Tamia and the Memories of the Dragon, Vol. 1

Gr 4-7–The newest title from Braña and Pahito is a charming adventure story about a young girl named Tamia and her father, a comics writer. Having recently lost Tamia’s mother, the two embark on a summer trip to a town called Damar, where there is no internet, and Tamia’s father can focus on writing a new book. Tamia soon finds her way into the magical side of Damar, a fantasy land where she befriends a dragon named Sosoot, who is also dealing with the recent loss of a parent. Through simple language and dialogue, this title tackles themes of loss as both father and daughter engage with this magical town and its unusual inhabitants. The book seamlessly blends a retro comic art style, similar to that of Hagar the Horrible and Popeye, with a more modern digital art style. While the illustrations for the magical world are inventive, the worldbuilding falls short in comparison. However, as an initial volume for an ongoing series, the story leaves plenty of room for growth and development. The approachable writing makes this title ideal for younger audiences, despite its underlying themes of dealing with loss, both as a child and an adult.