The Bawk-Ness Monster by Sara Goetter and Natalie Riess
Reviewed By: Alice Mitchell, Youth Services Manager
Genre: Fantasy (graphic novel)
Suggested Age: Kids (7-12)
What is This Book About? A year ago, the Bawk-ness Monster saved Penny from drowning. She desperately wants to thank “Bessie” now that she’s moving away and enlists the help of her friends K and Luc. They put Operation: Find Bessie into action by convincing Penny’s mom to have a last hurrah camping trip at Lake Bockamixon. Their plans are thwarted by an evil cryptid collector who wants to kidnap Bessie and sell her to the highest bidder. Suddenly the friends are roped into a rescue mission of epic proportions!
My Review: I laughed out loud multiple times during this cryptid caper. It’s always nice to see an inclusive cast of characters, especially since they all have their own personalities. Penny is immensely sweet, and K’s passion for cryptids is only matched by Luc’s needs to prepare for every possible situation. Put them together with a menagerie of cryptids, a protective mom, and a ridiculous villain, and you have a recipe for some of the best one-liners I’ve ever read. Who would have expected that Bigtaur would know how to drive a submarine and scuba?? I certainly didn’t. This graphic novel with cartoon-like illustrations is definitely worth a read.
Three Words that Describe this Book: hilarious, inclusive, adventure
Give This A Try if You Like… My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Yee, Phoebe and her Unicorn by Dana Simpson, Investigators by John Patrick Green
Rating: 5/5
