Winnie-the-Pooh

March 15, 2024
No public-domain tomfoolery here; this adaptation is an act of love. An innocent, shirtless bear wanders through a forest. His blank, dot-eyed face is as aimless as his gait, although he is not without purpose: the location and consumption of honey. Woodland friends Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and Rabbit all have encounters with this silly bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, often to lend each other a hand in friendship or in pursuit of a Woozle or Heffalump. The mixture of personalities balances the sugar-sweetness of the genteel adventures, from the morose Eeyore to the verbose Owl. Rabbit has mean intentions for Kanga and her baby Roo, but they never escalate beyond playful mischief. Christopher Robin, who's drawn with paper-white skin, is the comparably capable human who cheerfully gets along with the many anthropomorphic animals. Dandro's black-and-white artwork skillfully renders the forests, fields, and streams of the outdoor setting while amplifying the playful dialogue with precisely timed pauses. The inventive use of layouts and paneling makes this an adept adaptation of Milne's text to the graphic format. That silly old bear has learned some new tricks, and they may inspire a new generation of readers to discover the delights of Milne and Ernest H. Shepard's original volumes. Pull this out whenever you or someone nearby could use some joy and clever comics. (Graphic fiction. 7-10)

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Starred review from May 1, 2024

Gr 1-4-The sweet, round, honey-loving bear that is familiar to many is rendered in this new graphic novel set in the Hundred Acre Wood. All the favorite characters, including Christopher Robin, Rabbit, and Piglet, have come to life in gorgeous and detailed black-and-white drawings. The classic stories and adventures featuring Winnie-the-Pooh are here for a new generation to read as this slow-paced bear goes on his never-ending quest for more honey. Dandro wonderfully produces a style that mimics the feel and mood of the source material. He uses pen and ink to draw an almost sketchy style with exquisite shading and simple-looking features that effortlessly convey emotion. The coziness of Rabbit's home and the bluster of the woods are felt rather than seen with this technique. Dandro uses a variety of panels to tell his story visually, from full-page spreads to tall panels to smaller, more traditional panels. The variety is eye-catching and pleasing yet still simple enough that it flows well for even the youngest reader. VERDICT A cottagecore graphic novel for all ages that is sure to please during story time or while young readers choose to explore the Hundred Acre Wood on their own.-Mariela Siegert

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