Lightfall

July 1, 2020
Grades 3-6 Bea's in a perilous position?dangling from a tree?when she meets Cad, an axolotl-like Galdurian, a race of beings long thought lost to history. When Bea's forgetful grandfather, a bearded pig in a sweater, goes missing, she and Cad embark on a search, uncovering clues in the mystery of not only her grandfather's disappearance but the strange lights that keep civilization safe from encroaching darkness. Impulsive, irrepressibly cheerful Cad is a lively foil for Bea, whose anxiety, rendered in a radiating swirl of black lines, sometimes swallows her right up. Probert's cinematic, full-color artwork is packed with inventive creatures and vivid landscapes perfectly in keeping with the fantasy adventure atmosphere. Most intriguing, however, is the complex backstory behind the world that's hinted at here?Where did the sun go? Who are the bird-like creatures in search of Bea's magical lantern? And why won't people leave the area illuminated by the golden light sphere built by Galdurians so long ago? While those questions go unanswered in this series starter, they're sure to pique interest for forthcoming installments.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

July 20, 2020
When Beatrice sets out to collect elixir ingredients for her grandfather, Alfirid the Pig Wizard, she crosses paths with good-natured Cadwallader, the last of the presumed-extinct Galdurians. Over 500 years ago, the Galdurians suspended large lanterns in the sky to light Irpa following the sun’s disappearance, allegedly at the claws of the Bird and feathered Tikarri, who ravaged the world before they, too, disappeared. Cad believes that Bea’s grandfather can help find the Galdurians, but when they return to Bea’s home, Alfirid has left to perform a neglected duty. A wondrous quest to find him follows, anchored in friendship: Bea protects the mythical and sought-after Endless Flame, and Cad encourages Bea to overcome her anxiety, which manifests visually around her in dark swirls (“It’s okay if you’re scared,” Cad says). Probert’s debut combines engaging fantasy elements: mysterious enemies, fateful responsibility, and death-defying action against a variety of foes. Detailed, jewel-colored art illuminates Irpa’s radiance as Bea’s journey unveils sweeping landscapes, Ghibli-esque character design, and luminous architecture. Worried Bea and enthusiastic Cal quickly become a team that readers can root for, and compelling unsolved mysteries demand a follow-up. Ages 8–12.

August 21, 2020

Gr 4-6-Beatrice lives in a small, isolated town in the woods with her forgetful grandfather and potions shopkeeper, Alfirid the Pig Wizard. While out collecting ingredients, Bea happens upon Cadwallader (Cad), a tall, brown, animal-like creature who may be the last of the Galdurians, a race thought to be extinct. Cad needs Alfirid's help to translate a document that may lead Cad to other Galdurians, but Alfirid is missing, and Bea and Cad find a note that sends them on the adventure of a lifetime. Sweeping scenery and exquisite setting detail, combined with intriguing dialogue, contribute to impressive world-building. Pages are usually awash in the light of a perpetual sunrise or sunset falling on a range of earthy tones, but when the evil Tikarri appear, this palette changes to a mix of crow black and pewter gray with a celestial and hazy purple-pink blend. While Cad is humorous and daring, Bea is cautious and appears to suffer from anxiety, depicted as black tendrils that wrap around her. She is often unhelpfully told to put things in perspective, which may sound familiar to readers who relate to her. Characters are a mix of human and anthropomorphized animals; Bea is a beige-skinned human girl, while Alfirid, her adopted grandfather, is a pig. Fights, weaponry, and explosions are all depicted, as is a minimal and strategic amount of destruction and death; darker tones are present, but outright gore is avoided. VERDICT Majestic artwork, a burgeoning friendship, and the promise of adventure keep the pages turning in this to-be-continued tale. For readers who enjoyed Ryan Andrew's This Was Our Pact and Kazu Kibuishi's "Amulet" series.-Alea Perez, Elmhurst P.L., IL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.