In an engaging graphic novel, Portia’s miserable day ends well when she finds a large purple monster outside her house. Despite its enormous size and sharp teeth, the monster seems friendly enough—infantile even. He’s obviously lost and hungry. Portia invites him in and feeds him a tuna sandwich, though he’s just as happy eating her mother’s vase of flowers. They form an instant bond but Portia understands enough of the world to know that it would be best to keep him hidden, something that’s hard to do because he’s obviously a social creature. Before long, Portia’s friend, Jason, has had an encounter with him, and the two kids conspire to try to help the creature they’ve named Jellaby find his way home. Jellaby, with his wide innocent eyes and charming jagged underbite, is one of the most distinctive and memorable children’s book characters in recent memory. Readers will be clamoring to know what happens next in a story to be continued. (Ages 7–14)

Quiet but bright Portia has just moved to a new neighborhood with her mom. Adjusting to life without a father is hard enough, but school is boring and her classmates are standoffish -- and even Portia's mom is sort of distant. But things start to get better when Portia mounts a midnight excursion into the woods behind her house where she discovers a shy and sweet purple monster. Life with Jellaby is exciting, but Portia's purple friend has secrets of his own...