the woman in the woods and other north american stories

After my own years in school ended and before my teaching days, I didn’t take much notice of themed months of the year. For instance, did you know that November is National Native American Heritage Month in the United States? I didn’t! Luckily it’s been mentioned in several teaching and book publishing newsletters I subscribe to. What I find helpful is that those newsletters often come with book recommendations or lists included – titles that I can add to the shelf to make my classroom library (or even just personal library!) a little more inclusive and representative of my students and the US as a whole. One book I haven’t seen on any lists but want to make sure you know about is the young adult graphic novel anthology Woman in the Woods and Other North American Stories, edited by Kel McDonald, Kate Ashwin, & Alina Pete. It is the fifth installment in the Cautionary Fables & Fairytales series, and if the others are anything like this slim volume, they are treasures! 

 

Tricksters? Rabbits? Rougarou?

Shapeshifters so frightening you shouldn't speak their name? That's just the start of this collection of folklore from the Indigenous people of North America, retold in comic form.

The fifth volume of the Cautionary Fables and Fairytales graphic anthology series is a thrilling, funny and totally unexpected take on stories spanning North America, with loads of traditional stories from Indigenous Nations such as the Taíno, Navajo, Odawa, and more!

The Woman in the Woods is an excellent collection of Native American legends and stories from across North America. While the title of the series is Cautionary Fables & Fairytales, these are no gory, fright-filled stories. Instead, they read like the sort of tales you’d share around a campfire – a little bit of cultural history, a dash of tall tale, and an uncanny thing that happened to someone you know/one of your ancestors, etc. They range from a creation tale that deals with two spirit and trans identity to a diving encounter with a monstrous octopus on the sea floor of the Puget Sound.

 

While each chapter was written and illustrated by a different duo (and is handed down from/told according to different indigenous peoples and traditions), a universal theme running throughout all of them is acceptance of difference, the other, and the strangeness that is present in the world. A couple of the stories deal with some element of gender nonconformity, and others speak to a diverse understanding of how humans function in society. Some are teaching tales; some merely point to the unexplained and ask the reader to make of it what they will. Some aim to make the reader uncomfortable, or to challenge their disbelief.

 

The standout comic of the collection is the Métis story The Rougarou by Maija Ambrose Plamondon, illustrated by Milo Applejohn. This story’s length (a bit longer than the others included in the volume), gorgeously detailed line art, and theme of transformation all combine to create an exceptional entry. I will be keeping an eye on Plamondon & Applejohn’s work in the future!

 

The art throughout the volume is in black and white and styles vary from artist to artist. Several employ strong or thick line work and varying shades of gray and black for a feeling of heaviness and (at times) menace. While the standout is mentioned above, there was no weak link – the writing and art in the volume is strong all the way through.

 

In all, The Woman in the Woods is a varied anthology in terms of setting, societies, norms, and time periods. It’s an interesting collection, and an important one for libraries large and small!

Recommended for: fans of fables and fairy tales, especially those adapted into graphic novel format, anyone looking to diversify their shelves with more indigenous American literature, and readers ages 10+ who are interested in campfire tales they may not have heard before!

fairest: wide awake

As a fan of fairy tales, retellings and fantasy, I couldn’t pass on Bill Willingham’s Fables comics once I knew about them.  As of today I’ve read through compilation volume 8 in that series – far enough to resolve Snow White’s romantic plot.  I liked the stories, the threads of myth and familiar tale-telling, and I liked Willingham’s novels even more (Peter & Max, for instance). When I found myself in a comic book store the other day, the Fables series was the first thing I looked for.  That’s how I discovered the author’s newest release, Fairest: Wide Awake, a spinoff featuring the women of the Fables universe.

New York Times bestselling, award-winning creator Bill Willingham presents a new series starring the beautiful, deadly ladies from his hit series Fables. Balancing horror, humor and adventure in the Fables tradition, Fairest explores the secret histories of Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Snow Queen, Thumbelina, Snow White, Rose Red and others. 

