Salamandre

Culbard (the Everything series) turns out a tour de force in this thoughtful look at sacrifice, grief, and renewal. After the disappearance of his heroic adventurer father, young artist Kasper Salamandre sets aside his drawing tools and becomes sullen and withdrawn. Unable to find joy in his artwork, he is haunted by recurring nightmares. To shake him out of his doldrums, Kasper’s mother sends him to visit his enigmatic grandfather, who lives on a seemingly tranquil estate in an oppressive state ruled by the all-powerful Emperor. “The state has eyes and ears everywhere,” his cousin warns as she explains the lack of music, art, and even flowers under the watchful eye of the secret police. But as he settles in, Kasper realizes that there is hidden joy, beauty, art, and, most of all, secrets all around him, and each day presents a new opportunity to learn and to grow. Culbard’s evocative illustrations and subtle, nuanced palette strike a dreamy balance in a coming-of-age adventure story. The result is an irresistible combination of childlike wonder and adult paranoia. (Nov.)