Review - Dewdrop

Dewdrop
by Katie O'Neill
Date: 2020
Publisher: Oni Press
Reading level: C
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

From the author of The Tea Dragon Society comes Dewdrop, the delightful children's tale of an adorable axolotl who cheers on his underwater friends as they each bring their talents to the pond's sports fair!

Dewdrop is an easygoing, gentle axolotl who enjoys naps, worm pie, and cheerleading. When the yearly sports fair nears, he and his friends—Mia the weightlifting turtle, Newman the musical newt, and three minnows who love to cook—get ready to showcase their skills to the whole pond! However, as the day of the fair gets closer, Dewdrop's friends can't help putting pressure on themselves to be the best. It's up to Dewdrop to remind them how to be mindful, go at their own pace, and find joy in their own achievements.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This little graphic novel about an axolotl is pretty cute. Dewdrop and his friends are excited for the sports fair. But as each gets ready to play their part--whether that's weightlifting, singing, or cooking--they experience doubts about their skills. It isn't until Dewdrop reminds them of what's really important that they find the courage to just do their best.

The story is very simple, and the book reads as though it's for very young children. Which is fine! Little kids will probably love the cute little critters, which are rendered in colourful settings that are easy on the eyes. I noticed a few issues with punctuation, which is perhaps forgivable given the graphic-novel format. (The typo "yesteray"... not so much.)

Overall, I think this a pretty decent book for kids with a nice message and appealing pictures. I've yet to read any of Katie O'Neill's longer works, but if Dewdrop is representative of her style, then I think I might enjoy them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing a digital ARC.

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 ladybugs