Yorick and Bones

May 1, 2020

Gr 4-6-Alas, poor Yorick! He's been buried in the ground for hundreds of years. When his skeleton form is awoken and unearthed, there's just one thing he wants-a friend. But Bones, the tiny dog who dug him up, would love nothing more than to chew on Yorick's leg. The jester's increasingly amusing attempts to make friends are hindered by his skeletal form. Yorick views Bones first as a nuisance, then as a potential strategy to make friends, then, of course, as the companion he's been searching for. This winning tale from father-daughter duo Jeremy (Grumpy Bird) and Hermione Tankard features clever dialogue, often done in iambic meter, and illustrations that rely on striking linework and primary colors. Yorick's expressive body language drives home the emotions behind the text. Educators introducing students to Shakespeare will especially appreciate this tale. (References abound, such as, "'Tis sure that if you prick me, I do not bleed!") Kids who have an interest in the Bard will definitely love this, but it will also please readers who want a sweet and funny friendship tale. VERDICT This satisfying Shakespearean story of an unlikely friendship is a worthwhile purchase, especially for school libraries.-Gretchen Hardin, Bee Cave Public Library, TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2020
A skeleton yearns to find a friend. In this middle-grade graphic novel by a father-daughter duo, an interred skeleton awakens after an unnamed magical item lands near its resting place, leaching power into the ground. Speaking in appropriately Shakespearean language, Yorick proclaims: "Alack, there is but one thing I desire. / A friend." Shortly thereafter, the skeleton is exhumed by an adorable gray dog who wants to nibble his tibia (to which Yorick protests, "Oh biteth not me so, thou foul beast!"). Yorick attempts to shoo the dog away but reconsiders, hoping its canine cuteness will help win him some friends. After a handful of bumbling, failed attempts send humans running away screaming, Yorick gives up. But Bones the dog wordlessly (though not always silently) shows the loquacious skeleton that a real friend is closer than he may have realized. Told in a three-act structure, the Tankards' debut collaboration is a delightfully quirky and lively introduction to Shakespearean conventions and iambic pentameter. Pairing the Elizabethan-era vernacular with visuals works well, and once they become accustomed to the syntax, those unfamiliar with the Bard will be able to enjoy this tale of seeking acceptance and friendship. Jeremy Tankard's full-color panels blaze vibrantly, defined with heavy black outlines that give this an easily recognizable panache. The few humans that Yorick and Bones encounter present with a range of skin tones. Fun, forsooth. (Graphic fantasy. 8-11)

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April 15, 2020
Grades 2-6 Recalling Hamlet, a buried skeleton is by happenstance reanimated, setting off three acts of lonely Yorick's search for companionship. After Yorick is exhumed by a small, white dog, he?blissfully unaware of his decomposed nature?enlists the adorable hound's help in finding a friend, but every potential playmate seduced by the dog flees in terror at Yorick's cluelessly cheerful entrance. It isn't until despair takes him that Yorick realizes that, in the dog?dubbed Bones?he has found all the companionship he needs. Divided into three acts, this lost graphic novel by William Shakespeare ?delivered almost exclusively through Yorick's word-bubbled, iambic pentameter monologues?mines the endless mirth found in the juxtaposition of Yorick's overwrought, Shakespearean presentation and Bones' unrivaled joy in simple tasks. Playful cartoon characterizations, stark backgrounds, simple paneling, and a focus on dialogue suit this to early readers, and while the tongue-in-cheek Shakespearean language may puzzle some youngsters, its meaning is clear in context, and the inherent humor makes for a joyous, cross-generational read-aloud. A true comedy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)