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Graham the Gargoyle #1
Graham the Gargoyle
For Graham, his first flight is sure to be a disaster. Expectations are high for him to fly. Teased for his puny wings and fear of heights, his only friends are an equally picked-upon troll named Ot and his grandfather who has hardened so much he may not make it to Graham's rite of passage. When his grandfather must leave Cascade to ascend to his final resting place atop a church tower, Graham makes a heart-wrenching decision and sneaks through a dimensional portal with him, keenly aware he may have just trapped himself alone on Earth. Will he make it back in time to attempt his first flight? Will Blord, the village bully, prove to be be too much of a thorn for the earnest young gargoyle? And what does his sister's volcano project have to do with saving his rocky hide? Revel in the answers as you read this heartwarming tale of friendship and faith.
94 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 9, 2013
UPDATE OCTOBER 2013-I've read the NEW-Improved Graham! More Story, great flow! This is an wonderful book for Middle Grade Readers!
Looking for a great story for middle-grade readers? Take a look at this delightful tale from Brian Clopper, an author with a gift for creative story-telling! Graham the Gargoyle is an enchanting tale of a young gargoyle preparing for his big flight test while dealing with the impending death of his beloved grandfather. Not to worry, there is nothing dark and ominous here, on the contrary, this is a sweet story of a young gargoyle, kind of an outcast, facing the same things that human children face, insecurity, impending loss and bullying and how he triumphs against the odds. His best friend is loyal, smart and a troll, another outcast, but Ot always has Graham’s back!
Graham’s grandfather is dying, or “crossing over”. (By the way, for all of the pages written about gargoyles, not one ever explained what actually happens to older gargoyles, until now.) Graham learns that when a gargoyle ages, they start to become too stone-like to move and they go to the human realm to become a guardian against evil, protecting others from atop their perches on human buildings. Seriously, what a wonderful way to help ease the fear of dying!
Brian Clopper loves his work, it shows through in his easy style of writing, the way the story unfolds and the characters from his imaginary realm of “Cascade” come to life as real as any “mortal” child. With its short chapters, Graham the Gargoyle is a perfect book for younger readers, bedtime reading or summer reading!
This is a wonderful story to encourage reading for children! It flows smoothly, but gently challenges a young reader's mind. Brian Clopper has done an outstanding job here!
Publication Date: August 20, 2011 (Second Edition)
Publisher: Behemoth Books
Number of Pages: 108
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Age Recommendation: *8+
Rating: 5 Stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Looking for a great story for middle-grade readers? Take a look at this delightful tale from Brian Clopper, an author with a gift for creative story-telling! Graham the Gargoyle is an enchanting tale of a young gargoyle preparing for his big flight test while dealing with the impending death of his beloved grandfather. Not to worry, there is nothing dark and ominous here, on the contrary, this is a sweet story of a young gargoyle, kind of an outcast, facing the same things that human children face, insecurity, impending loss and bullying and how he triumphs against the odds. His best friend is loyal, smart and a troll, another outcast, but Ot always has Graham’s back!
Graham’s grandfather is dying, or “crossing over”. (By the way, for all of the pages written about gargoyles, not one ever explained what actually happens to older gargoyles, until now.) Graham learns that when a gargoyle ages, they start to become too stone-like to move and they go to the human realm to become a guardian against evil, protecting others from atop their perches on human buildings. Seriously, what a wonderful way to help ease the fear of dying!
Brian Clopper loves his work, it shows through in his easy style of writing, the way the story unfolds and the characters from his imaginary realm of “Cascade” come to life as real as any “mortal” child. With its short chapters, Graham the Gargoyle is a perfect book for younger readers, bedtime reading or summer reading!
This is a wonderful story to encourage reading for children! It flows smoothly, but gently challenges a young reader's mind. Brian Clopper has done an outstanding job here!
