Review - Gimoles: Secrets of the Seasons by Mike Bullock, Theo Bain, Michael Metcalf, Bob Pedroza (4/5 stars)

Reading level: Middle Grade

Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size:  128 pages
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: July 8, 2008
ISBN-13:   978-1582409559
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

I saw this book at the library and decided that it looked like an interesting graphic novel, so I borrowed it to read.  It was a cute story, appropriate for all ages, and was beautiful illustrated in bright bold colors.

The Gimoles help to bring Spring to the land but when Frost kidnaps Groundhog no one is around who can stop the machines of winter.  The Gimoles venture deep into Frost's territory to rescue Groundhog and bring Spring.

This was a fun graphic novel and reminded me a bit of the movie Tinkerbell, in how the Gimoles are responsible for getting everything ready for Spring.  The story is pretty straightforward and is easy for younger readers to follow, although I think adults who enjoy a good simple fantasy story will enjoy it too.  There is some humor throughout and the characters are easy to follow; there is adventure throughout too.

The illustration is high quality.  There are a lot of bright colors and the characters are done in a style that is a bit anime like and a bit classic cartoon.  The characters have expressive faces that really add to the story and they are easy to distinguish from one another.  The lush colors and detailed background really make this fun story pop and come alive.

Overall I found this to be a fun read.  The plot is pretty simple but still well done.  It is a story that children can easily follow and adults will still find entertaining.  The illustration was stunning; bright and colorful and really fit the story perfectly.  I recommend this read to readers of all ages who like a good light-hearted adventure fantasy.  It is especially well-suited to younger children who should find the story and characters easy to follow.  Hopefully more graphic novels about the Gimoles are published in the future.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges

- 100+ Reading Challenge
- Fantasy Reading Challenge
- Graphic Novels Challenge List