True friendship knows no bounds in Jared Cullum's Kodi, the first in an enchanting new graphic novel series.
Katya is spending the summer at a cottage with her grandmother, Meema. Meema would love for Katya to play with the other kids, but Katya much prefers her comic books. Besides, the other kids bully her: "They call me a monster and flick my ears." To Katya's chagrin, Meema forces her to play outside. When she's caught in a rainstorm in the woods, Katya trips into a small ravine and encounters a large bear trapped by a fallen log. As Katya and Meema nurse the bear back to health, Katya dubs him Kodi and the pair form a surprising and loving bond. When Katya and Meema must return home to Seattle, it seems she and Kodi will have to part ways. But Kodi proves to be smarter and more determined than Katya thinks and sets off on an expedition of his own to find his friend.
In his first solo work, Jared Cullum tells much of Kodi wordlessly, allowing his beautiful watercolor-like illustrations to do most of the storytelling. The sparse use of prose is an excellent choice, letting readers explore the story visually and immerse themselves in Katya and Kodi's world. This technique also makes the book feel quiet yet filled with a resounding warmth and steadiness. Katya, a relatable young heroine, is unsure of herself and her place in the world; Kodi, though silent, is warm and full of life and personality. The spirit of adventure carries Kodi and Katya through every obstacle in their endearing quest. --Kyla Paterno, freelance reviewer