Publication Date: August 20, 2011 (Second Edition)
Publisher: Behemoth Books
Number of Pages: 108
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Age Recommendation: *8+
Rating: 5 Stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
May 5, 2014
Young Graham the gargoyle is about to take his first flight ever, taking part in an age-old tradition among his kind. With the support of his troll friend Ot and a loving grandfather, Graham can only hope that his tiny wings will hold out. Throughout the story he is plagued by a bully, further adding to his youthful stress.
This is a delightful fantasy tale for young readers. Though it takes place in a world separate from our own, it is easily relatable for youngsters. I found Graham and Ot to be typical middle schoolers who are having a difficult time with life. Though we tend to think of kids as being lucky, it really is difficult to be a kid. This story illustrates that fact well, and I think kids ages 9-12 can easily relate to the characters.
The story of Graham's grandfather can be appreciated by young and old alike. Though this tale is intended for kids who might not see the depth here, I certainly felt it. I admit I had tears in my eyes as the old gargoyle transformed into a guardian of stone, the final passage of the gargoyles of Cascade. It was a touching and well written moment, and I fully believe this author can write tales for adults as well as kids (if he hasn't done so already).
There is mention that the gargoyles have left Earth because humans no longer believe in magic. It is a warning to both young and old, imploring us to continue to believe and keep our imaginations keen. At least, that is how I see it. Though if no one on earth believes in magic, how would a person explain the appearance of new gargoyles on churches from time to time? I think there are still some who believe, and perhaps in this story it is those who tend to the churches themselves. Perhaps there is a pact or a detail that I overlooked. In any case, I choose to believe the author intended for a select few on our planet to be aware of the magic of gargoyles.
This is an excellent story for kids and those who are still young at heart. Young Graham reminds us to have faith in ourselves and to trust in those around us. Never forget that magic is all around us, and it is a thing of beauty.
This is a delightful fantasy tale for young readers. Though it takes place in a world separate from our own, it is easily relatable for youngsters. I found Graham and Ot to be typical middle schoolers who are having a difficult time with life. Though we tend to think of kids as being lucky, it really is difficult to be a kid. This story illustrates that fact well, and I think kids ages 9-12 can easily relate to the characters.
The story of Graham's grandfather can be appreciated by young and old alike. Though this tale is intended for kids who might not see the depth here, I certainly felt it. I admit I had tears in my eyes as the old gargoyle transformed into a guardian of stone, the final passage of the gargoyles of Cascade. It was a touching and well written moment, and I fully believe this author can write tales for adults as well as kids (if he hasn't done so already).
There is mention that the gargoyles have left Earth because humans no longer believe in magic. It is a warning to both young and old, imploring us to continue to believe and keep our imaginations keen. At least, that is how I see it. Though if no one on earth believes in magic, how would a person explain the appearance of new gargoyles on churches from time to time? I think there are still some who believe, and perhaps in this story it is those who tend to the churches themselves. Perhaps there is a pact or a detail that I overlooked. In any case, I choose to believe the author intended for a select few on our planet to be aware of the magic of gargoyles.
This is an excellent story for kids and those who are still young at heart. Young Graham reminds us to have faith in ourselves and to trust in those around us. Never forget that magic is all around us, and it is a thing of beauty.
April 18, 2012
"The Magical Realm of Cascade: When mortal belief in magic began to die out, the magical and mythological creatures of Earth found their life forces fading. Rather than face apathy and extinction, they banded together and migrated to another dimension where their combined powers could sustain them, a magical haven called Cascade. There they thrived, and a multimystical society was born."
It's been a while since I read this, and the version I read was the original picture book with the author's own fabulous illustrations. GRAHAM THE GARGOYLE is now in novel format, and it's a really well-written story for middle-grade readers that follows Graham as he prepares for his first flight... and a race over Mount Prometheus.
I found the sub-plot about Graham's bedridden grandfather equally fascinating. When gargoyles grow old, they start to calcify, eventually becoming too stone-like to move. So a gargoyle's last act is to climb to the top of a mortal building and become a guardian statue, forever scaring away evil spirits. This novel may be for younger readers, but older readers will enjoy it too. It's whimsical and poignant, and serves as great introduction to the world of Cascade where we can expect many more adventures.
