Inkling

Inkling
Kenneth Oppel
Knopf, Nov. 2018 240 pages
Grades 3-6
Fantasy

Out of Ethan's dad's sketchbook escapes the Inkling: a little creature made out of ink who can transform into other sizes and shapes. He (she?) arrives just in time: Dad hasn't been able to create comics since Mom died and his publisher is getting annoyed, Ethan promised to illustrate a school project and can't draw, and his special-needs sister needs a friend. Inkling helps Dad create again, helps Ethan to learn to draw, and becomes the puppy Sarah always wanted, but is taking credit for Inkling's work the ethical thing to do? Ethan's school rival, who is also the publisher's daughter, starts to suspect something is amiss and discovers the existence of Inkling. What will she do with the information? And will the family be able to function without their new little friend?

Kenneth Oppel is one of my favorite authors. The Nest was my favorite book of 2015. Inkling is quite a departure for him. Way less intense and way more whimsical, Oppel takes on grief with the introduction of a humorous and never before seen character in children's literature: an inkblot. Somehow this little inkblot, though never orally communicating, is able to display a variety of emotions and connect with both the characters and the reader. The book moves quickly, has an interesting plot and is more child-friendly than Oppel's usual fair. Moral dilemmas and family problems give the story some deceptive weight, making this book an excellent choice for book discussion or classroom use. Reluctant readers and budding artists will be a natural audience, but, really, all kids would enjoy this unusual story. I read an advanced copy, which only contained a couple of illustrations. The actual book promises to be fully illustrated, which will further broaden the audience and be in partnership with the text. Just when you think there is nothing new under the sun, a surprise is presented. Thank you, Kenneth Oppel, for pleasantly surprising this wizened old librarian.