Rainbow Bridge by Steve Orlando, Steve Foxe, and Valentina Brancati - OPTIONAL

 Rainbow Bridge by Steve Orlando and Steve Foxe, illustrated by Valentina Brancati, 126 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Seismic Press. 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Andy and his dog, Rocket, are inseparable until Rocket passes away just before Andy’s 14th birthday. Andy is devastated and can’t bear the thought of starting high school without Rocket. When he visits Rocket’s grave, he is transported over the Rainbow Bridge where pets discover their afterlife. Andy discovers that there is a dark side to the afterlife and that Rocket needs his help. 

There isn’t a whole lot to the plot, but pet lovers everywhere will probably relate to Andy and his wish to see his beloved pet again. The art is engaging and bright and appropriately dark where needed, and no one can argue with the theme that no animal is a lost cause. 

 Michelle in the Middle