Successful fantasy author Piers Anthony routinely recommends Brian Clopper's novels. As far back as April 2001, Piers said in his newsletter: "This is, I think, a self-published physical book, but it works; it's for young readers, as the little gargoyle struggles through family, school, and tormenting by the local bully to finally win through. I recommend this for ten year olds, who will relate" (see http://hipiers.com/01april.html). And in a later newsletter, Piers calls another of Clopper's books "fabulous" (which I happen to agree with; his as-yet unpublished IRVING WISHBUTTON novel is amazing).
If you haven't yet discovered Brian Clopper, give him a go. His stuff is fun, magical, thoughtful, and unique. Also, I happen to know that a Graham sequel is in the works. Looking forward to it!
It's been a while since I read this, and the version I read was the original picture book with the author's own fabulous illustrations. GRAHAM THE GARGOYLE is now in novel format, and it's a really well-written story for middle-grade readers that follows Graham as he prepares for his first flight... and a race over Mount Prometheus.
I found the sub-plot about Graham's bedridden grandfather equally fascinating. When gargoyles grow old, they start to calcify, eventually becoming too stone-like to move. So a gargoyle's last act is to climb to the top of a mortal building and become a guardian statue, forever scaring away evil spirits. This novel may be for younger readers, but older readers will enjoy it too. It's whimsical and poignant, and serves as great introduction to the world of Cascade where we can expect many more adventures.
Successful fantasy author Piers Anthony routinely recommends Brian Clopper's novels. As far back as April 2001, Piers said in his newsletter: "This is, I think, a self-published physical book, but it works; it's for young readers, as the little gargoyle struggles through family, school, and tormenting by the local bully to finally win through. I recommend this for ten year olds, who will relate" (see http://hipiers.com/01april.html). And in a later newsletter, Piers calls another of Clopper's books "fabulous" (which I happen to agree with; his as-yet unpublished IRVING WISHBUTTON novel is amazing).
If you haven't yet discovered Brian Clopper, give him a go. His stuff is fun, magical, thoughtful, and unique. Also, I happen to know that a Graham sequel is in the works. Looking forward to it!
July 29, 2016
Beautiful little story which i would certainly read to my kids or encourage them to read themselves.
Graham is a very likeable character and because he is not flawless,
I think it'll make it easy for children to relate to him.
He shows what courage and friendship means, he loves and honors his family,
but also makes mistakes and makes up a lot of little white lies,
which get him sometimes out and sometimes deeper into trouble.
Do I approve of lying? Who would say one does? But looking back on my own childhood i can see myself in similar dilemmas as Graham. The story will make you smirk and smile but also let you feel with Graham and his troubles as he is about to face two big life altering events.
I read a lot of teen and YA books and to me Grahma's Grief really feels like being made for kids.
So I would probably only recommend it to children, parents or people who genuinely enjoy tales for children.
The single chapters and overall story length is about perfect for children to read themselves! I can see my younger me reading it under the blanket -
2nd book is on my reading list :)
Graham is a very likeable character and because he is not flawless,
I think it'll make it easy for children to relate to him.
He shows what courage and friendship means, he loves and honors his family,
but also makes mistakes and makes up a lot of little white lies,
which get him sometimes out and sometimes deeper into trouble.
Do I approve of lying? Who would say one does? But looking back on my own childhood i can see myself in similar dilemmas as Graham. The story will make you smirk and smile but also let you feel with Graham and his troubles as he is about to face two big life altering events.
I read a lot of teen and YA books and to me Grahma's Grief really feels like being made for kids.
So I would probably only recommend it to children, parents or people who genuinely enjoy tales for children.
The single chapters and overall story length is about perfect for children to read themselves! I can see my younger me reading it under the blanket -
2nd book is on my reading list :)
March 7, 2012
Even though his Dad is a village official, Graham has always been something of an outcast in his world. Smaller than the rest of the gargoyle kids, he also suffers from underdeveloped wings and a fear of heights (the gargoyle equivalent of a human kid being afraid to walk across the kitchen floor). To top things off, his best friend Ot is a troll, and we all know what "those people" are like. No wonder Blord, the village jerk, picks on him all of the time. Besides his pal and a (mostly) loving family, about the only things Graham has going for him are his quiet bravery and absolute loyalty -- two admirable traits that will be put to the test when he faces down Blord on a windy mountaintop, then later escorts his beloved grandfather to his final resting place in the mortal world.
