Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Stayton Public Library | YGN RIOUX | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Monmouth Public Library | J GN RIOUX 2012 | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
Now available as a motion comic!
In this steampunk fantasy graphic novel, an orphan girl named Suri, barely earning her keep with a traveling merchant camp, has ambitions of becoming a heroic monster tamer. Suri is convinced monster taming is her destiny, defiantly explaining to those who deride her that she was born in ?the land of monsters? and ?was carried into this valley in the arms of a fire-breathing dragon.' But while Suri may be brave enough to challenge a monster, she still has quite a few lessons to learn about their world. Like how sometimes the most frightening-looking monsters are actually not scary at all up-close, while a normal-looking boy can prove to be terrifying. And sometimes a perfectly ordinary object, like the ball of golden twine Suri finds in the woods, can turn out to contain the most mysterious and powerful magic she could ever imagine!
With a multilayered plot, a range of intriguing characters and a smart protagonist whose sights are set on a seemingly impossible task, this first book from Jo Rioux seamlessly lays out the fantastic world the stories inhabit. The dark and spooky illustrations are infused with an energy that leaps off the page and, along with the story's numerous plot twists and savvy humor, are sure to keep even reluctant readers flying through the pages. Besides its general appeal to readers, this book could be applied to a language arts lesson on the components of genre fiction.
Author Notes
Jo Rioux previously illustrated the Sam & Friends Mysteries. Her love for the graphic novel medium led her to start writing her own series, Cat's Cradle. When she is not at her drawing desk, Jo can be found nestled in a pile of books. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
Jo Rioux previously illustrated the Sam & Friends Mysteries. Her love for the graphic novel medium led her to start writing her own series, Cat's Cradle. When she is not at her drawing desk, Jo can be found nestled in a pile of books. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Suri, also known as Mouse, works in a traveling fair in a tent called "Tales From the Monster Tamer." There she tells amazing stories about the land of Galatea, which is filled with magic and all kinds of monsters, including giants, dragons, and basilisks. But the monsters that are crucial to this story are the caitsith (catlike creatures that can impersonate humans, hiding everything but their tails) and the mysterious creature that is locked in one of the fair's caravans. Both Suri and readers learn that not all monsters are evil and that sometimes ordinary and magical items are not what they seem. The fun and fast-paced action is reflected in Rioux's artwork, which is clever and cartoony with a touch of manga style. The excellent cover, showing Suri in the forest and a monster reaching for her out of the darkness, lets readers know that they can expect a fantastic story with a hint of danger. The Golden Twine will appeal to reluctant readers who need an eye-catching book to grab their attention and to competent readers who appreciate a great fantasy story.-Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A would-be tamer of monsters hooks up with a diminutive would-be monster in this auspicious series opener. As advertised, the supposed dragon tooth that parentless young storyteller Suri buys from a scruffy market vendor does indeed bring her luck--of both kinds. On the one hand, the ball of magical golden string that she finds in the road belongs to a trio of vicious tiger creatures called "caitsiths" who use the string to masquerade as humans and really, really want it back. On the other, Suri achieves her avowed desire to become a monster tamer when she meets Byron, a humongous if overly friendly dog, and the surly 500-year-old imp Caglio who (through not-yet-explained means) created him. Large of hair and fierce of scowl, Suri dashes through Rioux's character-centered, cleanly drawn panels like a force of nature, evading the clutches of pursuers (or, sometimes, not) and bouncing back resiliently from every reverse. After several narrow squeaks, the author sends her on her way, dog and imp in tow, in search of more monsters and unmindful of a band of pursuers coming up close behind. Stay tuned. Action-packed, easy to follow and featuring a cast of monsters inimical and otherwise, along with a winningly intrepid heroine. (Graphic fantasy. 10-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Suri wants to be a monster tamer, but right now she's just an orphan living on the outskirts of a traveling caravan. Although she still hopes for her monster-taming powers to show up, Suri's whole life changes when an encounter with a mysterious boy leads to an attack by caitsiths (cat monsters) and a journey with unexpected new friends. Having honed her graphic-novel skills on the Sam & Friends mystery series (written by Mary Labatt), Rioux is now branching out with an original series. The spookiness, surprise, and fun of Sam & Friends are still present in this fantasy adventure, and Rioux's full-color art sparkles with life. She's got a great sense of comedic timing and also knows how to pace action and scary scenes alike. Both her characters and her plot are layered and strongly developed, and Suri is a likably adventurous girl. This first volume in the Cat's Cradle series is only the beginning of Suri's story, but readers won't feel short-changed; they will be eager for the next book.--Wildsmith, Snow Copyright 2010 Booklist