Tiffany's Griffon

May 27, 2024
Cartoonists Gonzalez (Welcome to Wonderland) and Porter Siddell turn the tables on familiar tropes in this crackling fantasy graphic novel. Blond, bespectacled Marnie Plummer yearns for adventure. When elements from her cherished book series the Griffon Riders of Crystalfall seemingly come to life, a messenger appears and tells her that they are looking for the Chosen One, upon whom they will bestow a mythical griffon egg. Marnie seems delighted that she will be the redeemer of her favorite series, until the messenger informs her that the prophesied hero’s name is Tiffany Rodriguez, a popular brown-skinned girl whom Marnie detests. Though not pleased with this reality, Marnie befriends Tiffany, hoping to still be included in her magical duty (and maybe usurp her Chosen One status). Stylized art underscores a broad yet energetic narrative; visual fantasy elements leap off the page, while grounded storytelling chronicles Marnie’s journey in learning how to be more empathetic and shedding her bitterness and envy of Tiffany. The girls’ dynamic provides verisimilitude and buoyant humor to Marnie’s complicated feelings and the
simple messaging about the lessons learned on both make-believe quests and in the bonds forged with others IRL. Ages 10–14.Agent: Susan Graham, Einstein
Literary Management.

July 1, 2024

Gr 6-8-Fantasy becomes reality when preteen Marnie is gifted a griffon egg. However, the egg is really meant for someone else-The Chosen One, who it turns out is actually a girl named Tiffany. Marnie is a dedicated reader while Tiffany is a sports-loving social butterfly, but the two girls form an unlikely friendship. Readers will delight in the adventure as Marnie's favorite story "Griffon Riders" goes from fiction to fact, but their friendship is tested when Tiffany discovers the truth that Marnie was never The Chosen One. At its core, this quest-filled story is about friendship and integrity. Fans of The Witch's Throne by Cedric Caballes and Magical Boy by The Kao will find lots to love in Gonzalez and Porter Siddell's graphic novel. VERDICT A good addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.-Meaghan Nichols

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 15, 2024
A self-absorbed fangirl opens up to others after a fantasy portal opens up to her. Marnie Plummer relishes the Griffon Riders fantasy novels for the escapism and friendship they provide. Extroverted, popular classmates like Tiffany Rodriguez fill Marnie with self-loathing, but the girls' paths intertwine when the squat blue fairy Orion, who resembles a winged tapir, appears and mistakes Marnie for Tiffany, the chosen one who can save their world from the Witch Elel. Marnie doesn't correct the mix-up; shouldn't the glory go to a real fan? Nevertheless, Marnie and Tiffany end up raising a baby griffon together and bonding over each other's interests. Marnie ushers Tiffany into the worlds of fanfiction and fanart, while Tiffany turns out to be harboring worries over her father's health as well as a secret same-sex crush. Porter Siddell infuses the evolving friendship and eventual fantasy-adventure with a great sense of humor, for example through Marnie's looks of disappointment each time cheerleader Tiffany obliviously proves to be a natural chosen one. Built-in meta-humor compounds the laughs as fantasy and reality collide, and a tragically clarifying flashback will have readers as much in tears as the protagonists. Gonzalez's art, in muted, dusty pastels, effectively uses shadow and light to draw readers' attention to the dramatic focal points of the varied panels. Blond, bespectacled Marnie reads white; brown-skinned Tiffany is cued Latine. An emotionally affecting work that explores the power of stories. (rough layouts, character sketches) (Graphic fiction. 10-14)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2024
Grades 5-8 Marnie, a big fantasy fiction fan and a total introvert, is thrown into the adventure of her dreams with the unlikeliest of allies--a popular girl named Tiffany. Marnie always thought Tiffany had everything, so when she learns Tiffany is the Chosen One, she tries to take on the role herself, as she feels she deserves it more. After spending a little time with Tiffany, however, she learns that everyone is going through something and they don't always show it. Together, with the power of friendship, Marnie and Tiffany are able to save a fantasy world from destruction. This fantastical graphic novel--a blend of the modern world with fantasy (including witches and flying griffons)--touches on realities that all young Earthlings have to contend with, such as ailing parents and a need for real connection, all while navigating a preteen social life. Dreamy coloring and cute, stylized cartoons make this a fun read with plenty of visual tropes for anime and fantasy fans alike.

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