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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