BOOKS

Home Time: Under the River

by Campbell WHYTE
illus. by Campbell Whyte. 228p. Top Shelf Comics. Aug. 2017. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9781603094122.
COPY ISBN
Gr 6 Up—On their way home on the last day of eighth grade, twins David and Lilly discuss their big plans for the summer (December in Australia). Yet when they fall into a river and land in another world along with a rogues' gallery of friends, adventures (and witty banter) await. The young humans are understood to be spirits, treated as special guests and emissaries, and generally exposed to the strange "peach" culture they've accidentally stumbled upon. Whyte employs different illustration styles. While the artwork is beautiful, the story is incredibly lengthy and may not suit reluctant readers used to more accessible graphic narratives. Standout panels include the layout of a magic tree house, handwritten diary entries, and detailed pictures of the flora and fauna in the new realm.
VERDICT With an interesting narrative and age-appropriate characters, this title has plenty to offer patient readers. A strong additional purchase for middle and upper school libraries.
Reviewed by Erinn Black Salge, Morristown-Beard School, NJ , Dec 01, 2017

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