Synopsis
Drew is just a regular artist. But there’s nothing ordinary about her art. Her doodles are mischievous . . . and rarely do they stay in Doodleville, the world she’s created in her sketchbook. Instead, Drew’s doodles prefer to explore the world outside. But after an inspiring class trip to the Art Institute of Chicago–where the doodles cause a bit too much trouble–Drew decides it’s time to take her artistic talents to the next level.
Enter the Leviathan–Levi, for short. He’s bigger and better than anything Drew has ever created before. He’s a monster, but a friendly one. That is, until Levi begins to wreak havoc on Drew’s other doodles–and on the heroes her classmates have dreamt up.
Levi won’t be easily tamed, and it seems there is a link between the monster’s bad behavior and Drew’s feelings. With the help of her loyal art club friends, will she be able to save Doodleville–and Levi–before it’s too late?
From: Penguin Random House
Notes on This Title
This title focuses on a group of children. Though racial identities are not established on panel, two have dark skin. One focal character is latine and uses they/them pronouns, while another character uses she/her pronouns but presents in a way that may suggest gender nonconformity, and is strongly implied to be neurodivergent.
There are two fictional characters within the world of the story that are shown to be a queer male couple.
Awards
2021 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids - Nominee
Reviews
“Will draw readers in and inspire doodles galore.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“Sell’s caricatured illustrations provide strong action, and single-hue overlays (purples, greens) highlight emotionally charged moments for the friend group, which includes kids of various ethnicities and gender identities.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
Interviews
The Children’s Book Review: “Illustration Inspiration: Chad Sell, Creator of Doodleville“