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How Lucky Am I
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26In this poignant, affirming, and beautifully illustrated journey, social media sensation Mr Skelly explores the ups and downs of existence and discovers the makings of a meaningful life.
"How lucky am I, to have lost what I wanted, to find what I deserved?"
Join Mr Skelly as he travels across treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, to find his family and–-ultimately–-a safe home. Along the way, he discovers life lessons which help us remember what to hold onto and what to let go of, helping us to seize the day, to realize how lucky we all are, because this beautifully fragile present moment is truly all we have.
How Lucky Am I? is a simple reminder that, in the end, we're all made of the same bones. With gentle words and hand-painted imagery, this book hopes to shine a softer light on what's often overlooked--and maybe, in doing so, help us remember what truly matters.
"How lucky am I, to have lost what I wanted, to find what I deserved?"
Join Mr Skelly as he travels across treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, to find his family and–-ultimately–-a safe home. Along the way, he discovers life lessons which help us remember what to hold onto and what to let go of, helping us to seize the day, to realize how lucky we all are, because this beautifully fragile present moment is truly all we have.
How Lucky Am I? is a simple reminder that, in the end, we're all made of the same bones. With gentle words and hand-painted imagery, this book hopes to shine a softer light on what's often overlooked--and maybe, in doing so, help us remember what truly matters.
128 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Christian Watson
1 book8 followersChristian Watson is a designer living in Tasmania (Australia) as an American, and is the guy behind 1924us and Mr Skelly. Mr Skelly was created for Christian’s two children, Lavender-May and Alaska. Together with his wife, they run a little general store where they collect, design, and sell their own goods.
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April 14, 2026wonderful lil illustrations of a skeleton enjoying nature, embracing life and death - but the accompanying platitudes are unbearably trite.
the soft art is certainly the high point! i love to see a skelly out in the wild. sun dappled forests, wildflower lined streams, crumbling moss covered walls, grassy cliffsides - i want to fall inside these scenes and soak them up.
but unfortunately much of the text is a mishmash of ~DON'T GIVE UP~ inspo crap. it's often incongruous with the illustrations, and can be redundant from page to page. "it is what it is" and "do the best you can" are oft-repeated and feel utterly meaningless. i almost wish the text was omitted entirely, as its hollowness detracts from the beautiful art.
the one exception is a passage toward the end, written across a handful of pages: "i hope death feels like being picked up from the backseat and carried to my bed half asleep, where tucked in and eyes closed i can hear those who love me talking through a cracked door." this section nearly redeems all of the clunky cliches that precede it.
this is worth picking up for the charming art, but be prepared to roll your eyes at the corny text!
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
the soft art is certainly the high point! i love to see a skelly out in the wild. sun dappled forests, wildflower lined streams, crumbling moss covered walls, grassy cliffsides - i want to fall inside these scenes and soak them up.
but unfortunately much of the text is a mishmash of ~DON'T GIVE UP~ inspo crap. it's often incongruous with the illustrations, and can be redundant from page to page. "it is what it is" and "do the best you can" are oft-repeated and feel utterly meaningless. i almost wish the text was omitted entirely, as its hollowness detracts from the beautiful art.
the one exception is a passage toward the end, written across a handful of pages: "i hope death feels like being picked up from the backseat and carried to my bed half asleep, where tucked in and eyes closed i can hear those who love me talking through a cracked door." this section nearly redeems all of the clunky cliches that precede it.
this is worth picking up for the charming art, but be prepared to roll your eyes at the corny text!
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"How lucky am I to be broken so the light could come in."
We all believe that certain aspects of life are taboo and steer clear of those while having a conversation. It's something every single one of us does to not hurt anyone else's feelings or to be deemed morbid. We spare those feelings and keep them hidden deep inside. Skelly is here to tell us that it's part of life and okay to talk about.
I came across Skelly while doom-scrolling (I probably should have been reading my book) and I couldn't help but love the illustration and the uplifting/positive message. Usually, those aren't two things that go hand in hand but it really worked. I was hooked from that day and actively sought out more.
