Young Adult

IN THE SMALL
MICHAEL HAGUE
Graphic Novel
Little, Brown
ISBN# 9780316013222
128 pages
$12.99
Paperback - Available Now

Rating: 4 Enchantments

On a normal September day, a flashing blue light changes humans into beings only six inches tall.

A teenage boy nicknamed Mouse, ends up being a leader. He guides office workers out of the city to safety. He’s had visions of this day. Can his visions help others survive this scary New World?

His younger sister Beat and their grandfather help others gather to their home. All the while, they wonder what has happened to Mouse.

Both siblings struggle to survive in this cruel New World. No longer are humans in control. Animals are now a threat. While Mouse and Beat recruit others to their home, a darkness covers the Earth with a threat that’s scarier than being tiny sized.

This is an interesting twist on the whole end-of-the-world premise. What would happen if you woke up and found yourself only six inches tall? The author does a great job conveying his story in graphic novel format. Both teens are strong characters that draw on their inner strength.

The illustrations are gorgeous. This book is sure to appeal to fantasy lovers as well as reluctant readers. I wanted to know more about what was behind the blue light and the growing darkness, which I’m sure will be addressed in a sequel.

Michael Hague is both the author and illustrator of IN THE SMALL. Mr. Hague trained at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. Some of his influences include the comic book series Prince Valiant and the works of Disney, Japanese printmakers Hiroshige and Hokusai, and turn-of-the-century illustrators Arthur Rackham, W. Heath Robinson, N. C. Wyeth and Howard Pyle. He resides in Colorado Springs. Mr. Hague’s website is www.michaelhague.com and his MySpace site is www.myspace.com/michael_hague

Kim Rapier
Enchanting Reviews
May 2008