School Library Journal Review

Gr 3-8-Starting right off with chapter six, this volume doesn't waste any time before continuing the narrative that began in Jellaby (Hyperion, 2008). Portia is gamely trying to have an adventure with her purple monster friend while dealing with the anxiety she feels about her missing father and the irritations caused by fellow traveler Jason. The primary story involves meeting a conjuror who may be able to help Jellaby find his way back home. Then again, something more selfish and sinister may be at hand. Done in a muted palette consisting only of pale purples, reds, and yellows, and deep blacks, Jellaby doesn't immediately jump off the page with commercial vividness, but the storytelling is well honed, smoothly shifting gears between silent mime, poignant emotional spectacle, and brisk action. There is a lot to like here, with subtle character moments that can be appreciated intellectually by older readers (if you can get them to initially look past the character design), while younger children will respond emotionally to the cues provided by the deft, efficient line work. Charming and smart, this novel will be liked by both those looking for a surface adventure with moments of true suspense and those delving deeper for a heartfelt character piece.-Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.