Hilda and Twig hide from the rain
The various adventures of Hilda, a blue-haired girl who lives in a world of trolls and other mythic creatures, have been spread through the original graphic novels, spin-off novels, and Netflix media. Now she returns, with her pet deer-fox Twig, in a simple graphic novel adventure for younger readers.
Hilda is debating the merits of different areas to explore when it starts to rain; she cheerfully ducks into a dark cave, to the dismay of Twig, and they encounter a group of animals there. Hilda is lost in her own imagination, but the animals rude comments annoy Twig who steps outside… and encounters the giant ghost snake, who is said to guard a treasure in the cave. Twig tries to balance his fears of the snake, questioning of his own identity, and his love for Hilda throughout the ensuing adventures. Twig ends the story content, although still wary of Hilda’s propensity for getting into trouble on her adventures.
The artwork is an interesting example of how a creator can adapt their own art. While Pearson’s style is still clearly shown in the signature look of Hilda and Twig, the earth-colored backgrounds and the muted green of the forest, he cleverly simplifies it for a younger audience. The panels are larger with less detail, the text simpler and shorter. Most of the dialogue comes from Twig’s thought bubbles and the opening sequence makes it clear that Hilda is unaware of Twig’s thoughts as he adds his own commentary on her narrow escapes in various adventures. The animals they encounter are a simple version of his more quirky characters – a bird with a long beak, weasel, fox, rabbits, and hedgehog—and they clearly state for readers that Hilda can’t understand them. Some of the scenes are a full page or spread, and they have a picture book quality, although their content is aimed at older readers, like the illustration of the great white snake looking down on the terrified Twig in the rain.
The plot line is deceptively simple—Hilda and Twig hide in a cave, Twig meets a big monster, protects Hilda, and all ends well. There is a subtle discussion of identity as Twig encounters the animals, who deny that he is a real creature, and the snake, who finds him unique. But does the snake truly want to be friends? Can one be friends with such a creature? There’s also the treasure to consider, although that’s mostly resolved by Hilda’s mothers wise words, “I’d rather not start robbing graves.”
Although the art and text is simplified, this is far from a simple story. It’s been advertised as a picture book, but I would suggest it be added to a collection with the original Hilda graphic novels, where fans of the series can discover a new story and adults can introduce younger children to this strong-minded, quirky character and her world.
Hilda and Twig Hide from the RainÂ
By Luke Pearson
Flying Eye Books, 2024
ISBN: 9781838741563
Company Age Rating:Â Matheson Memorial Library (public library, open to the public since June 2020)
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11)
