Your Turn, Adrian

In this Swedish graphic novel, somber pencil drawings by Lidström introduce Adrian, a boy who daydreams in color about circus acrobatics but is defeated by school. First, a bully steals and ruins his hat; then his teacher asks him to read, and he freezes. Scenes at home make it clear that the family is stretched thin, but there’s genuine love between father and son. One day, Adrian meets Heidi, a huge wire-haired dog he finds wandering about, her leash still attached. He revels in her quiet companionship, and her love makes the impossible possible: “I could feel Heidi’s soft fur. The words came to me. I was reading.” Soon afterward, Heidi’s owner takes her back, and Adrian is bereft. But another twist leads to a gratifying reunion and shared interests. Text by Öberg, ably translated by Apelqvist, is crystalline in its economy. Full-color spreads of happy moments punctuate the dreary gray of everyday reality, especially in Adrian’s dream world, in which his tumbling form is liberated from earthly cares. The creators draw a convincing portrait of a boy whose lucky break gives provides a sense of redemption and relief. Ages 7–10. [em](May) [/em]