by Vera Brosgol
First Second
5/7/2024, paperback
SKU: 9781250314857
From Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared author Vera Brosgol comes an instant classic graphic novel that flips every fairy-tale you know on its head, and shows one girl's crusade for the only thing that matters--her own independence.
Jane is incredibly plain. Everyone says so: her parents, the villagers, and her horrible cousin who kicks her out of her own house. Determined to get some semblance of independence, Jane prepares to propose to the princely Peter, who might just say yes to get away from his father. It's a good plan!
Or it would've been, if he wasn't kidnapped by a mermaid.
With her last shot at happiness lost in the deep blue sea, Jane must venture to the world underwater to rescue her maybe-fiancé. But the depths of the ocean hold beautiful mysteries and dangerous creatures. What good can a plain Jane do?
Target Age: 8 to 12
Reviews:
"This rollicking tale of an insecure girl finding her strength and breaking from tradition is another triumph for Brosgol." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
"In a story bolstered by a wonderful cast, an otherworldly setting, and poignantly accessible feelings, Brosgol once again captures magic, menace, and humanity." -- Booklist, starred review
"Complex characters, twists and turns, and beautiful artwork blend harmoniously for a perfect read that will jump-start the -imagination." -- School Library Journal, starred review
About the Author:
Vera Brosgol was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1984 and moved to the United States when she was five. Her first two graphic novels, Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared, were published by First Second, and her debut picture book Leave Me Alone! was a 2017 Caldecott Honor Book. She's also worked on storyboards for several animated films, including Coraline and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her dog Omar, a mere two hours from the sea.