Amulet: The Stonekeeper, by Kazu Kibushi

Kibuishi, K. (2008). Amulet. the stonekeeper. Graphix.

 Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibushi is an intriguing first step into the world of the Amulet series, which contains eight published books and a ninth upcoming one to finish off the series. In Amulet, siblings Emily and Navin pursue a creature that has kidnapped their mother from their new home with the aid and guidance of a mysterious amulet. 

The book uses an intentional color palette, largely using drab grays, browns, and blues for the surroundings, especially in the dangerous new world Emily and Navin find themselves in. Even the main characters' colors are dampened, more noticeably so once they leave their new house for the danger of the world beyond it. While drab, the color palette is not unappealing. Kibushi’s art style is cartoon-like and appealing to the eye, creating engaging characters. However, where the art work really excels is in the monsters and creatures that inhabit the world beyond Emily and Navin’s own. Each is unique and creepy, and fully develops the world they inhabit into a much more dangerous and eerie one

The font appears to be about a size 12, and the slightly uneven lettering suits the book well. The writing is made to appear hand done, though it is unlikely that this is actually the case. The font is in all caps, with slightly larget letters denoting capitalisations. The text itself matches the tone of the text, and each character has a voice and tone that is uniquely theirs. 

Additionally, the plot is highly accessible to children ages 9-12. Though dark, and at times, exceptionally scary for kids of this age, this book features an adventure many unlike others seen on children’s shelves. Fans of Disney Channel’s hit TV show, Gravity Falls are likely to love this book and the eerie and dangerous world it has to offer.