Norroway Book 1: The Black Bull of Norroway

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -- GR 7 UP This first installment of a reimagined classic Scottish fairy tale opens as young Sibylla and her two sisters race through the forest to have their fortunes told by the witch woman. While her sisters want to learn about their future husbands, Sibylla is more interested in adventure. She begrudgingly inquires after her marital prospects only to discover that she is intended as the Black Bull of Norroway's betrothed. Blunt Sibylla's lack of patience for mysterious riddles results in humor as she faces strange trials. Mimicking the convoluted voyage of Sibylla and her bull, the progression of the art panels is somewhat confusing, with jarring transitions that make it difficult to follow the plot at times. Although audiences must read carefully, the panels are beautifully illustrated with rich, sweeping details and magical elements. There are exciting moments where the illustrations are more telling than the dialogue and hint at events to come. A gripping cliff-hanger will have readers excited to pick up the next volume. VERDICT Recommended for graphic novel collections where stories of fantasy and adventure are popular.

"Cat and Kit Seaton have created a story and characters so breathtaking that I think of this book almost every day...I am smitten." --Leila del Duca, Afar, Shutter, Sleepless

"Beautifully drawn and wonderfully told, Norroway is a marvelous re-imagining of the classic myth." ?Johnnie Christmas, Angel Catbird, Firebug