The first 6-issue tale follows the misadventures of Briar Rose immediately after the events of Fables #107 (collected in Fables: Super Team), in which she was stolen away by the goblin army. Following this first collection, Willingham will serve as a consultant on all story arcs and introduce new writers from other mediums to the Fables mythos. 

Fan-favorite artist Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman, The Invisibles) returns to Vertigo to pencil the opening storyline. Award-winning cover artist Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman, Batgirl) provides covers, starting with a wraparound cover on issue #1 that spotlights the lovely ladies who will star in the series.

Wide Awake is a compilation of the first 6 single issues in the Fairest series, and it contains a story arc that brings together familiar characters Sleeping Beauty, the Snow Queen (who was on the wrong side in the original Fables series), and Ali Baba of thieving fame.  The other main character is Jonah, a diminutive bottle imp, and it is through his meddling (and ceaseless exposition) that the story comes together.

All series start somewhere, and fleshed-out character motivation and back story is something that a successful tale doesn’t skimp on.  Unfortunately, Fairest: Wide Awake doesn’t have much in that department.  The story is interesting on its own, but it lacks cohesion unless you’ve read the majority of the Fables series, and that recently.  Although there is ample time spent on Sleeping Beauty/Briar Rose’s past, Ali Baba and the Snow Queen are on their own, and imp Jonah’s past isn’t fully explained either, though that doesn’t keep him from talkingandtalkingandtalking.

Don’t let me drive you away from this comic series, though – there is much to recommend it.  First, if you have read Fables recently, this will flow nicely, and it’s refreshing to see a familiar cast of characters get more air time.  Another thing I appreciated was the focus on the female characters of fairy tale – if this is anything to go by, a continuation of the series will be entertaining.  Add in gorgeous art throughout, and this is not only a fun story, but a visual feast. 

A note: in addition to issues 1-6, there’s another story featured in Wide Awake.  It’s a detective noir retelling of an interlude between Beauty and Beast in 1940s Hollywood.  While its placement is curious, the history of Beauty is done to a T, and mimics the success of black and white cinema noir.  All in all, a delightful addition to an already entertaining volume.

Recommended for: fans of Willingham’s Fables, those interested in fairy tale and myth, and anyone interested in kick-ass women in the world of comics and graphic novels.

down the mysterly river giveaway

Bill Willingham is a storytelling genius. No, really, it’s true. I fell head-over-heels in love with his writing when I picked up Peter & Max, and since then I’ve been through eight of his FABLES graphic novel compilations. I was very excited to read that he was releasing a middle grade novel – Down the Mysterly River. I’d like to pass on my ARC to one of you lovely blog readers. Of course, it’s been lightly read (once), but is in otherwise sparkling condition!

Down the Mysterly River is the children’s book debut of Bill Willingham, the creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel series Fables. Complete with illustrations by Fables artist Mark Buckingham, it is a spirited, highly original tale of adventure, suspense, and everlasting friendship.

Max “the Wolf” is a top notch Boy Scout, an expert at orienteering and a master of being prepared. So it is a little odd that he suddenly finds himself, with no recollection of his immediate past, lost in an unfamiliar wood. Even odder still, he encounters a badger named Banderbrock, a black bear named Walden, and McTavish the Monster (who might also be an old barn cat)—all of whom talk—and who are as clueless as Max.

Before long, Max and his friends are on the run from a relentless group of hunters and their deadly hounds. Armed with powerful blue swords and known as the Blue Cutters, these hunters capture and change the very essence of their prey. For what purpose, Max can’t guess. But unless he can solve the mystery of the strange forested world he’s landed in, Max may find himself and his friends changed beyond recognition, lost in a lost world…

Giveaway: one ARC of Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham’s Down the Mysterly River. Open internationally, will end July 31^st at 11:59pm EST. To enter, simply fill out the FORM. Winner will be selected randomly and notified via email.

