Unfairies: A Graphic Novel
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Huw Aaron, a Welsh cartoonist, debuted in the US with the picture book, Sleep Night, Disgusting Blob. His first middle grade graphic novel shows a similar sense of humor along with skillful plotting and exuberant art.
After introducing the world of The Garden and the Tree Fairies who live in Oakhold, the story immediately jumps into the Root Stores where an enthusiastic brawl is taking place and we meet Pip, a red-haired, nobody fairy who has wandered into the Root Stores. He’s taken in by the outcast fairies there, but quickly realizes it’s not the place for him (after about four minutes) and happily agrees to take important news up the tree to “The Department.” On his journey he’ll meet a plethora of characters, from a lowly receptionist who always follows the rules to a guard recruit trying to live up to their father’s reputation, to the most important fairies of all. Of course, being Pip, along the way there is chaos galore until he finally saves the day and becomes the hero… or does he? The story ends with a shocking revelation that paves the way for a sequel.
Aaron’s art is bright and the action moves rapidly from panel to panel. Pip is shown as a diminutive, white creature with pointed ears, a wild fluff of red curls and an irrepressible grin. Along the way he meets fairies and creatures of all colors, from green to brown, and body types that range from round and squishy to sharp and pointy. The characters range from grotesque to cute and their backgrounds are messy scrawls of orange, brown, green, and blue. The action-packed panels are periodically interrupted by full spreads showing detailed drawings of the garden, oak tree, or large scale images of important events like meetings of the council or a battle with the vegetable fairy sheriff, a swollen orange character with a leaf toupee.
Although the story is, on the surface, a light-hearted tale of Pip’s anarchic tendencies and goofy antics that drive his new friends wild and accidentally save the day, there’s also a lot of thoughtful commentary below the surface about abuse of power, the dangers of following rules without question, and questioning authority.
Readers who like Dog Man-style antics and enjoy goofy fantasies will be delighted by this series starter and eager to read more of the misadventure of Pip and the fairy world of Oakhold.
Unfairies: A Graphic Novel
By Huw Aaron
Penguin Random House, 2026
ISBN: 9798217005758
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11), Tween (10-13)
