Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Ofride

Heidi:  A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden, illustrations by Ofride

Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   160 pages
Publishing:  March 11th, 2025
Source:  Edelweiss+

Summary from Publisher:  

When young Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in a small shepherd’s hut in the Swiss Alps, everyone expects him to turn her away. He has a bad reputation: mean, growly, and harsh as the cold mountain winds. But Heidi is quick to take on any challenge, whether it’s keeping an eye on the rebellious goats, learning to read, or melting Grandfather’s icy heart.
 
Heidi’s adventures take her up and down her beloved mountain, from picnics in the high alpine meadows all the way to the distant streets of Frankfurt and a city life she could never have imagined. But when homesickness strikes, Heidi must weigh old friendships with new ones and find her place in an expanding world.
 
Given new life as a graphic novel in artist Ofride’s warm, folk art–inspired style, Heidi celebrates the joy of storytelling, the wonders of nature, and the healing power of kindness.

My Review:     The artwork in Heidi is absolutely stunning.  The illustrations feature bright pastel hues, with lovely shades of blue and green for the sky, leaves and grass.  The Swiss Alps are depicted so perfectly, rising majestically across the pages with wildflowers scattered along the mountainside and fun pages of Peter herding the goats.   It evokes memories of watching The Sound of Music, particularly the iconic scene where Maria is twirling in the meadow. 

Key scenes from the original classic are present, like Aunt Dete bringing Heidi to live with her grandfather in the Alps, his initial awkwardness and gruffness with her being left with him and how they gradually soften and warm up to one another.  The illustrations beautifully depict rural life, the changing seasons, and the contrast between Heidi's time in the mountains versus living in the city with Clara.           

Included within the book is a bibliography of Johanna Spyri, a photograph of the original cover of the German edition of Heidi's Lehr-Und Wanderjahre (Heidi's Year of Wandering and Learning).  There's a map of Switzerland, helpful information about Swiss folklore, crafts, and celebrations as well as descriptions of the plants and animals found in the Alps.  There's even a list of the various adaptations that have been made of the classic book, to include games and movies.  Such a wonderful story and I can't wait to purchase my own copy.   

 Other graphic novel adaptions by Mariah Marsden include The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables.  I'm looking forward to reading these as well very soon.

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE   

Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

Publisher:  Charlesbridge Moves
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   256 pages
Publishing:   February 18th, 2025
Source:  Blue Slip Media

Opening Line: "Anybody can forget to wear shoes at school."

From a young age, Angus could quote Shakespeare and now even dreams about producing a Werewolf Hamlet play for his fifth-grade legacy project.  But lately, he's been most concerned about his older brother, Liam and all the changes that he has been going through.  Liam has been sneaking out at night, snapping at Angus for no reason, and becoming increasingly more difficult to interact with.  In addition, Liam and his parents are frequently arguing.  Their family has been facing financial difficulties lately too, leading to considerable tension regarding the next steps. His older sister, Hannah, is feeling frustrated and is considering moving to Maine, while their younger sister hasn't fully grasped the gravity of the situation.

Angus believes that if he can persuade Liam to come to his play, he will have the opportunity to show him how much he's changed and maybe he'll even be able to get his older brother back.  Angus is a genuinely kind and caring boy who just wants his brother to be the one he knew.  The one who taught him everything he knows about Houdini and how to make a superb Shakespeare insult.  I certainly felt a lot of sympathy for how Angus was feeling. 

Each chapter highlights a little conversation between Liam and Angus, it's a nice way of highlighting the closeness that they once shared.    Along the way, Angus enlists the help of some of his fellow classmates.  I quite enjoyed Conner, the new boy at school who desperately missed living in Alabama and who keeps saying that they're going to be going back real soon.  This is a story about ultimately coming to the realization that we can't truly "fix" someone else.  That sometimes we need to listen and hope that someone can find their own way back.

** A huge thank you to Blue Slip Media for the E- ARC in exchange for an honest review**  

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE