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Don't let the simply drawn, Pogo-esque title character fool you; Bone is an epic fantasy adventure brimming with rich characters, a fully realized world, and imaginative humor. We follow our main character Fone Bone and his cousins as they happen upon the familiar yet fantastical land of 'The Valley'. We meet a cast of unforgettable creatures and characters, from massive leaf-hopper bugs, a trio of possum kids, and the ever-hungry Rat Creatures, to your average back-water yokels. Fone Bone finds himself increasingly drawn into the troubles of The Valley, and events rapidly spiral into situations of life-or-death consequences. The characters are multidimensional, and change and grow as the story unfolds. Their friendships and rivalries are wonderfully portrayed, and you ultimately will come to care for each of them. You may even shed a tear or two. Though children will enjoy Bone, creator Jeff Smith does not pull any punches--characters die, there are betrayals, and there's some unnerving imagery. The illustrations are by turns beautiful, whimsical, and frightening as needed. If you are a fan of fantasy adventures like The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, give Bone a try.
HPB Staff Review