Petwizards

Finch Eaglehawk is not an average middle school kid: he's a PetWizard, someone able to control certain species of animals. However, while others in his family have been able to control majestic creatures like sharks or dogs, Finch is only able to control oddball creatures falling under the category "etcetera," such as tarantulas, naked mole rats, and bearded dragons. When an opportunity arises to assist in the upcoming school play by using his special skills, he quickly jumps at the chance (despite not being certain he can actually deliver on his promise) to impress the star of the show: his crush, Ken Chu. With his faithful assistant and best friend, Aberdeen, and new kid Erica by his side, Finch attempts to push his limits in time for the big show, while throwing in the occasional glam rock ballad and animal fact for good measure. With absurd, offbeat humor and bold, psychedelically colored artwork that perfectly matches the off-the-wall high jinks, Scroggs' laugh-packed middle school story nicely balances the humor with a believable array of emotions to drive the story forward.

Scroggs (We Found a Monster) calls on animal lovers and musical theater aficionados in this inviting graphic novel series launch about a tween who can control animals. Finch Eaglehawk is more than just an exuberant thespian with a penchant for Bowie-esque escapades. He is also secretly a PetWizard, one with the ability to control, as he says, the "etcetera" creatures of the animal kingdom (think creepy-crawlies, not adorable puppies). Yearning to hone his powers, Finch, along with his best friend Aberdeen and mysterious new student Erica, set out on a rip-roaring quest to translate an ancient PetMaster manual, which is written in hamsterglyphics. Along the way, Finch embarks on his most nerve-wracking endeavor of all: impressing his crush, the leading man of the school musical. The illustration's Day-Glo aesthetics and exaggerated character designs combine to deliver an atypical superhero yarn. Bizarre yet relatable characters, off-putting yet cute critters, and familiar messages about identity, fitting in, and being oneself ferried via uplifting storytelling make for a goofy adventure. Erica has brown skin and black hair; Finch and Aberdeen read as white. Ages 8--12. (Aug.)