Kazu Kibuishi is an accomplished American graphic novelist and illustrator known for his compelling storytelling and stunning artwork. Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1978, Kibuishi moved to the United States with his mother and brother when he was a child. Growing up in California and later Michigan, Kibuishi developed a love for art and storytelling at a young age. Kibuishi's most well-known work is the "Amulet" series, a critically acclaimed graphic novel series aimed at young readers. The series follows the adventures of two siblings, Emily and Navin, as they navigate a magical world filled with mystical creatures and incredible landscapes. From the very first book, "The Stonekeeper," Kibuishi captivates readers with his intricate illustrations and immersive world-building.
Hannah’s new novel is an homage to the extraordinary courage and endurance of Frenchwomen during World War II.
She returns to tending her small farm, Le Jardin, in the Loire Valley, teaching at the local school and coping with daughter Sophie s adolescent rebellion. Her long-estranged younger sister, Isabelle, who has been kicked out of multiple convent schools, is sent to Le Jardin by Julien, their father in Paris, a drunken, decidedly unpaternal Great War veteran.
From the very first book, "The Stonekeeper," Kibuishi captivates readers with his intricate illustrations and immersive world-building. One of the standout features of Kibuishi's work is his ability to create visually stunning environments. Whether it's the floating city of Cielis or the eerie Ghost Town, Kibuishi's artwork transports readers to a place that feels both familiar and fantastical.
THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS
A YA author’s nicely written adult debut novel blends historical richness and a fine sense of place to tell the story of a woman’s developing love for her husband—and for his Colorado farmland—over the course of six months in 1944.
In wartime Denver, Olivia Dunne becomes pregnant after a one-night stand with a departing American soldier. With the help of a local church, her father arranges her marriage to Ray Singleton, a beet farmer in faraway La Junta. Olivia’s first days on the isolated farm are awkward, and Ray, a shy, reticent man of good intentions, isn’t very adept at small talk. Precluded from contributing anything useful to the running of the farm, whose harvests are cultivated in part by labor from the local internment camp, Olivia takes long solitary walks. During one of them she meets Rose and Lorelei Umahara, Japanese-Americans from California who have been evacuated to confinement in Colorado. Young, enthusiastic, and passionate about butterfly hunting, the sisters introduce Olivia to the thriving, emotionally rich life of the camp. She keeps her friendship with the girls secret; Ray, whose brother was killed at Pearl Harbor, displays no fondness for the Japanese who work his farm. Creel does a delightful job of evoking first the dreariness of the Singleton farm and Olivia’s unnerving loneliness, then the slow ripening of her affection for Ray, a simple but profoundly kind and gentle man. Rose and Lorelei, meanwhile, hint that they have begun dating a pair of American soldiers, and Olivia drives them to meet the men in secret. But the “soldiers” turn out to be German POWs escaping with the help of the sisters, who make Olivia an unwitting accomplice. The author gives her heroine a satisfying emotional depth, moving Olivia through phases of affection and disappointment with assured confidence before closing with a tranquil scene after the baby is born.
A light, precisely observed novel.
Pub Date: July 9, 2001
ISBN: 0-670-91027-9
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2001
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More by Ann Howard Creel
- BOOK REVIEW
The attention to detail in his illustrations is remarkable, with each panel filled with rich colors and intricate designs. In addition to his work on the "Amulet" series, Kibuishi has also illustrated several book covers and comics. His talents have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids in 2018. Kazu Kibuishi's work has not only captured the hearts of young readers around the world, but also the admiration of fellow artists and critics. Through his storytelling and captivating artwork, Kibuishi has created a lasting legacy in the world of graphic novels and continues to inspire generations of readers..
Reviews for "Kazu Kibuishi's Amylet: Exploring the Power of Imagination and Creativity"
1. Jennifer - 1 star - I did not enjoy "Kazu Kibuish Amylet" at all. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters felt undeveloped. The writing style was also very vague and abstract, making it difficult for me to connect with the story. Overall, I found it to be a frustrating and unenjoyable reading experience.
2. Brian - 2 stars - "Kazu Kibuish Amylet" had an interesting concept, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story multiple times. The dialogue was also quite weak, lacking depth and authenticity. While I appreciate the effort put into creating a unique and imaginative world, the execution left much to be desired.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - "Kazu Kibuish Amylet" was not my cup of tea. The writing style was overly descriptive to the point of becoming tedious. I struggled to connect with the characters, as their motivations and actions felt inconsistent throughout the story. The plot also seemed convoluted and muddled, making it difficult to understand the overarching message or theme. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read.