My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Yee
Reviewed By: Alice Mitchell, Youth Services Manager
Genre: Action/fantasy (graphic novel)
Suggested Age: Kids (7-12)
What is This Book About? Safia dreams about the kind of adventure she reads about in her audiobooks, but her own turns out to be different than she imagined. After a devastating fire, Safia is sent to live with her mysterious Aunt Whimsy, the World’s Greatest Adventurer (retired) and former editor of the magazine Observations of the Strange and Wondrous. When Whimsy’s arch rival, Expert of Extremely Lost Things, Professor Doctor Cecilia Choi, declares their intentions to explore an ancient kingdom in the Remote Reaches of Beyul, Whimsy is both furious and worried. She sets out to warn them about the dangers of exploring this lost kingdom – the very same kingdom that transformed Whimsy into a monster – and takes Safia along with her.
My Review: Yee has created a delightfully playful and over-the-top adventure story grounded in the emotional depth of its characters. Excerpts from Observations at the beginning of the book highlight wonders like a man with a long and strong mustache and the tap-dancing flamingos of Lake Ohboyitshot, which tell the reader immediately how fun this book will be. Safia immediately stole my heart with her excitement, wonder, and optimism. I loved the ways Whimsy does her best to make Safia feel at home, despite Whimsy not being familiar with how to be a parent. This book also shines in its portrayal of a blind character – Safia is not lacking in opportunities or adventures at all. Her assistive technology and cane are included throughout, and I especially liked seeing her explore a museum exhibit with a Braille brochure and headphones.
Three Words that Describe this Book: adventurous, funky, whimsical
Give This A Try if You Like… Indiana Jones, Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag, Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley
Rating: 4/5
