3 stars
A fun, fast-paced adventure, filled with giants, magic, humor, and even some culinary tips.
I was instantly pulled in by this cast of characters. Claudette dreams of being a monster slayer and isn’t afraid to bend the rules. Her brother, Gaston, isn’t quite as brave, but has a real talent in the culinary arts and is loyal to the end. Claudette’s best friend, Marie, aspires to be a princess and is always quick with a plan when the situation calls for it. And of course there’s the ever reliable, Valiant, the canine sidekick.
This story is full of fun and adventure. There’s a variety of adversaries including the Apple Hag and the Mad River King as well as the target of the children’s quest, the baby-feet-eating giant.
One thing I really loved about this book is that despite Claudette’s blood-thirsty nature, most of the problems are actually solved without violence. There is negotiation, outsmarting, and not seeking out problems where there aren’t any. The book does a great job pulling the reader in, then demonstrating other problem solving techniques.
The artwork and dialogue pair nicely and keeps the story dynamic. Loved the expressions and various character designs. There’s quite a bit of humor built into the illustrations, even in the background and in the peripherals, which made it even more entertaining.
A great start to a fun series. Perfect for those looking for an unconventional adventure.