Coraline

A virtuoso adaptation...a master of fantastical landscapes, Russell sharpens the realism of his imagery, preserving the humanity of the characters and heightening the horror, even as Gaiman's concise storytelling ratchets up the eeriness.

A deliciously dark graphic adaptation of Gaiman's modern classic...sure to delight established fans and to mesmerize newcomers.

Gr 6-8This adaptation of Neil Gaimans novel (HarperCollins, 2002) reads as though it were intended for the graphic novel format in the first place. Insatiably curious Coraline is an explorer dedicated to discovering everything she can about the area around her familys new home. When she comes upon a door in their flat that seems to go nowhere, enters an alternate world that at first is full of interesting things and delicious foodseverything that she has longed for. However, the dangerous creature therecalled the other mother intends to keep her forever. After Coralines parents are kidnapped into the other world, she sets off on a mission to rescue them. Russells illustrations suit the tone of the story perfectly, from the horrific black button eyes of the people in the other world to Coralines very telling facial expressions. The style is realistic, which makes the moments when the other world loses its solidity even more eerie. The pacing never lags, and Coralines transformation into a girl who understands that having everything you want is the least interesting thing of all is natural. For readers who enjoyed the novel, Coraline is sure to complement their reading experience. Those who come to the book first as a graphic novel will be just as captivated."Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT" Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"This graphic novel is as dark, creepy, and brilliant as anything out there."—Chicago Tribune