This collection is fantastic and gave me a lot of hope. You can never tell what kind of support you need in your everyday life and this seemed to hit everything perfectly.
We all need a little extra boost and Skelly is here to save the day. I don't know what we would do without Skelly.
We all believe that certain aspects of life are taboo and steer clear of those while having a conversation. It's something every single one of us does to not hurt anyone else's feelings or to be deemed morbid. We spare those feelings and keep them hidden deep inside. Skelly is here to tell us that it's part of life and okay to talk about.
I came across Skelly while doom-scrolling (I probably should have been reading my book) and I couldn't help but love the illustration and the uplifting/positive message. Usually, those aren't two things that go hand in hand but it really worked. I was hooked from that day and actively sought out more.
This collection is fantastic and gave me a lot of hope. You can never tell what kind of support you need in your everyday life and this seemed to hit everything perfectly.
We all need a little extra boost and Skelly is here to save the day. I don't know what we would do without Skelly.
March 4, 2026
The artwork is absolutely beautiful, and the messages are easy to digest while still carrying weight. It’s the kind of book that reminds you to live in the present, let go of what you can’t control, and trust that hard seasons will pass. Sometimes we all just need that soft reminder and this book delivers it in a really lovely way.
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March 11, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
I am very familiar with Christian Watson's work, having followed him on Instagram from many years. At this point, I'm sure most social media users will have seen at least a clip or two of his uniquely styled animation of Mr Skelly and the life-affirming sayings that accompany the art. There is something inherently peaceful about the design of these pages, the soft haze to the backgrounds and the use of colours creating landscapes that a reader can project their own locations onto. It's a book of hope for the future and trusting in whatever process you believe in, I don't doubt that the physical print will be a true thing of beauty.
I am very familiar with Christian Watson's work, having followed him on Instagram from many years. At this point, I'm sure most social media users will have seen at least a clip or two of his uniquely styled animation of Mr Skelly and the life-affirming sayings that accompany the art. There is something inherently peaceful about the design of these pages, the soft haze to the backgrounds and the use of colours creating landscapes that a reader can project their own locations onto. It's a book of hope for the future and trusting in whatever process you believe in, I don't doubt that the physical print will be a true thing of beauty.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mr. Skelly has always been a comfort character with wise words of affirming the truth. I have been a huge fan of the author's work and it always elevates me from my overthinking.
In this book, Mr Skelly travels far and wide while letting various emotions run its course. With any desperation and short- cuts, he inspires others to not let fear manipulate you into thinking negative things. Every emotion has its unique impact. The life lessons that Mr Skelly shares speaks of experiences of living in the moment, letting go of uncertainties and overwhelming thoughts and believing that each sunrise is a new beginning.
With beautiful illustrations, this book also highlights masterful storytelling with one page explanation. Mr Skelly makes it easier to talk about grief, loss, vulnerabilities and more. He then reaches home- a place of safety and warmth that makes the entire journey worth it.
In this book, Mr Skelly travels far and wide while letting various emotions run its course. With any desperation and short- cuts, he inspires others to not let fear manipulate you into thinking negative things. Every emotion has its unique impact. The life lessons that Mr Skelly shares speaks of experiences of living in the moment, letting go of uncertainties and overwhelming thoughts and believing that each sunrise is a new beginning.
With beautiful illustrations, this book also highlights masterful storytelling with one page explanation. Mr Skelly makes it easier to talk about grief, loss, vulnerabilities and more. He then reaches home- a place of safety and warmth that makes the entire journey worth it.
March 21, 2026
5/✨ for How Lucky Am I by Christian Watson.
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the ARC of this beautiful e-comic.
I am honestly on the verge of tears thinking about how something so short could make me feel so much. Beauty, sadness and above all gratitude. In this comic, the author explains that he is not afraid of death, which is why skeletons play such a central role in his art. He shares how deeply grateful he is for life. For who he is and also for who he did not become.
