Elfie's Grimoire by Audrey Alwett & Christophe Arleston

 Today's read doesn't hit the shelves until later October, which should be just right to dive into Halloween, too. So, why did I pick it up and show it now? Because I couldn't wait. First off, I enjoy the cover with the friendliness, magic, and promise of adventure. Secondly, it's being translated into English after experiencing success in French. I always have a soft-spot for international literature. That's why I'm just giving into my own impatience and sharing it with you guys early. Is it worth it?

Well, let's find out!

ELFIE'S GRIMOIRE

by Audrey Alwett &

Christophe Arleston

Translated by Rebecca Potters

Illustrated by Ludivine Marques-Verissimo

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

240 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING OCTOBER 20th!!!

A lush, award-winning graphic novel series that blends sisterhood, cozy magic, and heartfelt adventure set aboard a traveling bookshop bus. A perfect read for fans of Sorceline and The Tea Dragon Society.

After the death of their mother, Elfie and her two sisters hit the road in a converted bookshop bus, bringing stories to small towns across France and recovering as a family together along the way.

Then Elfie is gifted her late mother's magical grimoire, a book that draws power from the stories Elfie writes herself. From a missing stamp in a seaside village to an accidental army of gingerbread men, her adventures are as fun and chaotic as her budding powers! As she starts to unlock her magical legacy, she also uncovers hidden family secrets and the truth about who her mother really was.

Elfie’s Grimoire contains:

• Gorgeous, full color comics
• An authentic, beautiful French setting, including learning about French history
• A loving but complicated family that always finds their way back to each other
• A whole new world to explore of witches, magic, spells

Climb aboard the Stinky Book bus and unlock Elfie's magical powers!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With magic, sisterly bonds, and the desire to help when trouble arises, this character is one to cheer for and wish she could be your friend, too.

After the death of their mother, Elfie's oldest sister transforms a double-decker bus into a mobile book store (plus, apartment), and the three sisters travel around France while earning their living. When Elfie discovers a grimoire, she takes it as an opportunity to try to find her inspiration as a writer. After all, Elfie's mother was one, and her stories were amazing. While story inspiration doesn't flow as well as it could, Elfie's other hobby, orgami, comes to life in the form of a talking, frog friend that her and only select others can see. Elfie soon figures out that her mother was a witch, and story telling opens the door to an entire realm of magic. While Elfie is trying to figure all of this out without letting her sisters know...at least, for now..., their travels take them from one town to the next. Each place they stop, they run into adventure as they meet individuals with some sticky problems. Add the ups and downs of sister relationships, and this is anything but a boring adventure.

France offers a rich and beautiful backdrop to this heartfilled tale and comes to life thanks to lovingly created graphics. There's a sense of playfulness to match the fantasy and Elfie's perky personality, but there's also a gentle atmosphere of culture, values, and French heritage as this trio heads from one town to the next. It is, however, set in modern day, which adds a fun and unique twist. This setting depth also influences the text as the insights and thoughts Elfie, occassionally, adds to her grimoire are shown in clear cursive (her writing). It creates a wholesome foundation for the magic, mysteries, and surprises.

Elfie's magic adds a fun, whimsical touch, especially since she has to figure out this entire aspect on her own...and it isn't easy even with a talking frog clinging to her and offering his 'help' along the way. She gets clues as they travel around and meet different people, but it's a slow puzzle. Plus, each town offers its own problems to overcome as they friends they make tend to have large problems that need to be solved. These add messages surrounding relationships, kindness, determination, and more, and steer the story as much, if not more, than the magical aspect does. There is whimsical magic with imagination and surprises, but there's also forming friendships, discovering true wrong-doers, finding ways to steer through difficult situations, and working through situations which seem impossible. 

To add even more fun, there occassional inserts of how-tos and more. It fits wonderfully with the whimsical aura of the tale and keeps things interesting. In other words, this book is all abouts magic, smiles, and tons of heart.

Book Trailer...in French

As mentioned above, this appeared first in French and is being translated into the English language...which means that there is a trailer that already exists. In French, though, but I still found it fun to watch.

And here they are...

Christophe Arleston is the common pen name of French comic book writer and editor Christopher Pelinq. He is best known for creating the Lanfeust of Troy series and its many sequels and prequels.

He also worked as "Scotch Arleston".

