Monday, December 16, 2013

Jane, The Fox & Me


Jane, The Fox & Me by Fanny Britt, illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault, Translated by Christine Morelli and Susan Ouriou, 101 pages

Jane, The Fox & Me’s slim size belies its hefty visual and emotional impact.  Author Fanny Britt and illustrator Isabelle Arsenault quietly present the subject of bullying in a more realistic and empathetic way than any juvenile “issue” book.  Hélène’s circle of friends has suddenly and inexplicably dumped her and now writes rude messages about her on the bathroom walls.  Hélène feels like an outsider and only finds color in her gray realm by immersing herself in the world of Jane Eyre.

Hélène imagines the world of Jane Eyre
Upon reading Jane…, I was immediately reminded of Smile by Raina Telgemeier (the holy grail of middle grade graphic novels for girls), and though Britt does not address bullying with the same humor and personal flair as Telgemeier, I can’t wait to recommend it to fans of Smile. This quieter, artsier take on feeling alone and ostracized is sure to resonate with young and old readers alike.  Isabelle Arsenault’s illustrations are beautiful; they capture the quiet solitude of Hélène’s world and the extent to which she immerses herself in her reading.
 

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