Synopsis
A modern middle-grade graphic novel retelling of Beowulf, featuring a gang of troublemaking kids who must defend their tree house from a fun-hating adult who can instantly turn children into grown-ups.
Listen! Hear a tale of mallow-munchers and warriors who answer candy’s clarion call!
Somewhere in a generic suburb stands Treeheart, a kid-forged sanctuary where generations of tireless tykes have spent their youths making merry, spilling soda, and staving off the shadow of adulthood. One day, these brave warriors find their fun cut short by their nefarious neighbor Grindle, who can no longer tolerate the sounds of mirth seeping into his joyless adult life.
As the guardian of gloom lays siege to Treeheart, scores of kids suddenly find themselves transformed into pimply teenagers and sullen adults! The survivors of the onslaught cry out for a savior—a warrior whose will is unbreakable and whose appetite for mischief is unbounded.
They call for Bea Wolf.
Review
I only lasted a year as an English major, but I retain a twisted admiration for the classics, particularly the buck-wild things modern authors make of them. Beowulf does not interest me, but the sugar-crazed tale of Bea Wolf is amazing.
The wealth of children is measured in toys, candy, and soda. They build a magnificent treehouse and party all day and night, watch cartoons, neglect dental hygiene, and make war with water balloons and toy swords. Neighborhood grump Mr Grindle’s touch can instantly age a child into a sulky teen or boorish adult.
The writing imitates the poetic styling of Beowulf but with very silly subject matter. Ideally, Bea Wolf should be read aloud as over-the-top dramatically as possible. Middle grade kids can enjoy this on their own but younger readers would enjoy reading it with an adult. Art is black and white only, which may be a dealbreaker with some kids.
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