What truly stayed with me is the message that it’s okay not to be okay and that we should be gentle with ourselves. We don’t get extra time in life, but we do get the time we have. And we can choose to fill that time with kindness, especially toward ourselves.
I will 100% be buying a physical copy of this book and returning to it whenever I doubt myself, when life feels like it’s working against me or when I need to learn how to believe in myself again.
This was genuinely beautiful. I’m going to sit with this for a while now… and hug my children and loved ones a little tighter.
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the ARC of this beautiful e-comic.
I am honestly on the verge of tears thinking about how something so short could make me feel so much. Beauty, sadness and above all gratitude. In this comic, the author explains that he is not afraid of death, which is why skeletons play such a central role in his art. He shares how deeply grateful he is for life. For who he is and also for who he did not become.
What truly stayed with me is the message that it’s okay not to be okay and that we should be gentle with ourselves. We don’t get extra time in life, but we do get the time we have. And we can choose to fill that time with kindness, especially toward ourselves.
I will 100% be buying a physical copy of this book and returning to it whenever I doubt myself, when life feels like it’s working against me or when I need to learn how to believe in myself again.
This was genuinely beautiful. I’m going to sit with this for a while now… and hug my children and loved ones a little tighter.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Sometimes just being alive is an act of courage"
How Lucky Am I is one of those graphic novels that captivated me from the very first page to the last. It came into my life at exactly the right moment, helping me get back up after a difficult period I’ve been going through these past months.
Both the illustrations and the words by Christian Watson are beautiful. In his writing I found many small reminders and reasons to keep moving forward.
Within these pages I found so much to reflect on and carry with me, little thoughts and feelings that I want to hold onto and bring into my everyday life.
Some books arrive when you need them the most, and this was definitely one of them. I’m really grateful I found it when I did.
I’m truly grateful to Christian Watson for creating Mr. Skelly and for letting me experience his journey.
"Sometimes just being alive is an act of courage"
How Lucky Am I is one of those graphic novels that captivated me from the very first page to the last. It came into my life at exactly the right moment, helping me get back up after a difficult period I’ve been going through these past months.
Both the illustrations and the words by Christian Watson are beautiful. In his writing I found many small reminders and reasons to keep moving forward.
Within these pages I found so much to reflect on and carry with me, little thoughts and feelings that I want to hold onto and bring into my everyday life.
Some books arrive when you need them the most, and this was definitely one of them. I’m really grateful I found it when I did.
I’m truly grateful to Christian Watson for creating Mr. Skelly and for letting me experience his journey.
March 27, 2026
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this ARC.
This beautiful, thoughtful little graphic novel works for both children and adults, and does something simply remarkable: it reminds you, gently but firmly, of the things you already know but rarely stop to sit with. That our time here is short. That we shouldn’t take things for granted. That it is absolutely okay, sometimes, for things not to work out the way we wanted… and to not be okay about it. We move through life carrying these truths, consciously or not. Seeing them laid out simply on the page can feel confrontational, but in the best possible way. I got a little emotional towards the end, not going to lie.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, the colour palette is stunning, and Mr. Skelly is just plain adorable. This is one I’ll absolutely be picking up a physical copy of.
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote to sit with:
“I have very little say in the good or the bad coming to me, but I do have control in how I see, feel, and experience it.“
This beautiful, thoughtful little graphic novel works for both children and adults, and does something simply remarkable: it reminds you, gently but firmly, of the things you already know but rarely stop to sit with. That our time here is short. That we shouldn’t take things for granted. That it is absolutely okay, sometimes, for things not to work out the way we wanted… and to not be okay about it. We move through life carrying these truths, consciously or not. Seeing them laid out simply on the page can feel confrontational, but in the best possible way. I got a little emotional towards the end, not going to lie.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, the colour palette is stunning, and Mr. Skelly is just plain adorable. This is one I’ll absolutely be picking up a physical copy of.
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote to sit with:
“I have very little say in the good or the bad coming to me, but I do have control in how I see, feel, and experience it.“
March 16, 2026
Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and Net Galley provided me with an advanced reader copy of this book to read in return for an honest review.
