It’s that time of year again. Summer time! While most children spend their summer at home or at the local pool, some will be shipped away to camp. With camper comradery and outdoor activities galore, summer camp is a great experience—just as long as you don’t stumble upon a strange cave that may or may not house something sinister inside. Such a mystery can be found in Jonathan Schnapp’s graphic novel Order of the Night Jay: The Forest Beckons.
Frank the bear does not want to spend his summer at Camp Jay Bird. He would rather read comics and draw his own superhero stories entitled The Adventures of Super Bear. But no, he is stuck at camp with critters much smaller than him, especially feisty camp counselor Big Edna the squirrel, and older campers who like to bully the newest members. There is also the pressure of collecting badges when completing camp activities. For this shy bear, it’s not going to be an easy summer. Lucky for him he met rambunctious raccoon Ricky, a fan of comic books and who wants to hang out with Frank. Camp seems to be better with his new friend, but things take a mysterious turn when the boys discover an old cave with a secret code written at the entrance. Turns out that this new place may have something to do with the Order of the Night Jay, leading Ricky to wild speculation. Is it a secret society of giant birds? Maybe vampires or librarians? Or perhaps Bird Librarian Vampires? The raccoon wants to find out more, but will Frank be willing to break camp rules and go along on this crazy quest?
Jonathan Schnapp has created a colorful detailed world of young anthropomorphic animals experiencing the great outdoors and the pressures of fitting in. His use of shadow and light enhance scenes filled with mysteries or nature. Two page spreads expand different scenes, whether it is characters following a trail or conversing about recent events. Pages of Frank’s own comic book are interwoven in the story, usually before a new chapter begins, describing the character’s anxieties over his new friend and his experiences in summer camp. Not only are readers treated to a strange mystery but to a story about friendship and overcoming social anxieties. In fact, they may find a little of themselves in the graphic novel’s characters, or perhaps someone they may know. Everyone has a friend like Frank and everyone has a friend like Ricky. The two are definitely different from one another but they work well together. Frank attempts to reel Ricky in from time to time and Ricky encourages Frank to try something new. And with a cliffhanger ending, readers will definitely look forward to new adventures with the duo. As for the rest of the cast, readers are treated to little background stories of most of the secondary characters and different activities to try at home, such as how to use a compass and different recipes for s’mores.
Combining mystery and camping adventures, Order of the Night Jay: The Forest Beckons creates a story that will leave readers wanting more. If your readers enjoy the graphic novels by Jennifer L. Holm and Ben Hatke, this title is a great choice for their next read. School and public libraries who serve children in grades 2-4 should add this title to their collection and keep an eye out for the next volume in the series.
Order of the Night Jay: The Forest Beckons
By Jonathan Schnapp
Top Shelf, 2022
ISBN: 9781603095105
Publisher Age Rating: grade 3-7
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11)
