Quest for the Spark Book One (Bone Trilogy #1)

Gr 4-8—A full-text adventure set in the world of Smith's iconic "Bone" graphic novels (Scholastic). Young Tom, a Valley turnip farmer, receives a vision that the peaceful otherworld of the Dreaming is under attack. The evil Nacht, a renegade Dragon, seeks to control the dreamland, and through it, the Waking World as well. A mysterious forest woman tells Tom that he has been chosen to lead a quest to find the scattered pieces of the Spark—the light of creation that can drive back the dark power. When his family falls under the Nacht's corrupted sleep spell, Tom realizes that he has no choice and sets out with his best friend, a talking raccoon. Along the way, they are joined by three Bones—inventor Percival and his squabbling niece and nephew; a disillusioned Veni Yan warrior priest; and two Rat Creatures. Tom must mold this oddly assorted crew into a cohesive group if they have any chance of success. As the first of a projected trilogy, the book devotes considerable space to background exposition and character definition. Much of the action involves a series of seeming coincidences and accidents that bring the companions together, but there are chuckles and chills aplenty along the way. Smith's familiar illustrations help link this to the original series. Bone aficionados will appreciate the many references to events and characters from the saga, but enough detail is provided that newbies will feel at home. An exciting new direction for one of the best-known and best-written graphic series available.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL