A new picture book from the author who brought us wonderful fantasy books like the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows books. Leigh Bardugo is arguably one of the best, and best known, fantasy writers working today. Her books are written mostly for young adult readers, but she also has some adult books, and now, with The Invisible Parade, a picture book!
John Picacio is an award-winning artist who specializes in science fiction, fantasy and horror art. Together, he and Bardugo have created a delicious picture book around the theme of Dia de los Muertos. Main character Cala has recently lost her grandfather and is not at all interested in helping her family prepare for the coming Dia de los Muertos. She goes along with the celebration, but is in no way part of the fun or meaning of the holiday. She gets separated from her family in the cemetery and meets four mysterious riders who help her find her true self again.
It's a picture book, so it isn't very long. Bardugo is more than capable of creating a wonderful Dia de los Muertos story, which was the reason this book was added to the school library collection. But Picacio's artwork is the superstar here! The art is dark, and dreamy, and smooth, and moody...it is wonderful, and fits the story perfectly! In fact, the artwork makes this book amazing! As soon as I finished it, I started over again, so that I could really take in the art and how it creates the perfect mood for the writing and overall tale.
A picture book may not be what you want to add to your personal book collection, being that you are probably in your teens by now, or close to it (or maybe just past it!), but go find this book at your library, check it out and take it home. One time through is not enough to appreciate what this book is...give it several read throughs, and give the artwork time to take your imagination on the wonderful journey that awaits you here! 5 paws!
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