Read With Conina

The stories held inside aren’t the only thing magical about books, as ten year old twins Page and Turner learn in this graphic novel. Feeling ignored due to her parents’ constant travels, Page drags her brother to their favorite place, the New York Public Library, in hopes of selling their father’s prized copy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, “because obs he thinks it’s worth more than us! (19).” Before finding a buyer, they were bewildered to see the book hop away and hide. Regretting their choices, the twins begin searching for Dracula; instead, they find a tall beanstalk growing in the stacks and the silhouette of a dragon pierced through the ceiling. Confusion abounds until night librarian Ms. Literati explains that stories can come alive and escape their books. “Imagine living the same scene over and over again for eternity. No wonder characters want to escape (6).” Though night librarians normally prevent escapes, something curious is happening, and the twins decide to help untangle the mystery. This graphic novel uses color as one of its primary features, with each spread or chapter focusing on a single hue. The mix of panel shapes, sizes, and layouts is compelling, and the outstanding line work brings each panel alive. The magic of libraries and books is presented through famous book quotes and references throughout. Page and Turner immerse themselves in the magic before quelling it, which helps them reflect on their lives and sibling relationship. “We’d lost so much to fix our mistake. Bright side, though, for the first time we had ourselves (239).” For fans of libraries, fantasy, and evolving friendships, this action-packed story filled with familiar faces like Peter Pan and Frankenstein’s monster invokes wonder in each page with its stunning illustrations and captivating story.