Chasma Knights

March 1, 2018
Two otherworldly beings forge an unlikely friendship and navigate their own insecurities and jealousies.In the land of Chasma, where knights reign supreme, the Neon Knights are the laughingstock. All of the other knights, including the strong Sulfurs and powerful Oxygens, can "catalyze" with Toys--cute creatures reminiscent of Pok'mon--and can combine their intrinsic elemental powers with those of the cuddly-looking, power-boosting companions. Beryl, a bubblegum-pink Neon Knight, yearns to catalyze but cannot, instead spending her days turning broken Toys into new creations that are awesome in their own right. Beryl befriends lemon-lime Coro, an ostentatious Oxygen Knight who is a dealer at the Toy Market. Each one is quietly jealous of the other's ability: Coro of Beryl's ingenuity and Beryl of Coro's ability to catalyze. Through a series of missteps, the pair eventually learn to enjoy both their own gifts and the strength their relationship yields. Sun and Petty's graphic-novel worldbuilding is well-wrought and easily accessible, making a tale of jealousy and friendship feel immensely new and fresh. With meticulously designed panels and a clean layout, Sun's illustrations are imaginatively rendered with a whimsical palette of candy-inspired hues including a cheery lemon-sorbet-tinged yellow, a fiery cinnamon red, and a grand, grape-y purple. Although the book is a stand-alone, do not be surprised if kids demand more adventures (and wish for a Toy of their own!) in this charmingly inventive world.Adorable and innovative. (Graphic science fiction. 6-10)

COPYRIGHT(2018) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 1, 2018

Gr 2-5-In the world of Chasma, Knights can make their toys grow or dance. Toys can even be catalyzed so that they can merge with their owners to give them special powers. Neon Knights, however, are the only ones who can't catalyze toys. Beryl, a lonely Neon Knight, makes toys that can grow and move on their own. She meets Coro, an outgoing Oxygen Knight (one of the most powerful kinds of Knights), and the two become fast friends. Beryl shows Coro her new toys, but she has one rule: these toys cannot be catalyzed, or else they'll go haywire! Coro disregards Beryl's admonition, while Beryl tries to create a toy with a powerful golden core. When both events go sideways, Coro and Beryl must work together to save the day. This graphic novel features a bright palette, anime-esque character designs reminiscent of Steven Universe, and seamless, flowing panel work. The book uses brief conversations and concise narration from Beryl to tell a simple tale that still touches on deep themes, such as bullying, social exclusion, and friendship. Readers are told only that Neon Knights cannot catalyze toys; they aren't given any information on the setting or what these powers entail before being thrown into the story. As such, some might be lost amid the dreamlike scenery, ornate outfits, and quick-moving narrative. VERDICT A gorgeous work; for most children's graphic novel collections.-Matisse Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2018
Grades 2-5 In the world of Chasma, everyone's life revolves around toys. Most Chasma knights are able to play with the toys by catalyzing them?essentially, switching them on and awakening their powers. Beryl is supersmart and resourceful, and her tinkering has gotten her the skills to be a bona fide toy maker; however, she happens to be a neon knight, and neon can't catalyze with any toy. She forms an unlikely friendship with Coro, an oxygen knight (the most powerful kind there is) and shows everyone that being different isn't so bad, after all. Petty and Sun's warm, breezy story in bubbly artwork features a predicament lots of kids can relate to, namely, mania over the latest toy. Beryl's interest in fixing things is unfashionable, but gradually, everyone comes to value her capabilities. The pastel palette, rounded figures, and cute toys aplenty are all very appealing, and the gentle emphasis on STEM is a nice bonus. A closing spread inviting readers to design their own Chasma knights encourages them to stretch their creative muscles.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)