Inkling

Life is rough in Ethan’s house. His father has not been able to finish writing and illustrating anything since his mother’s death. Late one night, while everyone is sleeping, the ink on his father’s sketchbook slithers off the page. Ethan has been put in charge of drawing the images for the group’s graphic novel but worries because he cannot draw. Finding the ink spot, which he names Inkling, Ethan gets the artistic help he needs and hopes Inkling can help his father get back to work. However, when his archenemy, Vika, catches wind of something fishy, Ethan fears he may lose not only his artistic help but his slowly healing family.

This middle-grade gem is a study in love and loss, the earlier loss of Ethan’s mother mirroring the possible loss of his friend in Inkling. The character development of the ink blot as it enjoys classics and exciting graphic novels may encourage some readers to try some new stories while laughing along with Inkling’s antics but missing the subtle commentary on the value of certain literature. Inkling is considerate, loyal, and smart, all things any kid wants in a friend, and the unlikely hero in a classic battle of good versus evil.