An "ordinary" tween living in an extraordinary place finds out that happily-ever-after can take many forms in Nell of Gumbling, a colorful and enchanting fantasy graphic novel from Emma Steinkellner (The Okay Witch).
Nell Starkeeper is a 12-year-old artist who lives in the town of Gumbling with her two star-farmer dads and her younger siblings, Rib and Schmitty. Gumbling (formerly "the Most Precious Kingdom of Gumbling") is a magical town with a rich history and culture, of which its residents (including Yabulga, the town Witch) are proud. Nell, who is once again trying to maintain a journal, is eagerly awaiting her teacher's announcement of class apprenticeships--she is certain she will be apprenticed to Wiz Bravo, "the town's most famous artist." To her immense disappointment, Nell is instead sent to assist Mrs. Birdneck, the Town Lorekeeper. As Nell struggles to figure out how to shine in this assignment, she also tries to thwart two strangers with suspicious intentions.
Steinkeller delivers a delightful graphic novel for young readers that effortlessly features diverse characters living in an uncommon yet "normal-ish" fantasy world. The situations Nell describes in her journal effectively illustrate how she is struggling with changing friendships, onerous family obligations, and the difficult task of growing up. The author consistently plays with the format of the book, switching between pages of text with spot art, graphic novel panels, scrapbooking, and double-page illustrations, making for an interactive and easy reading experience. Nell of Gumbling is a perfect introduction to both graphic novels and the fantasy genre. --Shannan L. Hicks, freelance writer and librarian