Good luck!

fables: legends in exile

It’s confirmed. Bill Willingham is a genius. Some of you knew this already. For those of you with no idea in the world who ‘Bill Willingham’ is, he’s an author/creator of the award-winning Fables graphic novel series. I recently began my exploration of graphic novels with a spin-off of the series, Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love. That one, while not written by Willingham himself, acted as enough of an enticement that I decided to read the entire series.

Here’s my side of the story. Willingham’s novel Peter & Max was a far-and-away favorite of mine last year, but although I’ve done it before, I tried not to make a snap judgment about his genius until I’d read at least two representations of his work. With Fables: Legends in Exile, I’ve officially read (and LOVED) two Willingham creations. As far as I’m concerned? Case closed. Fables (and its author) = made of awesome.

When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile. Disguised among the normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters have created their own peaceful and secret society within an exclusive luxury apartment building called Fabletown. But when Snow White's party-girl sister, Rose Red, is apparently murdered, it is up to Fabletown's sheriff, a reformed and pardoned Big Bad Wolf, to determine if the killer is Bluebeard, Rose's ex-lover and notorious wife killer, or Jack, her current live-in boyfriend and former beanstalk-climber.

As evidenced in the blurb, Legends in Exile is set up as a whodunit, with the mystery surrounding the death of Rose Red. Various fairy tale characters (Little Boy Blue, one of the Three Little Pigs, Prince Charming, etc.) make appearances, and their inclusion makes the story feel like a mash-up of the best kind. We already know some of these characters’ personality flaws and exploits, thus leading to an immediate sense of history and familiarity in the story and its protagonists.

And yet, mixed in with that comfort of past history is the dark heart of the story and a set-up that is really interesting, and doesn’t skimp on modern ‘issues.’ There isn’t going to be a traditional happily-ever-after, just as we never get one of those in real life (shh…don’t tell the kids!). In this world, even princesses get screwed over, and their adventures aren’t always shiny and wonderful. It makes for some interesting and inventive reading, for sure.

So, who did it? I won’t tell and spoil the secret. The mystery portion is very well done, and I actually had only a very bare inkling of what was going to happen, even though I had both visual art and written text for clues. In other words? The story is clever. And the set –up for the rest of the series – fantastic! I wish I had the next four or five volumes immediately.

One thing I can’t forget is the artwork itself. It’s gritty in portions, absolutely beautiful in others (the individual issue covers, for instance), and definitely aided my appreciation of the story. Bigby wouldn’t have been himself without the ever-present stubble and cigarette burning. Who knew that Bluebeard was bald? And the fantastical creatures that every now and then take up a portion of a drawing are both fascinating and lovingly detailed. I will definitely look forward to more entertainment from this crew in the future!

Recommended for: reluctant readers of any age (but especially teens), fans of comics and graphic novels, fairy tale aficionados, and anyone who can appreciate a sort-of happily-ever-after, as long as it is well told and the journey is enjoyable. Some questionable situations, so I’d rate it about a PG-13.

This item counts for the Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge.

fairy tale plus graphic novel equals…what, exactly?

The other day I proclaimed on twitter that Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love was my “first foray into graphic novels.” Well, it’s not. I mean, it’s the first one I finished, but it’s not the first one I’ve tried. I got about three quarters of the way through Persepolis, and I’ve read pages here and there of several others. But this one I bought (as opposed to borrowed from the library) and made an effort to read through. You know what? It was pretty cool. Illustrated twist on fairy tale: what’s not to love?

When supernatural artifacts from the Homelands begin surfacing in the modern world, it falls to Cinderella, Fabletown's best-kept (and best dressed) secret agent to stop the illegal trafficking. But can Cindy foil the dark plot before Fabletown and its hidden, exiled inhabitants are exposed once and for all? And how does her long lost Fairy Godmother factor into the equation?

Whether she's soaring through clouds, deep-sea diving, or cracking jaws, Cindy travels from Manhattan to Dubai and hooks up with a handsome, familiar accomplice who may be harboring secret motives of his own. Meanwhile, trouble brews back home in Fabletown when Cindy's overworked, underappreciated assistant decides to seize control of The Glass Slipper, Cindy's exclusive shoe boutique.

