Tricky Journeys #1: Tricky Coyote Tales

Young readers can choose the path Coyote follows as he escapes from angry Bear, whose meal he has just stolen, in this illustrated adventure book, inspired by Native American folktales and written by the author of the Eisner-nominated Crogan Adventures series. Coyote encounters fellow animals, as well as mythic hill creatures, all given ample personality and expression in a lively art style. When he comes to a key point, readers can decide what his next move will be by turning to different pages. The narrative is written in prose, while the key points before the reader must make a choice are depicted in comics. The choices yield 18 potential outcomes, ranging from Coyote being eaten by hill creatures to gorging himself on nuts and making new and unexpected friends. Readers will discover the endings depend on how true they stay to Coyote’s trickster personality; if they rely on sneaking or running away instead of Coyote’s quick wits and tongue, Coyote will meet an unhappy end. The story immersion, great art, and blend of prose and comics will attract even reluctant readers to lose themselves in a book. Ages 7–10. (Oct.)