The Quest for Snacks

September 13, 2021
Anthropomorphic orange tabby Ginny and one-eyed calico Squash, who live with their human in a big city apartment, “are not ordinary cats... They are magical cats on a mission./ To eat as many snacks as possible.” When the snacks run out, Squash proposes making an unlimited snack potion using ingredients from three magical locations—but an accidental spell prematurely transports the cats to Mewmaid Ocean, the first location, breaking their wand in the process. Unable to return home, the two seek potion ingredients in the area, running into a lively cast of magical creatures, including Coral, a mercat; Kumi, a volcano fox spirit; and Queen Lotus, a bun-fairy. As the final ingredient leads them to a parched enchanted rainforest, the duo encounters a quandary. Debut author Yi maintains an even, if predictable, pace, injecting the dialogue with high energy. Along with lessons in friendship and putting others first (“Sure things didn’t go according to plan... But we had lots of fun!”), bright backgrounds, steady linework, and sparse text will keep this graphic novel series starter absorbing for younger readers. Ages 6–10. Agent: Kathleen Ortiz, New Leaf Literary.