An author for over 20 years, Audrey Alwett is best known for writing Princess Sara and The Fairy Garden, illustrated by Nora Moretti, as well as the series Elfie's Grimoire, illustrated by Mini-Ludvin. Among other books, Audrey Alwett also wrote the Magic Charly trilogy, bestselling titles published by Gallimard, which explore themes of justice, consent, and friendship.

Since the biology faculty refused her ambitious "unicorn rat creation" program, Mini Ludvin instead focused her studies on drawing. With this 10 years of experience in animated cinema, she decided in 2015 to return to her first loves: children's illustration and comics. Since then, she has illustrated several series of children's novels and works regularly for children's media, always ready to bring to life worlds full of fantasy and humor.

The Scarlet Ship by Claire Grimond

THE SCARLET SHIP

by Claire Grimond

Translated by Rebecca Potters

Illustrated by Leo Verrier

Middle Grade Fantasy   /  

Graphic Novel

Andrews McMeel Publishing

112 pages

Ages 10 to 12

COMING...

OCTOBER 7th!!!

Twelve-year-old Malo and his grandmother board the Scarlet Ship in this beautifully illustrated, full-color graphic novel for young readers. A super fun, high-stakes pirate adventure with the heartfelt themes of identity, courage, and the power of art!

Join Malo, a spirited young artist, on an exhilarating journey as he strives to match the incredible talents of his famous Grandma Zita. For fans of Disney's Encanto, Jennifer Muro's A Superhero Graphic Novel, Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, and those who are eager to chase their dreams in the face of doubt.

When Malo and his grandmother board a mysterious, floating vessel called the Scarlet Ship, they're not quite sure what to expect. After all, the ship’s crew are no ordinary pirates; they specialize in art . . . piracy!

At the helm of the ship is the fearsome Captain Magenta, a ruthless man with a singular to wipe out artistic expression from the world forever . 

Armed with brushes, paints, and unwavering courage, Malo and his new friend Cyane must stand against Captain Magenta’s tyranny, save Grandma Zita from certain doom, and demonstrate that art possesses the power to inspire, unite, and stand up against oppression.

Brought to life with vibrant, expressive illustrations by renowned French comic artist Léo Verrier, The Scarlet Ship brims with heart, humor, and high-flying adventure. This graphic novel   invites readers of all ages to uncover the magic of creativity and the importance of discovering their own artistic voice.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Grandmother and grandchild goodness meets magic and adventure to form an exciting and wholesome tale.

Malo's grandmother is a renowned artist and sees amazing potential in Malo's abilities...although he doesn't agree because he never even knows what to create. When a trip to the gallery coincides with the theft of one of his grandmother's paintings, more than a mystery is set into play. Instead, Malo follows his grandmother to the building's roof where they find a flying elevator. That takes them to a flying pirate ship, with a crew which loves to paint. Add a questionable captain, a scared muse, and a very determined detective, and Malo is on the adventure of a lifetime.

This is a playful fantasy, which lets the imagination take flight in original ways. A flying elevator already will raise the first eyebrows, but it's the artistic pirates which adds unique flair. While the pirate ship and its crew hold traditional flair (outside of flying, of course), these pirates 'raid' by dropping overboard with giant paintbrushes to decorate the sides of buildings. Their love for color is fun, too. Then, there's the muse with her little wings, who disappears into artwork at will, as well, as a captain, who has a surprising side to add a sense of danger and tension...something every true adventure needs. There's also a nod toward steampunk with the detectives mechanical bird. In other words, there's a lot of unexpected details to let dreams soar and keep the pacing quick the entire way through.

There's also food for thought built in. First, there's the grandmother's desire for the grandson to follow her path. She isn't really pushy but just the high-expectations bug Malo. Then, there's a bit of self-discovery as Malo learns to open up and step beyond his comfort zone. There's also lessons about greed, and a discussion-worthy visit to graffiti's place and rightness in society. 

The illustrations let the fantasy flow and keep the tension high to accompany the text wonderfully. It's enjoyable to simply flip through these and enjoy the story. But the text also does a nice job and bringing zest and plot in the right ways. It fits well to the age group, especially the middle and lower ends. The art direction will settle better with some readers than others.

It's a lovely read with tons of fantasy goodness and will delight especially creative readers.