The Adventures of Thunder and Sage (Wagnificent #1)

Thunder the dog loves her human companion Sage, whose affection she’s always happy to return. But when Sage’s obsession with finding a magical creature so “my life would be complete” reaches an apex, she puts a starry cloak and wizard’s hat on Thunder that the pooch absolutely hates. Thunder’s internal cries for help are answered by her inner wolf, who appears to tell Thunder that she “must revolt against this indignity.” As Thunder learns more about her heritage, she endeavors to follow her wolf’s advice by tearing her hat and cape to shreds—an action she immediately regrets. Though Sage is openly disappointed, she forgives Thunder easily, and decides to make Thunder a new cloak—and a human-size one for herself—so they can go creature-tracking together. Despite their mended bond, however, Thunder continues questioning whether she should live with her beloved human or run wild in the woods. Painterly depictions of Thunder’s wordless communication with Sage highlight the complexity of their relationship and Thunder’s curiosity about the wild in this wholesome graphic novel series opener by Murguia (What’s Your Name?). Informational panels and diagrams about dogs appear throughout; back matter concludes. Sage has pale skin. Ages 6–10. (July)