Cat Dad, King of the Goblins

Gr 2–5—This delightful graphic novel is filled with unconventional characters. There's Luey, 10, who wants to be Indiana Jones when she grows up; her best friend, Phil, a frog, who's the same age she is; and Luey's little sister, Miri, who likes plasticine and shrinky dinks. The sisters' mother, who can do incredible yoga moves, has used her magical powers to turn their dad into a cat. Luey, Phil, and Miri set out to the goblin kingdom to rescue the girls' father, who has been made King of the Goblins by the feline-worshipping creatures. They navigate the goblin colony with skill and determination. Readers will enjoy the witty dialogue and the funny crew of adventurers, despite the sometimes convoluted story line. Wilson's incredible Technicolor art and dynamic drawings will enchant kids. The work's anatomy of a goblin section is a hilarious bonus. A highly recommended purchase for collections in need of graphic novels with diverse characters for the younger set.—Lisa Gieskes, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC