The Whisperwicks
And a Little Library that's for the dogs!
It's been a while since I reviewed a new book, but 2024's The Whisperwicks by British literary agent and first-time author Jordan Lees jumped out at me last week.
You won't be surprised to learn that, once again, it was the cover that enticed me to give it a closer look. I was mesmerized by how the intricately drawn artwork drew my eye one layer at a time into its mysterious glowing center. The cover artist is Isobelle Ouzman. Her work was new to me, so I googled and learned that besides being an illustrator, she is also an incredible paper artist and creates wonderfully unique 3-dimensional pieces called "Altered Books." What is an Altered Book? Click on the photo below to go to her website and learn more. You'll be astonished at the level of her craftsmanship!
Equally accomplished is the cover design by art director Lizzy Bromley. Not everything is jumping out at you, vying for attention. There is a solid visual hierarchy. The raised silver lettering for the title and subhead is as classy as it is functional and works with the composition to lead the eye to that strange figure in the center. The author and illustrator's names are smartly set in purple, picked up from the artwork, causing them to recede so you read them last. Shoot, man, I dig everything about the book design, even the fore-edge being painted purple. It all worked together to separate me from my money, which, as those who know me will tell you, is not an easy task.
Now to the contents! I'm happy to report that I enjoyed the book as much as I did the cover. It has all the elements I love: Libraries, labyrinths, monsters, and portals into other worlds. Lees is equally adept at creating compelling characters as he is at world-building. One clever way the author built his fantasy world was by beginning each chapter with a quote from A Brief History of Wreathenworld. This story device serves to orient the reader, hint at what's coming, and, most importantly, move the story along.
Even though this is just Book 1 of 3, it tells a complete, satisfying story with real heart. A question raised in the book that especially resonated with me is, "Can everything broken be fixed?" Benjamiah and Elizabella have different answers to this question. It's fascinating to learn why as the story unfolds. I warmed to this book as I read it and, by the end, loved it. I look forward to reading Book 2 in 2025!
If you're a fan of The Lego Batman Movie, I recommend checking out this book for Vivienne To's interior art. She was the art director for that successful film, and her illustrations are breathtaking here. She is masterful at using tonal values to convey the magic and mystery of this story. (BTW, the next book of hers I want to track down is, There's A Baddie Running Through This Book, which looks similar to the classic, The Monster At The End of This Book! )
Finally, if you’ve ever been on a walk with your dog and felt just a tad guilty because your dog cannot enjoy the books you do, look what I discovered last weekend while hiking around a lake at Eagles Mere, PA!
Talk about creativity! It nearly makes you want to be a dog!
Until next time, Always Be Creating!
—Bill