Written and Illustrated by Caitlyn Rose Boyle
Published by Oni Press
Frankie and the Creepy Cute Critters is a kids’ graphic novel by Caitlyn Rose Boyle that’s surprisingly sneaky all around.
At first glance, it’s a funny story about a creepy little fairy girl, similar in art style and tone to a hundred or more children’s books and graphic novels over the years.
But it’s actually an educational book about nature and animals and how kids can safely study and learn about them.
And it’s about how fear is a terrible thing but knowledge can help to defeat fear every time.
But at its core, it’s about being a new kid in a new school and not fitting in, something so many kids can relate to on a personal basis.
Like I said, it’s sneaky. I’m genuinely impressed that Ms. Boyle has been able to incorporate all of this into just about 40 pages without having the different concepts trip over each other. By the time I realized it was supposed to be educational, I was already learning things about bats and opossums. I learned more about them from Frankie than I ever did from Bruce Wayne or Pogo!
The art seems computer-drawn with thick lines and flat color but, as I said, it’s a style kids love today—simple and direct. What the artist does with it is impressive, though, instilling a wonderful range of emotions on Frankie’s face throughout, and even on the faces of some of the animals.
If I were a teacher, I would cherish having this book in my classroom. I’d want dozens more like it. Being entertaining for kids and still teaching them something has always been a tricky tightrope to walk. Frankie and the Creepy Cute Critters shows that Caitlyn Rose Boyle can walk it with the skill and flair of a literary Wallenda.
Booksteve recommends.
