You know you’ve read a remarkable book when you close it, and you can’t help but wear a big smile, or you find yourself exclaiming over and over, ‘Wow, that book was absolutely incredible!’. For anyone who relishes a fantastic fantasy read, especially one with a cozy charm, ‘Prunella’ is an absolute must-read.
Recommended age range: 4+
This gem resides in the juvenile graphic novel section of your local library, and trust me, it’s far from ordinary. This book was released in October 2022, and is written and illustrated by Matthew Loux. Many of you may know his works “The Time Museum” Volumes 1 and 2. I’m always blown away by the creativity of people like Matt Loux. The story in this book is so much more than what you would get at first glance.
The story unfolds in a quaint town encircled by a protective wall that keeps the mysterious ‘others’ at bay. Amidst this backdrop, a young girl’s mother is so preoccupied with appearances and herself that she fails to notice when her daughter undergoes a transformation, turning into a skeleton!
What follows is an enchanting journey as the little skeleton girl embarks on a quest to regain her humanity. Along the way, she encounters a captivating cast of characters who add depth and charm to the narrative.
However, as is often the case with compelling tales, the truly chilling villains aren’t the mythical creatures, but the humans who remain blissfully oblivious to anyone beyond themselves.
Let this serve as a heartfelt reminder of the extraordinary power that books hold within their pages. They possess the enchanting capability not only to transport your mind to far-off realms but also to infuse your soul with heartwarming and potent messages.
I was deeply moved by this message – the story’s heartwarming twist left me on the verge of tears of joy as our heroine discovers her true self. My kids enjoyed it thoroughly as well and begged to finish it in one sitting – which I was more than happy to accommodate!
If you’re in search of a magical and heartwarming experience, I implore you to rush to your nearest library or bookstore and get your hands on this book immediately.
As for how to enjoy it, my recommendation is to read it as a group, especially if you have kids. I found that reading it aloud to my children, complete with distinct voices for the characters and the right cadence, brought out the nuances of the story. Some of its subtle messages might be lost if read alone.