I had not been aware of Mr. Skelly before this book, but apparently he’s pretty big on social media. This is a lovely, hopeful little book about he and his family. The illustrations are whimsical, and some of the accompanying mantras really stuck with me.
This would be the perfect book read in one sitting or to pick up and flip to your favorite illustrations any time.
I had not been aware of Mr. Skelly before this book, but apparently he’s pretty big on social media. This is a lovely, hopeful little book about he and his family. The illustrations are whimsical, and some of the accompanying mantras really stuck with me.
This would be the perfect book read in one sitting or to pick up and flip to your favorite illustrations any time.
April 10, 2026
A whimsical and awe-inspiring collection of illustrations that give you the perfect small dose of hope and therapeutic reminders of life and its purpose. Whether you are familiar with Mr. Skelly from the internet or not, the messages and reminders within this book will comfort you when life gets tough. How lucky am I…to have received this early on a day when I needed it.
Thank you to NetGalley, publishers and author for an eARC of this beautiful & highly anticipated book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, publishers and author for an eARC of this beautiful & highly anticipated book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Christian Watson, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, NetGalley & Edelweiss (since I received a copy from both) for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Re-readability: Yes
CW: Death.
My chosen soundtrack: The New Year's Ball - Checkpoint
Publishing date: Expected 30 Jul 26
Themes
Death, the unknown, appreciating life, introspection, stagnation, (un)certainty, beauty in the mundane, reframing/rethinking, change or the lack thereof, control or the lack thereof, gratitude, human connection, being intentional, positive/neutral nihilism, inevitability.
What I liked
✧ Beautiful illustrations. I have followed Christian Watson on Instagram for a while now, and his work has always resonated. The colors are just 10/10, and many of the illustrations make me feel like I'm viewing life through the golden hour or while sitting next to a cozy campfire.
✧ Introspective and driven by emotions. It touches on some heavy subjects without becoming too heavy to carry. Many aspects of life are explored through a neutral lens. Quite hopeful, without being obstrusive. It feels like midnight talks with a friend, profound but safe.
✧ I loved the backstory on how Mr. Skelly came to be, and just overall the author's written discourse on death.
✧ This book really captures this kind of vibe: "We're literally living on a rock floating through space, whatever." Almost nihilistic, but in a positive way. Exploring liberation through seeing life for what it is. Not inherently bad, not inherently good. It just is. There is no toxic positivity or an intense focus on all that is negative. Life, and death as well, is met with neutrality in this book.
✧ It acknowledges our place in our lives as active participants, but also focuses on how some things are just beyond our control and should be met just as they are.
✧ The number of animals in the illustrations!!!
✧ This quote really touched me
✧ I liked this duality of acknowledging that time is finite, but life, in its own way, is infinite.
✧ The last few pages on the hopes of what death would be like really got to me. I hadn't really expected that. It was a nice surprise, though.
✧ The illustrations tell a story of their own, of people meeting, building a family, and, as all life does eventually, death. A full circle.
What I didn't like/felt lackluster about
✦ I loved the longer written parts and most of the text accompanying the illustrations. However, there were some texts I felt like I'd heard many times before. Some pages might have worked better for me personally if no text had been included at all. But this is, honestly, such a small complaint, since I LOVED most of this book.
Conclusion/Notes
How Lucky Am I takes readers along a reflective journey about life, living, and death. It's hopeful yet realistic in its depiction of life not always being perfect. Even so, life is still regarded as something beautiful.
Even without the accompanying texts, this work can be viewed as a wonderful art book. The illustrations are beautiful, with amazing colors and a certain whimsy that balances out the gravity of its subject(s).
Though I have met Mr. Skelly before, it felt wonderful to walk along his side a little longer.
Follow me on Spotify for specific reading playlists.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Re-readability: Yes
CW: Death.
