While trying to prove that he’s worthy of possessing an eagle’s feather, Yakari has a series of adventures that include a mustang round-up, a forest fire, and BIG bears.

Yakari and Great Eagle introduces readers to Yakari (a little Sioux boy), his friend the great eagle, and his pony Little Thunder. The book is adorable, charming, inspiring, and just flat out great. While the hero is Native American, his experiences are universal ones that both children and adults can relate to.

Who hasn’t doubted his own ability to do something? Who hasn’t wanted to accomplish something no one else has? Who hasn’t been frustrated by adults who won’t believe you’re telling the truth when you are?

Yakari is an absolute charmer. Though frustrated by the adults in his life, he never gets angry or angsty. He holds on to his beliefs and acts on them. Curious about the world around him, he explores it with confidence and wonder. When confronted with danger, he doesn’t lose his head. Instead, he intelligently tries to solve his problem. Without being preachy, author Job provides parents and educators with a wonderful role model for children.

Job mixes the humor and adventure masterfully. I particularly enjoy the scene with Yakari and the bear cubs, and there’s a duck who has some good lines too. While there are scenes where Yakari is in danger, it’s never so scary that it will frighten younger readers.

Derib’s art is beautiful. Each panel tends to focus on one action, and there’s not a lot happening in the background to distract younger readers--which is not to say the art isn’t detailed. It is.

The panel showing Yakari’s tribe on the move looks like it came out of a textbook, it’s so authentic looking. The scenes showing the great eagle in flight and the forest fire are absolutely gorgeous. The panels showing Yakari’s dream of flight and his attempt to ride a mustang look like design pages for an animated movie. They have a great sense of movement and fun.

Yakari and Great Eagle is a must have for parents who want to introduce their children to graphic novels--as well as for anyone who appreciates great storytelling.

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