The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue

Gr 3-6–Dr. Baer revels in keeping relics with mystic or monstrous capabilities in the confines of his home. When two bumbling adventurers accidentally release all his artifacts into the wild, it’s up to Dr. Baer to save the day, and more importantly, to finally help the creatures that he was unintentionally imprisoning. With this graphic novel, Drozd pulls off a magic trick not seen since Jeff Smith’s “Bone” series, as both are filled with rich lore yet remain accessible to young readers. The book is terrifying at times but kid-friendly overall, modern and topical yet timeless, deeply moving and impactful while also lighthearted. The artwork feels just as iconic and enduring. Vivid detail makes the grotesque monsters come to the life, while a watered-down color palette makes the creatures vulnerable, matching the tone of the piece.