Author Brian Clopper does a great job in weaving a story that, with its relaxed style and genuine affection for the characters, will definitely appeal to middle-grade and younger readers. This could turn out to be a fine series so I hope there are sequels in the works.
Author Brian Clopper does a great job in weaving a story that, with its relaxed style and genuine affection for the characters, will definitely appeal to middle-grade and younger readers. This could turn out to be a fine series so I hope there are sequels in the works.
April 15, 2013
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Graham the Gargoyle, since I hadn’t previously read any stories about Gargoyles, but I was pleasantly surprised. This was a great, light-hearted chapter book for younger readers (8 – 14 or so, depending on reading level). I read it on my own first, and then with my eight year old son who absolutely loved it.
Graham and his troll buddy Ot are loveable characters that kids can relate to.
Graham the Gargoyle is a quick and fun story about young Graham who is struggling to prepare for his upcoming first flight test—the measure of his true worth as a gargoyle. Along the way, Graham uncovers family secrets that help him slowly piece together more about his mysterious grandfather and come to understand the old man better.
Graham and his troll buddy Ot are loveable characters that kids can relate to.
Graham the Gargoyle is a quick and fun story about young Graham who is struggling to prepare for his upcoming first flight test—the measure of his true worth as a gargoyle. Along the way, Graham uncovers family secrets that help him slowly piece together more about his mysterious grandfather and come to understand the old man better.
September 17, 2012
What an incredible story Brian Clopper has crafted for us. It made me want to scoop up my children and snuggle up for a good old-fashioned story time. I think this book would make a wonderful read aloud. At first glance, I thought it would be a good book for second or third grade as it is so small, written as a short chapter book. But, in the end, I believe it would be a wonderful tool for instruction in 4th-6th grade as well. It has some very good vocabulary to introduce and the way it covers such powerful topics as bullying, overcoming fears and death is nothing short of brilliant. A short read, this one packs a punch.
September 11, 2014
This was a fun story. This is the first story I've read by Brian suggested to me by Keith Robinson, he was right Brian knows how to tell a story. For me this story didn't have as many twists and turns as I usually like, but he made up for it in the flow of the book. Once I started it, I didn't put it down because I was captivated in the story. Brian was able to bring the characters to life quickly and more importantly have them become believable.. I was impressed and will give the second book a go while referring this book on to my daughter, I'm sure she'll love it. Thanks Brian for a great adventure!!
February 6, 2013
Graham is a great character and his struggles and pressures: his first flight test coming up, his aging grandfather getting ready to "cross over," and taunts from the local bully are all things that kids and adults alike can identify with. But these elements are creatively imagined in a world of gargoyles and trolls. This is great to read out loud to younger kids (and you'll enjoy it right along with them!), and older kids will enjoy diving into this delightful world on their own.
December 14, 2012
The author has done a magnificent job creating a heartwarming story for elementary school children. Younger children can listen in circle time each day to a chapter and older students can read alone. The story involves Graham an outcast who learns an important lesson in managing fear and dealing with the death of a loved one.
May 21, 2014
A fun, quick read. I'm sure my kids will love it too. Strange, I don't recall where or how I obtained this one (I suspect it was Book Sends or Book Bub). When I finished the last book I read and was browsing the list of books on my kindle, I saw this one and thought I'd give it a try.
I'm glad I did!
I'm glad I did!
March 24, 2015
This is ONE fun adventure, the Headmaster is a Dragon incognito. How will Davy and grandpa Bill foul the Dragon's intent to eat the Princess Royal? An uproarious tale full of twists and turns. Enjoyable.
October 30, 2012
I can't believe he over came his fears!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews