Shelter for Lost Dreams

After weaving through the darkened cobblestone streets of an antiquated-feeling London in pursuit of an owl that has stolen his scarf, young Zò arrives at the Shelter for Lost Dreams. There, he meets its proprietors: Socratic Uncle Cyrus and his child companion, Dontknow. The Shelter overflows with animals, books, and magical objects, stoking Zò’s curiosity; Uncle Cyrus and Dontknow share antique items that, when touched, reveal didactic vignettes cautioning the viewer against human fallibilities like fear-based ignorance and the hubris of vanity. Through these embedded narratives—which highlight harrowing survival tales, free-wheeling mountainous adventures, and fearsome war stories alike—Zò finds himself “accumulating experiences, learning lessons from them, and figuring out how to apply them to your life.” Font (Tales of an Imperfect Future) renders this fantastical Magic Tree House–leaning graphic novel via sketch-like pen and ink art and swathes of color that mimic each story’s mood. While the work’s short length sometimes oversimplifies the included lessons, Font’s varied panel compositions and rich visual details thoroughly engage the eye, and Zò and Dontknow’s wondrous adventures alongside Uncle Cyrus will encourage readers’ inquisitiveness. Most characters appear white. Ages 10–14. (Dec.)