Now, the first thing I would wonder if I read that summary is ‘what the heck is Fabletown?’ And I think that’s a valid question. Answer: Bill Willingham created an original series and world where the Fables, creatures from the traditional tales, are in hiding in our world. He wrote (and is still writing?) this series, as well as the novel Peter & Max (which I LOVED so hard!). And Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love is a spin-off by a different author, but set in that same universe. So it’s got history if you want to go looking, but it’s a complete tale in its own right as well.

Protagonist Cinderella is a tough lady living the life of a spy, after she the happily-ever-after she was promised doesn’t work out as planned. It’s a cool set-up, and Cindy’s adventures are exciting. It isn’t on the same level of dark violence or genius that Peter & Max was, but it’s satisfying and fun. Best description I can think of: it feels comfortable and yet still interesting. As a kid I read Archie comics. This is obviously on a whole different level – a more nuanced, grown-up one. But it still appeals in some way to the kid inside me. I’ll be trying many more graphic novels in the future!

Recommended for: existing comic and graphic novel aficionados, the curious, and the fairy tale addicted. A pleasant surprise and a very quick read in the bargain.

Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love counts for the Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge.

this is a fairy tale with teeth (+ giveaway)

Razor sharp, bloody, carnivorous teeth. Wolf’s teeth. The Big Bad Wolf, in fact. Oh yes, he makes an appearance. And his name is Bigsby in Bill Willingham’s universe – the FABLES universe. It’s a compelling and fascinating place.

Let me backtrack a bit. FABLES started as a graphic novel series (comics!). Peter & Max is a novel, with occasional, ancillary illustrations. You don’t need to know the comics to get the story. I didn’t, at any rate. But the story left me wanting more, and interested enough to pick up the first FABLES volume from the library. Now…what is so wonderful about Peter & Max?

At about the halfway point of Peter & Max, I came up for air. I told my sister, “This is the most bloodthirsty story ever!” To which she replied, “Yeah, but you can’t put it down.” And I think an unexpected juxtaposition is what made me fall in love with the story: the fanciful, fairy tale themes and familiar characters, mixed with the dark, horrible and bizarre. It makes the story twisty, recognizable, surprising, melancholy and hopeful all at once. If that makes any sense. Also, the illustrations are amazingly detailed and wonderful. I didn't necessarily enjoy every little bit of the reading experience, but I DID think to myself afterward that it was one of the best books I've read this year.

This story stars Peter Piper and his incorrigible brother Max in a tale about jealousy, betrayal and revenge. Set in two distinct time periods, prepare to travel back to medieval times and learn the tragic back-story of the Piper family, a medieval-era family of traveling minstrels. Then, jump into the present to follow a tale of espionage as Peter Piper slowly hunts down his evil brother for a heinous crime, pitting Peter's talents as a master thief against Max's dark magical powers.

The course of true love never did run smooth. And neither does any good fairy tale worth its salt. Peter & Max is an account of Peter Piper’s “story” with many travails and miscarriages of justice and goodness along the road. Fairy tales traditionally end “well,” but will this one follow the pattern? Read it and find out – but beware blood and villains along the way!

Recommended for fans of: Neil Gaiman, fantasy and fairy tales all grown-up, a dollop of horror with your slice of dreamland, and the strange and wonderful expertly told. Warning: not for the faint of heart. This would make a really awesome gift for…almost anyone. But especially those who maybe long ago dreamed of growing up to be Prince Charming or the plucky princess. And then got over it and went out adventuring instead…

……..

If you’d like to win your own copy of Peter & Max, this is your chance! I’ll give away one (1) book to a lucky entrant.

To enter:

Leave a comment on this post answering the question, “When someone says a book is ‘dark,’ what do you automatically think of?”

Please include your email address or another method of contact. Giveaway is open internationally – I’ll order through The Book Depository. Comments will close on December 28 at 11:59pm PST, and I will notify the randomly selected winner via email.

Good luck!