Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures

From a Little Free Library in Milton MA USA.

Title: Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures
Date: 2023
Publisher: Harper Alley (HarperCollins)
Writer: Jason Pamment
Artist: Jason Pamment

Ember, a teacup-sized boy who lives alone in a city of giants, just wants to make a friend. After an attempt to leave a note in the playground of a local school goes badly, Ember meets Lua, a sea turtle who takes him away to a new life on an island with a school for creatures his size.

Making friends is still a challenge, though, and Ember is struggles to get used to life on the island with its many strange plants and animals. He is also being watched closely by a mysterious cave-creature that seems to want to learn his secrets.

I loved the worldbuilding in this, which provided a whimsical setting that di
dn't feel the need to answer every possible question. I also enjoyed the story's commitment to nonviolent resolution of conflicts while still having plenty of plot twists and drama. 

This was a feel-good fantasy story filled with delightful bits of detail everywhere.

Rating: 8.5/10

Seven Ways Through the Woods

Title: Seven Ways Through the Woods
Date: 2025
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)
Writer: Jenn Reese
Artist: Devin Elle Kurtz

Not a comic. This is a children's picture book.

Jenn Reese presents a series of adventurous kids looking for a way through the dark and mysterious woods. They each find their own way to cross, complete with Devin Elle Kurtz's absolutely gorgeous illustrations and a bit of helpful advice for each method of crossing. Don't try the crystal serpents if unless you enjoy their singing! The story ends with a bit of insight on the nature of the obstacles in our paths, and a very different seventh approach.

This was charming and delightful.

Rating: 9/10