May 6, 2024
Scroggs (We Found a Monster) calls on animal lovers and musical theater aficionados in this inviting graphic novel series launch about a tween who can control animals. Finch Eaglehawk is more than just an exuberant thespian with a penchant for Bowie-esque escapades. He is also secretly a PetWizard, one with the ability to control, as he says, the “etcetera” creatures
of the animal kingdom (think creepy-crawlies, not adorable puppies). Yearning to hone his powers, Finch, along with his best friend Aberdeen and mysterious new student Erica, set out on a rip-roaring quest to translate an ancient PetMaster manual, which is written in hamsterglyphics. Along the way, Finch embarks on his most nerve-wracking endeavor of all: impressing his crush, the leading man of the school musical. The illustration’s Day-Glo aesthetics and exaggerated character designs combine to deliver an atypical superhero yarn. Bizarre yet relatable characters, off-putting yet cute critters, and familiar messages about identity, fitting in, and being oneself ferried via uplifting storytelling make for a goofy adventure. Erica has brown skin and black hair; Finch and Aberdeen read as white. Ages 8–12.
July 1, 2024
Grades 4-7 Finch Eaglehawk is not an average middle school kid: he's a PetWizard, someone able to control certain species of animals. However, while others in his family have been able to control majestic creatures like sharks or dogs, Finch is only able to control oddball creatures falling under the category ""etcetera,"" such as tarantulas, naked mole rats, and bearded dragons. When an opportunity arises to assist in the upcoming school play by using his special skills, he quickly jumps at the chance (despite not being certain he can actually deliver on his promise) to impress the star of the show: his crush, Ken Chu. With his faithful assistant and best friend, Aberdeen, and new kid Erica by his side, Finch attempts to push his limits in time for the big show, while throwing in the occasional glam rock ballad and animal fact for good measure. With absurd, offbeat humor and bold, psychedelically colored artwork that perfectly matches the off-the-wall high jinks, Scroggs' laugh-packed middle school story nicely balances the humor with a believable array of emotions to drive the story forward.
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August 9, 2024
Gr 3-6-A secret society of people who can control pets exists right under our noses! Finch Eaglehawk comes from a long line of PetWizards, and with a name like his, one would think his specialty animal would be birds, but alas, he controls the "etcetera" of the animal kingdom that consists of naked mole-rats, spiders, bats, bearded dragons, and other interesting creatures. The identities of PetWizards are a well-kept secret, but Finch would rather impress his crush than follow the rules of the elders. Using his powers for good, Finch decides to help the school play by supplying 50 singing seagulls after the robotic ones under the care of special effects master Lance went rogue. Will Finch learn to control the birds in time for the show, or will the enemy hiding amid his training get the upper hand? Filled with musical numbers, quirky characters, and humorous dialogue, this graphic novel has a vibrant feel that is complemented by the loud, bright color palette and creative paneling. Characters' facial expressions are dynamic, and the body language is hilarious while still conveying real emotions of fear, drama, betrayal, and joy. Messages of friendship and being true to oneself are seamlessly layered into the story. VERDICT An excellent addition where bizarre humor and loud graphics are popular.-Mariela Siegert
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