The Art of Getting Noticed (Bigfoot and Nessie #1)

Two cryptid creatures navigate the lure and perils of notoriety in this witty and whimsical graphic novel, the first in a series. Bigfoot Littletoe the Third, a sasquatch, is trying to continue his family's tradition of photobombing tourists, but he hasn't had much luck; in one instance, he fumbles, slipping into a river. When another attempt leads to him getting tangled in a camper's tent, he meets Nessie, of Loch Ness fame, clad in scarf and sunglasses to avoid being recognized. Nessie suggests that "maybe the tourist photo scene isn't for you," and sets out to help Bigfoot find his calling. A psychedelically colorful montage shows the cryptid duo making sidewalk chalk murals, scuba diving, DJing, and scrapbooking, before Bigfoot realizes a knack for hedge sculpture, and his creations earn him acclaim from passersby. But with Bigfoot's newfound fame comes increased scrutiny that threatens Nessie's peaceful incognito existence. Campbell's wink-and-a-nudge humor pairs with Knetzger's rounded lines and adorable creatures to deliver a sincere story that explores friendship, social media exposure, and finding one's niche. Ages 6-9. (Feb.)

Gr 2-4--Unlike his fame-seeking family, young cryptid Bigfoot Littletoe's attempts to photobomb campers' selfies always result in disaster. After a mysteriously disguised long-necked creature named Nessie rescues him from his latest effort, they bond at a campfire and decide to figure out what Bigfoot enjoys when not chasing the limelight. Exploring different activities like chalk drawing and scrapbooking eventually leads Bigfoot to a newfound appreciation of hedge sculpting. His incredibly realistic sculptures attract unexpected fame for Bigfoot and unwanted attention for Nessie. Young Bigfoot must now decide what is more important--fame or friendship? In this short but sweet graphic novel, Campbell and Knetzger emphasize themes of creativity, uniqueness, and camaraderie. Young readers will appreciate the overall messaging of finding your niche and doing something because you enjoy it, not because of external attention. Nessie's aversion to attention is also relatable. The cute, chibi-reminiscent character design and cheery palette are a great fit for the story, helping to introduce the concept of cryptids in an engaging and humorous manner to audiences who might not otherwise be familiar with them. The wordless panels where Bigfoot and Nessie try out different hobbies are a standout and particularly neat, and the variety of creatures add to the visual interest. Secondary human characters present as diverse. It is not inherently obvious that cryptids and humans exist peacefully together; hopefully, any future sequels might explore Bigfoot and Nessie's world further. VERDICT An enjoyable introduction to legends of Bigfoot and Nessie that is certainly worth noticing. Recommended for public and school libraries.--Pearl Derlaga