Bera the One-Headed Trollby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 5 After the year's pumpkin harvest, Bera comes across a human baby being attacked by mermaids. She rescued the baby only to have Cloote, a witch with powerful tools, come looking for it. Rather than hand it over, Bera sets out on a quest for a hero to rescue the baby from Cloote, becoming said hero along the way.This is a simple story for young readers -- for those that want monsters without it being scary. I wanted to like it a lot more than I did. Why? Probably a combination of not really believing Bera was as capable as she turned out to be and the use of a witch. Why didn't Cloote just go get another baby to replace this one? I guess she assumed taking on this troll would be easier than a whole new baby-snatching? Cloote is scary in presence like the witches in the 1990 Disney movie The Witches, only fitting with this art style, obviously. It was interesting that it was really her tools that had power, which made her easy to defeat once that was known. I love her Viking-inspired ship that walks on legs that add a creepy sound effect. As for Bera, there's nothing about her that I felt connected with. She doesn't come across as a child, so I'm not sure how well young readers will click with her either. She really just has a strong inner sense of responsibility ... even though some of her actual decisions show how her ignorance and naivety make her quite irresponsible. In a weird twist, Bera ends up being the hero, and compared to those she sought, she is. Other heroes include the mice and the hedgehogs, who helped her escape Cloote and other dangers. Her owl friend, Winslowe, is also a help. Honestly, the animals have way more personality than Bera, and are much more interesting to read and see how they work into the quest. Even the two hero options Bera seeks out are more interesting than Bera herself. All of these characters interact with Bera, some directly helpful, and some indirectly forcing Bera to become the hero. From that perspective, it's nicely done; I just wish Bera herself had something to give her a spark of personality ... of life. I really like the art. The blank eyes add to the creepiness of the monsters. The animals are realistic, and the whole art style is unique and fitting to this setting and a story about monsters. My favorite parts are when Bera shows her pointy teeth, partially because these panels visually give her some character over her normally blank expression. The coloring is ruddy browns with shading all done with black lines. Just flipping through, it's rather dull, but the coloring fits the story and setting. It's very earthy, as is Bera. Though it does make it hard to tell that the story takes place entirely at night. It's not bad, and your child's milage may vary. I wish more was done to make Bera herself interesting. And other than maybe the art, there's not really anything to draw in an older reader or make it interesting for a parent. Written: January 7, 2017
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