A review by tshepiso
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0


Snapdragon was a delightful way to spend two hours. This bubbly middle-grade graphic novel follows Snapdragon an outsider who struggles to fit in at school. One day her puppy, Good Dog goes missing and Snap goes on the hunt for the witch she thinks ate him. Luckily Good Dog is not eaten and Snap takes on the role of witch's apprentice and she helps the town witch Jacks articulate the skeletons of roadkill and learn a little magic too.

The art style of this book was bouncy and warm. It had a youthful energy to it that made it perfect for its middle-grade audience and I loved the wholesome feel of it. Kat Leyh also managed to capture the light gothic tinge to this witchy story well. Her art while never too dark had a delightful light with a vibe to it especially when it came to its depictions of magic.

The titular character, Snapdragon was a gem. She was the lovable sort of precocious pre-teen whose curiosity and energy were fun to follow. Leyh captured an authentic feeling of otherness to Snap that yeeted me straight back to middle school so seeing Snap come into her own learn magic and find friends was particularly nice to see.

I also adored the graphic novel's wonderful cast of side characters. The highlight of this story was definitely Snap and Jacks' dynamic. I'm a sucker for the hardened older woman mentors a precocious child trope and this book hit those beats well. Jacks being both a goth witch who trolls forest for roadkill and a grumpy old lady in crocs and corny sweaters was a fun contrast to see play out in the book. Snap's wholesome and supportive friendship with her classmate Lulu and her strong bond with her overworked but full of love mother was also fantastic to see play out.

While Snapdragon is a perfectly complete story I wouldn't mind seeing more of her misadventures. This was a great way to spend my time and I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of Kat Leyh's work
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