Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Chris Wormell - OPTIONAL

Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Chris Wormell, 166 pages. Young Adult Knopf (Random House), 2023. $26 

Language: PG-13 (38 swears, 0 F) Mature Content: PG (alludes to wanting sex) Violence: PG-13 (graphic gunfights, violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A companion book to His Dark Materials and the Book of Dust, this story tells how Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby meets the bear Iorek for the first time. Together they face down corrupt leaders and hired gunslingers. 

The layout and art are beautiful. This would make a lovely gift. I'm just not sure who the audience is. The art and larger size almost makes it look like it would appeal to a much younger audience, like upper elementary or middle school. However, there are no youth in this story and the language and violence are geared to adults. This story will make more sense if you've read the other books in the series before embarking on this one. The story is engaging, but is only one encounter in the North. If you're a true fan of the series, though, this book is for you. Lee Scoresby is a white Texan. 

Michelle in the Middle