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Library | Call Number | Status |
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Searching... Independence Public Library | J JGN TORRES | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... McMinnville Public Library | Torres, J. | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Bored while visiting his grandmother for the weekend, Rufus, an ordinary ten-year-old boy, ventures into the nearby woods after he spies his young neighbour Penny heading there. A city kid, Rufus quickly loses sight of Penny, but while making his way back to Grammy's, he's drawn to an unusual object he sees hidden inside a tree: it's a totem, carved out of wood and hung on a cord. Rufus places the odd-looking thing around his neck and reads out loud the word inscribed on it: "Sasquatch." Suddenly, strange things begin happening all around him -- and to him. Rufus doesn't know what's going on, but he's sure of one thing. He'll never be ordinary again! This is the first title in the unique Bigfoot Boy graphic novel series by award-winning author J. Torres. This intriguing story about an everyday kid who unexpectedly finds himself with a special power will have young readers hooked from the start. The artwork by Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks keeps the action moving at a fast pace. With talking animals, likable characters and a plot steeped in magic and mystery, this compelling tale told in pictures and snappy dialogue will be a popular choice for newly independent readers, with particular appeal to reluctant readers. Inspired by the mythologies of the Pacific Northwest, it could also work in the classroom as an introduction to folklore and mythology. AGES: 7-10 AUTHOR: J. Torres won the Shuster Award for Outstanding Writer for his work on 'Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight', 'Love as a Foreign Language' and 'Teen Titans Go'. He is also the writer of the Eisner Award nominated 'Alison Dare' and the YALSA listed 'Days Like This' and 'Lola: A Ghost Story'. Other comic book credits include 'Avatar: The Last Airbender', 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold', 'Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century', 'Ninja Scroll', 'Wonder Girl', 'Wonder Woman', and 'WALL-E: Recharge'.
Author Notes
J. Torres is an award-winning writer whose other graphic novels include Alison Dare, Jinx, and Power Lunch. J. lives in Whitby, Ontario.
Faith Erin Hicks draws and writes comics in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her works include The War at Ellesmere, Brain Camp, and Friends with Boys.
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-Into the Woods mixes fantasy and a touch of suspense. Ten-year-old Rufus is off to stay with his grandma for a few days. Since her house backs up to a massive forest, he decides to explore and comes across an unfriendly neighbor, Penny, and a magical wooden necklace that allows him to morph into a Sasquatch. A pack of wolves, fearing a shift in the woodland balance of power, is determined to get the necklace back, and use Penny as bait. But Rufus uses his Sasquatch power to save the day-and his necklace-setting the stage for more adventures to come. The plot is easy to follow, but also fairly predictable and doesn't offer much in the way of surprises. The rich, expressive full-color artwork shines, adding humor and ably carrying the story. The book might not leave a lasting impression on every reader, but it will have its fans.-Travis Jonker, Wayland Union Schools, MI (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In the first book in the Bigfoot Boy series, 10-year-old Rufus resigns himself to a boring weekend with his grandmother out in the sticks; instead he finds adventure, magic, and friendship. His chance discovery of a fabled totem in the forest leaves him with the ability to become a sasquatch, guardian of the woods. It also makes him and his new friend Penny targets for those who covet the totem's power. When Penny vanishes, Rufus uses his newfound power to brave the unfamiliar forest and the hidden enemies it contains. Hicks's art is as clean and skillful, as one would expect from her "Friends with Boys" and "Demonology 101" Web comics. Fellow Canadian Torres provides a straightforward adventure that introduces a few problematic elements. Although Penny, a First Nations girl, is profoundly connected to her forest home and a capable woodsman in her own right, she is relegated to sidekick territory while Caucasian outsider Rufus finds the totem and saves the day. Talking animals and an emphasis on humor should broaden the appeal of this fantasy story, but Penny's helplessness in contrast to Rufus's agency is discouraging. Ages 7-10. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
In this funny graphic novel, first in an anticipated series, ten-year-old Rufus stumbles upon an ancient totem that turns him into Bigfoot. A snarky new friend named Penny, a trusty squirrel advisor, and talking wolves that desperately want the totem for themselves round out the lively cast. The book ultimately lacks a clear climax, but Hicks's dynamic art in a deep-woodsy palette maintains the action. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Mom said there was magic in the woodsshe probably didn't mean anything like this. Ten-year-old city boy Rufus is staying at his grandmother's house on the edge of a forest for a few days without his parents. Grammy's idea of fun is prune juice and soap operas, so Rufus decides to explore the woods. He meets a girl named Penny, but she's as friendly as a rock. Her older sister, Aurora, tells Rufus Penny's friendlier than she seems, so he doesn't give up on her. When looking for her in the woods, Rufus finds a glowing necklace in a tree. After reading the word on the back, he turns into Bigfoot! Not only is he big, red and hairy, but he can also talk to animals. Sidney the flying squirrel helps him get home. There's danger in the forest as well as magic, and when Penny disappears, Rufus (and Sidney) use the totem to effect a rescue. Canadian author Torres' first in a new series of graphic novels has magic, humor and just a hint of menace. Easy-reading text, all in speech bubbles, will appeal to a wide range of readers. Hicks' bright and glossy cinematic panels are full of action; readers will almost smell the green of the trees. This one gets everything just right. Be prepared for young Sasquatch fans roaring for more. (Graphic fantasy. 6-11)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
What young boy, or girl, for that matter, hasn't dreamed of being bigger, stronger, and more powerful? When Rufus repeats the incantation on the back of a strange totem he finds in the woods, that's exactly what happens: he turns into Bigfoot Boy huge, hairy, and able to talk to the animals in the forest. When several wolves try to blackmail Rufus into giving them the totem by kidnapping his friend Penny, Rufus must use his new powers to save her. Torres delivers believable characters and a plausible setting and backstory that make Rufus' transformation into Bigfoot Boy easy to embrace. Hicks' expressive artwork is one of the book's strengths, her strong black lines never obscuring the emotions shown on the characters' faces. A solid introduction to a new adventure series, and young readers will clamor for a second volume.--Volin, Eva Copyright 2010 Booklist