The Legend of Brightblade

Brown-skinned Prince Alto was raised on ballads describing his mother’s defeat of the evil pale drake and her rise to ruler of Skald. In the current time of peace, however, Lady Brightblade would prefer that her son learn diplomacy and statecraft instead of the music-based magic that he loves. When Alto’s music disrupts a diplomatic dinner, his mother ends his lessons with the master bard. Running away in a pique, Alto soon encounters other gifted young bards, and is thrilled to discover that collaboration enhances his music and his magic. When he stumbles upon a plot to overthrow his mother, though, only he and his new friends may be in a position to thwart the conspirators. In crisp, bright washes of watercolor and ink, Aldridge (Estranged) paints a world that is equally indebted to The Hobbit and Jem and the Holograms, in which trolls and elves of various skin tones render music as candy-colored magic. The story is savvily grounded in Alto’s struggles with familial expectations and his evolving role in a new friend group, and its larger stakes feel sufficiently important to keep the pages turning. A nimble pace, light approach to worldbuilding, and sprightly hero lend a welcome air of effortlessness to this blithe adventure. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stephen Barbara, InkWell Management. (Feb.)