My chosen soundtrack: The New Year's Ball - Checkpoint
Publishing date: Expected 30 Jul 26
I hope death feels like
Being picked up from the backseat
And carried to my bed half asleep
Where tucked in and eyes are closed
I can hear those who love me talking through a cracked door
Themes
Death, the unknown, appreciating life, introspection, stagnation, (un)certainty, beauty in the mundane, reframing/rethinking, change or the lack thereof, control or the lack thereof, gratitude, human connection, being intentional, positive/neutral nihilism, inevitability.
What I liked
✧ Beautiful illustrations. I have followed Christian Watson on Instagram for a while now, and his work has always resonated. The colors are just 10/10, and many of the illustrations make me feel like I'm viewing life through the golden hour or while sitting next to a cozy campfire.
✧ Introspective and driven by emotions. It touches on some heavy subjects without becoming too heavy to carry. Many aspects of life are explored through a neutral lens. Quite hopeful, without being obstrusive. It feels like midnight talks with a friend, profound but safe.
✧ I loved the backstory on how Mr. Skelly came to be, and just overall the author's written discourse on death.
So, I have set out on a funny, seemingly impossible, quest of rebranding death as not scary, not something to glorify or seek out, but something to accept and embrace. A mission to see skeletons not as hardcore, death-bringing symbols, but as softened versions of who we are and who we are all guaranteed to become.
✧ This book really captures this kind of vibe: "We're literally living on a rock floating through space, whatever." Almost nihilistic, but in a positive way. Exploring liberation through seeing life for what it is. Not inherently bad, not inherently good. It just is. There is no toxic positivity or an intense focus on all that is negative. Life, and death as well, is met with neutrality in this book.
It's not always meant to work out
�� It's not always meant to fall apart
✧ It acknowledges our place in our lives as active participants, but also focuses on how some things are just beyond our control and should be met just as they are.
✧ The number of animals in the illustrations!!!
✧ This quote really touched me
What happens to you is not who you are
✧ I liked this duality of acknowledging that time is finite, but life, in its own way, is infinite.
✧ The last few pages on the hopes of what death would be like really got to me. I hadn't really expected that. It was a nice surprise, though.
✧ The illustrations tell a story of their own, of people meeting, building a family, and, as all life does eventually, death. A full circle.
What I didn't like/felt lackluster about
✦ I loved the longer written parts and most of the text accompanying the illustrations. However, there were some texts I felt like I'd heard many times before. Some pages might have worked better for me personally if no text had been included at all. But this is, honestly, such a small complaint, since I LOVED most of this book.
Conclusion/Notes
How Lucky Am I takes readers along a reflective journey about life, living, and death. It's hopeful yet realistic in its depiction of life not always being perfect. Even so, life is still regarded as something beautiful.
Even without the accompanying texts, this work can be viewed as a wonderful art book. The illustrations are beautiful, with amazing colors and a certain whimsy that balances out the gravity of its subject(s).
Though I have met Mr. Skelly before, it felt wonderful to walk along his side a little longer.
Follow me on Spotify for specific reading playlists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the eARC of this. This is my honest opinion. (Dutch below)
Every time I see Mr Skelly’s art pop up on social media, it really touches me, so when I saw he was bringing out a book, I was absolutely thrilled.
And although I might have expected more of a graphic novel with a continuous narrative, rather than a book full of inspiring texts accompanied by beautiful illustrations, I certainly enjoyed the book.
It makes you reflect on life, and how you approach life yourself. As far as I’m concerned, this is a truly beautiful coffee-table book that you can open at random every now and then for a lovely reminder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and it certainly touched me, despite its brevity (I read it in under half an hour). The only thing that would make this book even better for me is if it were told as a proper graphic novel story, rather than chunks of text followed by accompanying inspirational illustrations.
But I can definitely see myself buying the hardback in the future, purely to have it sitting around the house to leaf through.
--
Elke keer wanneer ik Mr Skelly art voorbij zie komen op social media raakt deze me, dus toen ik zag dat hij uit ging komen met een boek was ik ontzettend enthousiast.
En hoewel ik wellicht meer graphic novel had verwacht met echt een doorlopend verhaal, dan een boek vol inspirerende teksten die begeleid worden door prachtige illustraties, heb ik zeker van het boek genoten.
