The Froggy Library

Via a kindhearted frog protagonist, Diné cartoonist Fiveash draws on their heritage to spotlight the importance of community, elders, land management, libraries, and self-representation in this endearing debut graphic novel. Adolescent frog Anura, who still has vestiges of their tadpole tail, is visiting their grandmother for the summer in desert town Soggy Stump. With Grandma’s encouragement, Anura secures a part-time job at the library, where they’re tasked with creating a community archive that “captures what makes Soggy Stump so special.” As they journey around town, Anura learns about cultivating a relationship with the land, the link between weaving and storytelling, and using zines to share information and connect with others. When Anura expresses shame for not knowing everything about their culture, elderly weaver Olive reassures them: “You have SO much time to learn new things, tadpole. You don’t have to be in such a rush.” Amusing details enhance fantastical animalian worldbuilding, in which boba tea comes with fly eggs instead of tapioca pearls, and library book recommendations include Chainsaw Newt and Frogmetal Alchemist. Rounded illustrations with rich earth tones highlight landscapes and architecture inspired, per an endnote, by Tucson Navajo reservations. Bonus comics and a glossary conclude. Ages 8–12. Agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative. (Apr.)