Evelyn and Avery: The Art of Friendship: A Graphic Novel

by Elle Pierre, Elle Pierre (Illustrator)

Overview

Set in a whimsical world with both human and animal friends, this debut graphic novel series is about besties who make crafts, mistakes, and friendships. Publishers Weekly Early Reader Spotlight Pick!

Kirkus Reviews says, "A cute yet complex tale about solving conflicts with creative solutions...Pierre’s illustrations have a bubbly, lighthearted energy, and her characters physically express big emotions."

Eight-year-old Evelyn is beyond excited to enter her town's annual art show! She joins two of her friends with a plan to submit a group project, but Dylan and Avery (a playful and imaginative skunk kit) start butting heads early on in the creative process. When Evelyn tries to diffuse the tension, both friends end up angry at her and the group splits apart.

What will this mean for their art—and, more importantly, for their friendships?

The first book in a new graphic novel series for young readers, Evelyn and Avery is all about navigating friendship and emotions, fostering different kinds of creativity, and forgiveness. Set in a world with both human and animal characters, the series is both relatable and whimsical.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780358681564
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/24/2024
Series:	Evelyn and Avery , #1
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Elle Pierre has worked on a variety of creative projects over the years, ranging from self-published children’s books to short comics. Elle was a colorist on the acclaimed graphic novel Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright and the graphic novel Creaky Acres by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder.

Elle Pierre has worked on a variety of creative projects over the years, ranging from self-published children’s books to short comics. Elle was a colorist on the acclaimed graphic novel Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright and the graphic novel Creaky Acres by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder.

Editorial Reviews

2024-05-31
An art contest sparks a big argument.

Evelyn is an excitable young girl who’s ready to take on the art world. Armed with a flyer for a local competition, she heads to idyllic Picnic Hill Park to meet up with her friends Dylan, a mercurial kid with an undercut hairstyle, and Avery, an affectionate, anthropomorphic skunk. Lacking inspiration but eager to win, Dylan starts to complain. Evelyn suggests that the three of them enter the contest as a group, though Avery is hesitant. Soon, Dylan starts bossing Avery around. A yelling match ensues, and Avery storms off. Evelyn tries to help her friends separately but only gets further entangled—which doesn’t leave her much time for her own creative aspirations. This is a surprisingly intense story of young friends in conflict, with Evelyn’s mom serving as a gentle, empathetic confidant for both her frustrated daughter and her apologetic friends. Their nurturing bond helps Evelyn grow as she confronts a challenging situation, and eventually Dylan and Avery find a way to help Evelyn shine. Pierre’s illustrations have a bubbly, lighthearted energy, and her characters physically express big emotions: Tear-filled eyes brim to overflowing on many occasions, but happy hugs abound as well. Evelyn and her mom are Black, Dylan is tan-skinned, and fellow contestants include a kangaroo and a girl in a headscarf.

A cute yet complex tale about solving conflicts with creative solutions.(Graphic fiction. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews