The Amulet picture book series is a highly popular and critically acclaimed collection of graphic novels written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi. The series follows the adventures of a young girl named Emily and her younger brother, Navin, as they discover a magical amulet and are transported to the extraordinary and dangerous world of Alledia. The main idea of the series is centered around the power of family, bravery, and the importance of never giving up. At the heart of the story is Emily, a strong and determined protagonist who must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with mythical creatures, sinister villains, and ancient artifacts. The Amulet series is known for its breathtaking artwork, vibrant illustrations, and immersive storytelling. Kibuishi's stunning illustrations bring the world of Alledia to life, captivating readers of all ages.
Kibuishi's stunning illustrations bring the world of Alledia to life, captivating readers of all ages. Each book in the series is filled with thrilling action sequences, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, making it a compelling and engaging read. Throughout the series, the amulet itself plays a central role, empowering its wielder with incredible abilities.
Review of the Day: Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
Amulet (Book One: The Stonekeeper>
By Kazu Kibuishi
Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic
$21.99
ISBN: 978-0-439-84680-6
Ages 10 and up
On shelves now Meh. Every story, whether it’s being told orally, as a book, as a graphic novel, or in a kind of performance is allowed to reuse old tropes. Particularly when the story being told is appropriate for kids, there’s a talent in figuring out how to use familiar images and objects in new and exciting ways. It’s what distinguishes the good writing from the knock-offs. The storyline that involves a hero who finds a powerful object of some sort that could be good or could be bad is one pretty classic example. Everything from The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter brings it up, and so when I saw that Amulet (Book One: Stonekeeper), a new graphic novel series by Kazu Kibuishi also worked the idea in, that was pretty cool. Sadly the book ultimately disappointed me in terms of its storytelling and original content. It’s not a bad graphic novel by any means, but if you’re looking for a title about kids on a quest, there are certainly others I would recommend instead. Emily and Navin’s life has taken a turn for the better, or worse, depending on whom you talk to. Emily, for example, is not too thrilled that their mom has moved them into a new old house in some town called Norlen. Their mom, however, is determined to make the best of it. Ever since their father died in a car crash the kids have found money exceedingly tight and it’s time for a fresh start. That fresh start, however, is complicated when Emily finds a mysterious hidden amulet in her great-grandpa’s library and a big octopus-looking thing in the basement kidnaps her mom. Wait . . . what? It seems that things in this house are not what they seem, and before they know it Emily and Navin discover that they have a quest on their hands. Somebody wants their amulet. Someone else wants them to harness its power for good. Now with the help of a troop of small robots, these kids are ready to do whatever it takes to bring their family together once again.
A feeling of familiarity is usually noticed more by adult reviewers than by kid readers, but there’s no avoiding the sense of déjà vu in some scenes within this book. For example, Spiderwick fans will recognize the idea of kids moving into a creepy old mansion with their mother (a mansion that used to belong to an old male relative with odd otherworldly interests). Which is not to say that there aren’t new ideas as well. I don’t remember ever having seen a disgusting octopus-like creature that holds living prey in its belly in a book before. And a robot rabbit. . . it sounds familiar but not so much that I can identify the source. The plot itself is a small series of adventures, one by one, like different levels. The video game elements of such a tale do come naturally out of the storytelling, but they’re such static, predictable moments that it’s hard not to feel like the book is just an excuse for an Xbox game or upcoming action film. I dunno, maybe I’m being too harsh on it. There are some pretty amusing moments, after all. For example, when Navin gets to fly a plane the view of the steering wheel is quite clearly Nintendo-inspired. That’s probably going to be a joke kids get more often than adults (which I appreciate). I liked the repeated images of hand clasping and then consciously letting go. The art is fine, though I think I liked the book a lot more when I read it in full-color (as hand-painted by Kibuishi’s wife Amy). Generally though this isn’t the strongest comic you’ll find on the market for kids today. Serviceable, but not extraordinary.
- In case you missed it, Will Smith’s kids are starring in the movie.
- And the author had some nice interviews over at Finding Wonderland and lectitans back in June of 2007.
About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
However, as Emily delves deeper into the mysteries of Alledia, she soon realizes that the amulet's power comes at a great cost. The story explores the concept of responsibility and the moral choices one must make when faced with power and temptation. One of the strengths of the Amulet series is its ability to resonate with readers of different ages. While younger readers will be captivated by the fast-paced adventure and fantastical creatures, older readers will appreciate the deeper themes and character development. The series tackles complex topics such as loss, grief, and sacrifice, while also celebrating the bonds of family and the triumph of good over evil. In conclusion, the Amulet picture book series is a captivating and thought-provoking collection of graphic novels that will transport readers to a world of magic and adventure. From its stunning artwork to its powerful storytelling, the series is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring strength of the human spirit..
Reviews for "The Art of Collaboration: Author and Illustrator of the Amulet Picture Book Series"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I found the "Amulet" picture book series to be lacking in substance and depth. The storyline felt predictable and the characters were one-dimensional. The artwork, while visually appealing, couldn't make up for the shortcomings of the overall narrative. I was hoping for a more engaging and thought-provoking experience, but unfortunately, this series fell short of my expectations.
2. Samantha - 1/5 stars - As an adult reader, I found the "Amulet" picture book series to be incredibly juvenile and lacking in complexity. The plot was simplistic and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The illustrations, while colorful, did not make up for the overall lackluster storytelling. I was disappointed by the lack of depth and nuance in this series and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a more mature reading experience.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - I wanted to like the "Amulet" picture book series, but I couldn't get past the formulaic and predictable nature of the storyline. The protagonist seemed to effortlessly overcome any obstacles thrown their way, which made the plot feel contrived and unrealistic. While the artwork was visually stunning, it couldn't save this series from feeling shallow and unoriginal. Overall, I found the "Amulet" books to be underwhelming and not worth the hype.