Graphic Novel Review – The Secret of the Stone Frog by David Nytra (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Children’s
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Size: 80 pages
Publisher: Toon Books
Release Date: September 11, 2012
ISBN: 978-1935179184
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

I was browsing through the graphic novels at my library and saw this little book. It was a very cute read. The story reminded me a bit of some children’s Japanese films I’ve seen (for example Spirited Away). I enjoyed the story and the illustration. It’s appropriate for all ages.

Leah and Alan wake up in an enchanted forest. They have no idea how to get home until a Stone Frog tells them that the path home is behind him. From there Leah and Alan go on a series of adventures on their way through strange lands. Will they ever make it home?

This is a well done fantasy graphic novel for children. The story is fairly simple as is the illustration of the characters. However, the backgrounds are incredibly detailed and beautifully drawn. This was a fun and quick read and I enjoyed it.

This book feels like a classic and in a way a it is reminiscent of one. You basically have two kids who are whisked away to an enchanted land and they have to struggle through a series of trials to make their way home. However, the book is unique because of the illustration and because it has a very Japanese feel to it. There are giant toads, people with huge heads, and structures that turn into animals…the whole thing reminded me a lot of a Hayao Miyazaki movie.

The illustration is absolutely stunning. Leah and Alan are illustrated in a way that is simple, yet conveys their actions and emotions well. The background and lands they travel through are incredibly intricate and just stunning. Everything is in black and white and that fits the story really well.

This is another graphic novel that I think kids and adults will both enjoy. The story is very short and straight-forward so adults will breeze through this quickly. However, the wonder and inventiveness of the surroundings will appeal to everyone.

Overall an excellent graphic novel for all ages. I enjoyed the story and the crazy lands these kids journey through. I loved the way the graphic novel was illustrated. The story is very short and simple, but I think adults will enjoy it anyway Definitely recommended to fans of fantasy graphic novels.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge