Once Upon A Tail by Audrey Perrott

It looks like today's read packs tons of good vibes and fun. This book is for beginning readers and uses the graphic novel format. Telling by the two characters on the cover, it's not going to be a boring tale, either. I'm expecting humor, a bit of ridiculousness, friendship goodness, and some Midieval moments. 

Let's get ready to smile and head right in!

ONCE UPON A TAIL

Once Upon A Tail #1

by Audrey Perrott

Illustrated by Charlene Chua

Harry N. Abrams

Children's Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

72 pages

ages 6 to 9

Full of heart and humor, this early reader graphic novel series stars two best friends in a fantastical medieval setting, perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly and Peter & Ernesto

Wallace is a knightly horse who loves rules. Poppy is a free-spirit dragon who loves adventure.

These two unlikely pals disagree on most everything—but still manage to have a lot of fun-filled shenanigans together in the Land of La-Dee-Dah.

Told in three short and silly stories with subtle social-emotional themes, this young graphic novel follows the everyday adventures of two best buds as they step out of their comfort zones, discover hidden powers, and eat a LOT of banana pudding. With a high-interest fantasy setting, accessible reading level, and kid-perfect humor, this series is designed for emerging and reluctant readers alike. 

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

These two best friends are ready for adventure thanks to their amazing imaginations, a bit of humor, and a few, unexpected revelations along the way.

Wallace is a horse, and Poppy is a dragon, and these two are as good of friends as friends can be. Poppy also embraces fun with a good portion of fantasy, but then, she is a dragon. Or a superhero? Or a banana pudding fan? Poppy is ready to be whatever she wants to be, but Wallace reminds her that dragons should follow some rules. The two go back and forth in enjoyable ways as they discover who they are and who they want to be.

There are three, short tales in this book, each one heading through a small adventure. A Table of Contents in the beginning helps readers immediately go to their favorite one. The first follows Poppy as she wants to prove to Wallace that she, a dragon, can be a superhero...and maybe, horses like him too. The second dives into preconceptions and yummy foods. The last slides by with pure fun and misunderstandings to round everything off with smiles pure. Oh, and there's a final scene with a last, cute interview of the characters. Each tale promises giggles while working in a bit of a message, but it stays silly, adorable, and, for all things, highlights how amazing friendship can be.

The illustrations are bright and bold, bringing across the personalities of Wallace and Poppy nicely. They let the humor work in right along with the text and help beginning readers follow the story while they read the words. The text is set for those readers who are pretty sure of their words but could use a little more practice. It's kept short and to the point to keep even more reluctant readers from growing frustrated. 

It will be fun to see what this enjoyable duo will be up to next.

And here they are...

Audrey Perrott is the award-winning author of the beloved picture books Moo Hoo, Baa Haa, and A Hat for House, as well as board books and many nonfiction books for kids. She believes funny books are just as important as serious ones, and writes both in her North Carolina home. 

Charlene Chua is the illustrator of the Amy Wu picture book series and Love, Violet, a 2023 Stonewall Award winner. When they are not making art, they enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with their cats. She now lives with her husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario.