Making Scents by Arthur Yornicks -NO

Yornicks, Arthur Making Scents, 100 pgs. First Second, 2017.  $16. Language: G ; Mature Content: G ;Violence: PG

Mickey’s  adopted Mom and Dad raise him like the rest of their ‘kids’. He learns to fetch and find scents with the rest of this Bloodhound Dog brothers and sisters. When they get in an accident, he is forced to live with an elderly Aunt and Uncle, who has never met. They don’t like dogs, so now he is an only child. His Aunt is sick and might die. His Uncle thinks all children are crooks and doesn’t understand Mickey at all. Will Mickey find happiness and real family?

This graphic novel is such an odd story, I’m not sure that I liked it, even though it has a happy ending. Its highly possible that this story wasn’t meant for kids as the intended audience. I just felt bad for the main character the entire story, especially when his brothers and sisters are taken away and the various nightmares Mickey has. Its sort of set in the 50’s or 60’s and the dated feel just makes the whole story feel sort of surreal. The visual of a boy finding and shooting a revolver might make some parents concerned.  

EL -NO.  Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author