Het doet je nadenken over het leven, en hoe jij zelf in het leven staat. Wat mij betreft is dit echt een prachtig koffietafelboek dat je af en toe open slaat op een random pagina voor een mooie reminder.
Ik heb hier ontzettend van genoten en het heeft me ook zeker weten te raken, ondanks de korte duur (ik heb het in nog geen half uur gelezen). Het enige wat dit boek voor mij nog beter zou maken is wanneer het echt als een graphic novel verhaal zou worden verteld, i.p.v. lappen tekst met vervolgens bijbehorende inspirerende illustraties.
Maar ik zie mezelf in de toekomst absoluut de hardcover kopen, puur om in huis neer te kunnen leggen en te kunnen doorbladeren.
Every time I see Mr Skelly’s art pop up on social media, it really touches me, so when I saw he was bringing out a book, I was absolutely thrilled.
And although I might have expected more of a graphic novel with a continuous narrative, rather than a book full of inspiring texts accompanied by beautiful illustrations, I certainly enjoyed the book.
It makes you reflect on life, and how you approach life yourself. As far as I’m concerned, this is a truly beautiful coffee-table book that you can open at random every now and then for a lovely reminder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and it certainly touched me, despite its brevity (I read it in under half an hour). The only thing that would make this book even better for me is if it were told as a proper graphic novel story, rather than chunks of text followed by accompanying inspirational illustrations.
But I can definitely see myself buying the hardback in the future, purely to have it sitting around the house to leaf through.
--
Elke keer wanneer ik Mr Skelly art voorbij zie komen op social media raakt deze me, dus toen ik zag dat hij uit ging komen met een boek was ik ontzettend enthousiast.
En hoewel ik wellicht meer graphic novel had verwacht met echt een doorlopend verhaal, dan een boek vol inspirerende teksten die begeleid worden door prachtige illustraties, heb ik zeker van het boek genoten.
Het doet je nadenken over het leven, en hoe jij zelf in het leven staat. Wat mij betreft is dit echt een prachtig koffietafelboek dat je af en toe open slaat op een random pagina voor een mooie reminder.
Ik heb hier ontzettend van genoten en het heeft me ook zeker weten te raken, ondanks de korte duur (ik heb het in nog geen half uur gelezen). Het enige wat dit boek voor mij nog beter zou maken is wanneer het echt als een graphic novel verhaal zou worden verteld, i.p.v. lappen tekst met vervolgens bijbehorende inspirerende illustraties.
Maar ik zie mezelf in de toekomst absoluut de hardcover kopen, puur om in huis neer te kunnen leggen en te kunnen doorbladeren.
March 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter Publishing for an advanced copy to review, all feedback is my own.
This was my first introduction to Mr Skelly, and I’m so glad I’ve been introduced to him and to the artist behind him, Christian Watson. The moment I saw the cover art on NetGalley I was drawn to it and knew that I’d want to pick this up even if I didn’t receive the ARC. The art style is absolutely stunning and the contrast of a skeleton in it made me feel something unexpected. It was almost more serene than if it’d been a “fully fleshed” human. Flipping through the pages, I continued to feel that way, and the little messages along the way were sometimes sweet, sometimes made me to pause and reflect, and sometimes made chuckle. I’d honestly love to just hang all these pages on my walls to be able to see them everyday, I really can’t get over how beautiful the art is, and the messaging behind it. Death isn’t something I’ve been scared of really ever, it honestly seems peaceful (and that’s on living with mental health issues my whole life), but seeing Mr Skelly existing in the art and depictions of places and environments I love made me feel a little extra peace here in the world of the living and that’s all I hope for when engaging in art and literature.
