Imagine being in school, tasked with a group project of
creating a graphic novel. Everyone has a
job and because your father is a talented artist, you automatically get the job
of drawing every panel in your graphic novel.
The problem? You can’t draw a
thing to save your life!
This is the dilemma that Ethan Rylance is in. So imagine his surprise when he discovers a
funny little blob of ink that seems to be alive and has a mind of it’s own. He
learns, he eats ink, he can hear, and communicate! His name is Inkling! Inkling agrees to help Ethan with his group
project by drawing the panels and even agrees to teach him how to draw. But when a profit-hungry publishing company
looking for the next best seller discovers Inkling, they steal him with the
intention of using him to create a new graphic novel series. What will Ethan do and how will he be able to
rescue his little friend?
Great themes of friendship and family are interwoven with
the creative storyline. Ethan struggles with
the responsibility of helping take care of his little sister, who has Down
syndrome, and coping with the loss of his mother. Inkling seems to be the relief that Ethan
needs in his life, which is why their bond is so strong. I loved that Ethan cared for Inkling, feeding
him novels like The BFG, The Old Man and
the Sea and Anne of Green Gables,
so that Inkling could learn and become intelligent. And I loved that Inkling cared for Ethan by
being a sounding board when Ethan had worries on his mind.
Inkling by Kenneth Oppel is one of the most imaginative
books I’ve read in a long time! It will
be a treat for middle grade readers age 8-12!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to
read this E-ARC!
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