clementine is tired of struggling through math homework; she’d much rather be embarking on a grand adventure. So when she learns that Annabella the turtle is suffering from an unknown ailment—and that Jesse, a beaver ferryman, will be escorting her to Giant Island to seek help from Clementine’s magical great-aunt Marnie—Clementine is eager to join them despite Jesse’s refusal. Clementine and her friends Nubbins Squirrel and Penelope Rabbit secret themselves among Jesse’s supplies before being ousted by capricious merfolk. Jesse’s swift heroics save them from the sea dwellers’ clutches, but when they reach shore, more challenges—and new friends such as magical mice and sentient boulders—await the group as they travel through dangerous mountain terrain to reach Marnie. Standard plot points struggle to converge into a cohesive story line, but warm colors provide a welcoming feel, animated facial expressions add verve, and themes of communal care, friendship, and overcoming obstacles permeate this gently humorous narrative. Ages 7–10. (May)