Into the Woods

October 22, 2012
In the first book in the Bigfoot Boy series, 10-year-old Rufus resigns himself to a boring weekend with his grandmother out in the sticks; instead he finds adventure, magic, and friendship. His chance discovery of a fabled totem in the forest leaves him with the ability to become a sasquatch, guardian of the woods. It also makes him and his new friend Penny targets for those who covet the totem's power. When Penny vanishes, Rufus uses his newfound power to brave the unfamiliar forest and the hidden enemies it contains. Hicks's art is as clean and skillful, as one would expect from her "Friends with Boys" and "Demonology 101" Web comics. Fellow Canadian Torres provides a straightforward adventure that introduces a few problematic elements. Although Penny, a First Nations girl, is profoundly connected to her forest home and a capable woodsman in her own right, she is relegated to sidekick territory while Caucasian outsider Rufus finds the totem and saves the day. Talking animals and an emphasis on humor should broaden the appeal of this fantasy story, but Penny's helplessness in contrast to Rufus's agency is discouraging. Ages 7â10.

Starred review from July 1, 2012
Mom said there was magic in the woods...she probably didn't mean anything like this. Ten-year-old city boy Rufus is staying at his grandmother's house on the edge of a forest for a few days without his parents. Grammy's idea of fun is prune juice and soap operas, so Rufus decides to explore the woods. He meets a girl named Penny, but she's as friendly as a rock. Her older sister, Aurora, tells Rufus Penny's friendlier than she seems, so he doesn't give up on her. When looking for her in the woods, Rufus finds a glowing necklace in a tree. After reading the word on the back, he turns into Bigfoot! Not only is he big, red and hairy, but he can also talk to animals. Sidney the flying squirrel helps him get home. There's danger in the forest as well as magic, and when Penny disappears, Rufus (and Sidney) use the totem to effect a rescue. Canadian author Torres' first in a new series of graphic novels has magic, humor and just a hint of menace. Easy-reading text, all in speech bubbles, will appeal to a wide range of readers. Hicks' bright and glossy cinematic panels are full of action; readers will almost smell the green of the trees. This one gets everything just right. Be prepared for young Sasquatch fans roaring for more. (Graphic fantasy. 6-11)

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November 1, 2012

Gr 4-7- Into the Woods mixes fantasy and a touch of suspense. Ten-year-old Rufus is off to stay with his grandma for a few days. Since her house backs up to a massive forest, he decides to explore and comes across an unfriendly neighbor, Penny, and a magical wooden necklace that allows him to morph into a Sasquatch. A pack of wolves, fearing a shift in the woodland balance of power, is determined to get the necklace back, and use Penny as bait. But Rufus uses his Sasquatch power to save the day-and his necklace-setting the stage for more adventures to come. The plot is easy to follow, but also fairly predictable and doesn't offer much in the way of surprises. The rich, expressive full-color artwork shines, adding humor and ably carrying the story. The book might not leave a lasting impression on every reader, but it will have its fans.-Travis Jonker, Wayland Union Schools, MI

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2012
Grades 3-5 What young boy, or girl, for that matter, hasn't dreamed of being bigger, stronger, and more powerful? When Rufus repeats the incantation on the back of a strange totem he finds in the woods, that's exactly what happens: he turns into Bigfoot Boyhuge, hairy, and able to talk to the animals in the forest. When several wolves try to blackmail Rufus into giving them the totem by kidnapping his friend Penny, Rufus must use his new powers to save her. Torres delivers believable characters and a plausible setting and backstory that make Rufus' transformation into Bigfoot Boy easy to embrace. Hicks' expressive artwork is one of the book's strengths, her strong black lines never obscuring the emotions shown on the characters' faces. A solid introduction to a new adventure series, and young readers will clamor for a second volume.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2013
In this funny graphic novel, first in an anticipated series, ten-year-old Rufus stumbles upon an ancient totem that turns him into Bigfoot. A snarky new friend named Penny, a trusty squirrel advisor, and talking wolves that desperately want the totem for themselves round out the lively cast. The book ultimately lacks a clear climax, but Hicks's dynamic art in a deep-woodsy palette maintains the action.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)