This was my first introduction to Mr Skelly, and I’m so glad I’ve been introduced to him and to the artist behind him, Christian Watson. The moment I saw the cover art on NetGalley I was drawn to it and knew that I’d want to pick this up even if I didn’t receive the ARC. The art style is absolutely stunning and the contrast of a skeleton in it made me feel something unexpected. It was almost more serene than if it’d been a “fully fleshed” human. Flipping through the pages, I continued to feel that way, and the little messages along the way were sometimes sweet, sometimes made me to pause and reflect, and sometimes made chuckle. I’d honestly love to just hang all these pages on my walls to be able to see them everyday, I really can’t get over how beautiful the art is, and the messaging behind it. Death isn’t something I’ve been scared of really ever, it honestly seems peaceful (and that’s on living with mental health issues my whole life), but seeing Mr Skelly existing in the art and depictions of places and environments I love made me feel a little extra peace here in the world of the living and that’s all I hope for when engaging in art and literature.
April 23, 2026
"i only have life because of death."
as a lover of the "mr. skelly" art videos on instagram reels, i was so excited to see that there was going to be a book featuring him! despite being a brief book, there was so much i took away from it. you have the gorgeous artwork you'd typically expect, and then these thought-provoking musings about mortality and the human experience sprinkled throughout.
death anxiety is something that many humans possess, and according to the author, creating mr. skelly is what allowed him to navigate and process that feeling of fear. i really appreciated getting to learn the backstory behind mr. skelly--it made me love the art even more, and increased my respect for the author. when "how lucky am i" finally hits the shelves, i'm heavily considering snagging a physical copy that i can periodically reread.
౨ৎ QUOTES
⟡ “the hardships, the magic, the challenges—how lucky am i to face them? how lucky am i to start a new day, to try and fail again? how lucky am i to have been here at all?”
⟡ “how lucky am i to outgrow the things not meant for me?”
⟡ “find what you would die for and live for it.”
as a lover of the "mr. skelly" art videos on instagram reels, i was so excited to see that there was going to be a book featuring him! despite being a brief book, there was so much i took away from it. you have the gorgeous artwork you'd typically expect, and then these thought-provoking musings about mortality and the human experience sprinkled throughout.
death anxiety is something that many humans possess, and according to the author, creating mr. skelly is what allowed him to navigate and process that feeling of fear. i really appreciated getting to learn the backstory behind mr. skelly--it made me love the art even more, and increased my respect for the author. when "how lucky am i" finally hits the shelves, i'm heavily considering snagging a physical copy that i can periodically reread.
౨ৎ QUOTES
⟡ “the hardships, the magic, the challenges—how lucky am i to face them? how lucky am i to start a new day, to try and fail again? how lucky am i to have been here at all?”
⟡ “how lucky am i to outgrow the things not meant for me?”
⟡ “find what you would die for and live for it.”
March 17, 2026
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm”
“Our time here is limited, our love is not”
This was a beautifully created graphic novel with a very reflective self-help vibe from a character beloved by so many on social media.
Mr Skelly is constantly in my messages between my husband and I and they always make me smile. Reading how this character came about is such a wonderful thing and it’s given me comfort in the fears I have other death that I’ve had since childhood and even at my age now.
With bursts of beautiful drawn pictures, split up with the odd page of words to go along with the subject, I found it to be worth a read for anyone who needs to take their perspective and shake it up a bit.
“You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm”
“Our time here is limited, our love is not”
This was a beautifully created graphic novel with a very reflective self-help vibe from a character beloved by so many on social media.
Mr Skelly is constantly in my messages between my husband and I and they always make me smile. Reading how this character came about is such a wonderful thing and it’s given me comfort in the fears I have other death that I’ve had since childhood and even at my age now.
With bursts of beautiful drawn pictures, split up with the odd page of words to go along with the subject, I found it to be worth a read for anyone who needs to take their perspective and shake it up a bit.
March 3, 2026
I adored this! Not too many words obviously, being a comic, but the words are powerful ones & the art is STUNNING! Some pages made me teary eyed. I feel like this would be a lovely book to own so I could revisit it from time to time when I’m losing sight of what matters most & to practice gratitude. Beautiful book!
May 12, 2026
How Lucky Am I is an encouraging and beautiful illustrated graphic novel.
