I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young girl raised on a snowy island by a protective father must venture out in search of him after he goes missing, and discovers a forest of spirits and wolves in author Agnes Domergue’s graphic novel and fairy tale novel, “Between Snow and Wolf”. 

The Synopsis

What secret is hidden in the heart of the forest? Lila lives with her father on a snowy island. From a young age, he has protected her from a curse and a demon. One day when he is away for a longer period of time, Lila imagines him already a prisoner and decides to go looking for him. She then discovers a forest asleep under the snow, populated by enigmatic spirits and a white wolf.

Inspired by classic Japanese fairy tales, BETWEEN SNOW AND WOLF is a tale for young girls who seem to grow up too fast (in the eyes of their parents). Braving the world and facing your fears are lessons that never grow old. Mixing humor and drama in a lushly illustrated presentation, this book embraces the influence of Hayao Miyazaki, not just in its “kawaii” cute character design, but in the magical settings the character finds herself in.

Written by Agnes Domergue, a professional musician well known for her published volumes of haiku, this book has the lyrical qualities of a poem.

The Review

This was such an inspiring and heartfelt read. The Japanese mythology and artwork that was infused into this narrative were so amazing to read, as was the character growth and their interactions with one another. The characterization of each animal and the main characters was absolutely perfect, and I loved how even nature and the environment around us came alive and become their own characters, highlighting the importance of nature in our world.

What stood out to me was the theme of this narrative, as well as the stunning artwork. The vibrancy of the colors in this art, showcasing the stark contrast between the cold of winter and the warmth of spring, was so beautifully felt here. The theme of children eventually moving on into the world on their own, facing their fears, and discovering who they are and their place in the world was so creatively explored and melded the graphic novel and children’s book genres together so seamlessly. 

The Verdict

A stunning, engaging, and breathtaking read, author Agnes Domergue’s “Between Snow and Wolf” is an absolutely incredible and must-read graphic novel and children’s story. A wonderful balance of iconic Japanese folklore, original character growth, and emotional storytelling make this the perfect winter read leading into the new year. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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