The Snowcat Prince

by Dina Norlund

Overview

A 2023 ALA Best Graphic Novel for Children

To break the curse on the kingdom, Syv, the youngest snowcat prince sets out on a dangerous quest to find the long-lost magical crown of his ancestor and learn the true meaning of bravery and honor.

Syv is a snowcat and the youngest in a family of princes. When his father dies, Syv and his brothers are all in line for the throne. Eager to become kings themselves and wary of how well-liked Syv has become by the citizens, Syv’s brothers send him on a dangerous quest to find the long-lost magical crown that once belonged to their royal ancestor, the Eldking. Legend says that the snowcat who finds the crown will break the curse on their land and bring great honor to the family. But failure could mark Syv with three black stripes, and he’d be banished forever.

Along his journey, Syv will face dangerous beasts, dark powers, and the ever-lurking sand foxes—sworn enemies to the snowcats. But when Syv discovers the truth about the legend of the Eldking and his magical crown, he’ll have to learn the new meaning of honor and find another way to break the curse.

From Norwegian author Dina Norlund comes The Snowcat Prince, a beautifully illustrated tale of bravery and honor.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781637151983
Publisher:	Oni Press
Publication date:	03/07/2023
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Dina Norlund is an artist who likes to dabble in all things creative. Everything from painting, storytelling, sculptures, crafting or designing, she has probably tried it all at one point. Surprisingly she has managed to focus on one thing for long enough to write, illustrate and finish a comic project or two. Growing up in the lush forests of Norway she takes a lot of inspiration from the culture and folklore when writing and illustrating her stories. Currently she spends her days in a small house with a garden, husband, and cat while doodling on her next magical adventure.

Editorial Reviews

"A self-contained adventure with high middle grade appeal, and a very good choice for the graphic novel shelves, particularly where readers enjoy fantasy."

School Library Journal

Fans of fantasy and adventure will enjoy this colorful and richly illustrated volume.

SLJ Good Comics For Kids

"Hidden dangers abound and not everything is as it seems in this adventure about friendship, bravery, and learning to think critically for oneself! Highly recommended, especially as a gift for young adults or a contribution to school and public library graphic novel collections.

Childrens Bookwatch Midwest Book Review

"fresh and innovative in its exploration of the lasting power of myth, systemic corruption, and the search for truth [...] Purr-fect."

Starred Review Kirkus

"Boasting a vivid sense of place and a tranquil ambiance, this contemplative story explores preconceived notions and the import of generational storytelling."

Publishers Weekly

★ 2022-12-24
A young feline prince journeys to find a mysterious magical crown in hopes of saving the kingdom.

According to snowcat lore, over a thousand years ago, there lived an Eldking who had his smiths forge a crown made of magic called aura. When he was attacked by the cunning, evil shape-shifting sandfoxes, the Eldking and the crown were never seen again, and the snowcats were cursed. Syv is the youngest snowcat of the seven princes. Earnest and well-liked, he is seen as a threat by his brothers, who send him out alone to acquire the Eldking’s crown, a near-impossible feat. Plucky and determined, he ventures out, meeting a red-haired, light-skinned human girl named Kit along the way. As a hero’s quest often goes, Syv discovers that both the legends about the sandfoxes and the Eldking and his new friend, Kit, may not be what they appear. Norlund’s stand-alone graphic offering is stunning, with lush, vibrant illustrations that flawlessly complement her richly imagined world. Reminiscent of a fairy tale but in no way derivative, this feels fresh and innovative in its exploration of the lasting power of myth, systemic corruption, and the search for truth. Backmatter includes more in-depth aspects of Syv’s world, helpfully explaining some of the nuance and history of aura, the snowcats, and the sandfoxes.

Purr-fect. (bonus art, map) (Graphic fantasy. 7-12)

Kirkus Reviews