Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this gentle graphic novel debut, Godwin spins a sweet tale of learning to embrace one's true self. Sy and Nick--an anthropomorphic cat and rabbit, respectively--are preparing to start fifth grade at New Leaf Elementary. Sy is a consummate prankster and Nick prides himself on his book smarts, and while the two have never met, a series of gaffes and misunderstandings lead their classmates to believe that Nick is Mr. Funny Guy and Sy is a genius, turning their worlds upside down. Nick and Sy soon come together and strike an accord to protect their reputations: Nick will coach Sy on the art of academics, and Sy will teach Nick the logic of comedy. Upon befriending squirrel classmate Violet, who harbors her own secret skill for drawing comics, the trio form a supportive bond that encourages them to share their hidden talents with the school. The kids' world bursts with vibrant color that brings the characters and their surroundings to life with dynamic, youthful exuberance. Playful banter and touching moments of self-discovery showcase the challenges of navigating adolescence--and the importance of having a friend to do it with. Ages 7--11. Agent: Lori Steel, SteelWorks Literary. (Jan.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Brainiac and class clown newbies struggle to define themselves. Sy, a bespectacled, wisecracking blue kitty, is apprehensive about starting a new school midway through the year. So is Nick, a scholarly pink bunny with a huge vocabulary. Both make disastrous errors in their separate fifth grade classroom debuts, both are skeptical when their parents offer reassurance, and both fear not being recognized for their gifts. When Sy spouts off a scientific fact in class, he's branded an intellectual; after Nick relates a funny anecdote, his classmates assume he's a joker. Sy and Nick panic and attempt to live up to the labels they've been saddled with, in the hopes of making new friends. Godwin deftly explores the weight of expectations and the power of teamwork as Sy and Nick finally meet and decide to secretly help each other out. But Operation: Cover-Up proves difficult--especially when the annual talent show rolls around. Featuring a lively, nonstop narrative arc and precise pastel cartoon art, this humorous graphic novel conveys complex truths about loyalty, identity, and honesty. Godwin employs a split screen--style format early on as Sy and Nick embark on parallel storylines that eventually converge--an inspired way to introduce the protagonists and to help readers realize that everyone, no matter how outwardly confident, feels self-doubt and uncertainty. Hilarious, perceptive, and thoughtful--just like its protagonists.(Graphic fiction. 7-11) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
