Pebble and Wren by Chris Hallbeck is an adorable story of friendship, finding yourself and your talents. And pancakes. Along the way we are educated on some fun science facts (at least one of I am with the dad: I am the adult and HOW did I not know that????) Granted, as an adult reader these science breaks did cut the flow of things, but most kids will not have a problem with this. Because of this, this graphic novel could work well in a classroom to reinforce some of the pieces. The art is bubbly and simple, even simplistic in a delightful way. I read a reader copy (due April 2023), but it had some of the (almost) finished art and I can’t wait to see it all as color on some of the pages would have enhanced it for me, but still even black and white it was a treat.
I had thought this web comic (which I was not aware of) was something else entirely when I had a sneak peek of the first 10 pages or so. I thought it would be straight forward couple of kids (okay a kid and monster) getting into trouble and maybe being a smidgen annoying. And while Pebble (our resident monster) can have some “pesky little brother learning and big sis teaching” moments (especially when he eats dad’s favorite calculator. But numbers feel good in its tummy), it is not “annoying” in the traditional sense. I like Wren, her two dads, and the imagination that she and Pebble have.
As mentioned, the art is bubbly and fun. There are few sharp corners, even Pebble’s horns can look soft (though if there are any angles it is there). This is pleasant for the adult eyes and allows for an all-age audience (or at least seven and up to be read to/starting to be read to, and at least 8 and up for reading solo).