Inkling

Astonishing.-The New York Times Book Review

This masterful novel is funny, sad, and profound all at once. Kenneth Oppel has created many unusual protagonists during his stellar career, but his inventiveness reaches a whole new level with Inkling, an inkblot that is fully and vividly alive. --Quill and Quire, Starred

Inkling is at turns hilarious, when he mimics the language of the books he reads, and poignant, when he wonders about his identity and purpose. The undercurrent of loss and grief, not to mention questions of agency and personhood, give the story weight, but do not weigh it down. Smith's energetic and expressive ink drawings are the perfect complement and contribute to the storytelling in playful ways. Oppel's latest is
serious fun. --Booklist

A unique story about the creative process and the journey through grief. --SLJ

Sweet and funny. --Kirkus Reviews

Inkling is so clever and intriguing that it deserves a bookshelf all to itself. Once you're done reading, you'll want to keep a very close eye on it. --Carl Hiaasen, Newbery Honor Winner for Hoot

Inkling's evolving abilities model a realistic creative arc--the creature mimics its most recent literary meal ("I'M UTTERLY ENRAPTURED" follows a stint with L.M. Montgomery) until it eventually discovers its own voice--even as the other characters work through grief and find their own stories.--Publishers Weekly

An enjoyable read for budding young artists. --The Bulletin