Through the Elder Woods (Nothing Special #1)

Cook (the My Little Pony series) charms in this bouncy Webtoon-to-print fantasy with YA crossover potential. Teenagers Callie and Declan bond over their ability to see spirits; Callie, the daughter of a “magical archaeologist,” has known all her life that she’s not human, but Declan is startled by his awakening powers. When Callie’s father goes missing, the two search for him, crossing into a realm of medieval villages, enchanted forests, friendly mountains, and talking trees. They’re soon joined on their quest by the chatty ghost of a radish and a flirtatious demon prince who’s wild for Callie to become his muse (“Ooh, you’re fiery, I love it,” he trills as she rejects his advances). Cook’s sweet, animation-influenced art brings the high-fantasy setting to life, filling pages with whimsical details and background gags. The irreverent dialogue and pop culture references lend the volume goofy genre vibes reminiscent of fantasy novelists like Diana Wynne Jones or Robert Asprin. “The world’s a bizarre place if you know where to look,” Callie promises, and this series launch leaves plenty of room for adventures to follow. Readers will be eager to further explore the appealing world of Cook’s imagination. Agent: Seth Fishman, Gernert Co. (Mar.)