I really enjoyed the messages and affirmations throughout the story. This was a quick but hopeful read where the meanings will stick with me.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the messages and affirmations throughout the story. This was a quick but hopeful read where the meanings will stick with me.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
Review coming later <3
Thank you NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Review coming later <3
Thank you NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
March 24, 2026
I am a huge fan of Christian Watson's Mr Skelly animations, so how lucky am I to have received this eARC?
I feel like there are no words to describe how this book made me feel. The illustrations are just beautiful and the words are a moving reminder that life is precious, to live in the present, and to celebrate how far you have come.
I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy of this book.
I feel like there are no words to describe how this book made me feel. The illustrations are just beautiful and the words are a moving reminder that life is precious, to live in the present, and to celebrate how far you have come.
I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy of this book.
April 9, 2026
How Lucky Am I? endeavors to reframe the language we use to anticipate, describe, and reflect on our experiences to be more humanizing towards ourselves. Watson’s straightforward advice pairs beautifully with the whimsical illustrations of Mr. Skelly to create a soothing reading experience.
TLDR: Watson has managed to condense years of therapy lessons into 130 charmingly reflective comics.
TLDR: Watson has managed to condense years of therapy lessons into 130 charmingly reflective comics.
May 3, 2026
This was lovely. I really enjoyed the artwork and the details in every picture. And I enjoyed the nice life advice sprinkled in. Though a bit trite at times, it is good advice. Overall, a nice little book filled with gorgeous art and nice reminders to enjoy life.
May 6, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for an e-copy of this gorgeous book!
Wow! The artwork is stunning in this and I can only imagine how stunning a physical copy of this book will be.
Bit cheesy with your typical gratitude, self care quotes but spreads a good message.
Wow! The artwork is stunning in this and I can only imagine how stunning a physical copy of this book will be.
Bit cheesy with your typical gratitude, self care quotes but spreads a good message.
May 9, 2026
2.75 ⭐️ Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. The art is gorgeous. If you wanted a coffee table book collection from your favorite Instagram artist, this is for you. This essentially is like leafing through a pile of skeleton-themed motivational posters. The text/narrative pages really fell flat for me. Again, the art is great!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
This book tackles the imposing subject of death and attempts to disarm it. Through the surprisingly endearing figure of Mr Skelly, Watson sets out to reframe our inevitable end. Rather than a terrifying grim reaper, death is presented as a grounding reality that makes our present moments profound and meaningful. Working in a library environment, I see countless titles promising to change a reader's perspective, but Watson's approach stands out for its earnest, humble charm.
The book is structured around short, reflective essays, interspersed with full-page illustrations and brief quotes. The artwork is beautiful, creating a tactile, comforting atmosphere that perfectly matches the book's gentle tone. Mr Skelly resting in a field of flowers is an image that makes the macabre feel strangely cosy.
When the writing leans into personal reflection, it resonates deeply. The essays encouraging us to find value in the in-between days, or recognising the quiet luck of simply being here to face our daily challenges, offer a meaningful perspective shift. I really appreciate how Watson gently highlights the quiet miracles of everyday life.
However, the textual execution can occasionally feel uneven, which holds the book back from being a flawless read. The longer passages offer thoughtful introspection, but the short quotes accompanying the full-page illustrations often rely on overly familiar platitudes. Sentiments that echo variations of "nothing changes if nothing changes" or "if you're going through hell, keep going" dilute the unique premise of the book. Because the visual identity of Mr Skelly is so distinct, these generic phrases feel like missed opportunities. A bit more original phrasing in these bite-sized takeaways would have better matched the unique art style and profound themes Watson is clearly capable of exploring.
Despite leaning on some conventional advice, the overarching mission of the book remains impactful. How Lucky Am I? is a visually stunning, tender exploration of mortality, acceptance, and gratitude. It serves as a beautiful, gentle reminder to look up from our routines and appreciate the simple fact that we are here at all.
How Lucky Am I? is due to be published on 28th July 2026.
This book tackles the imposing subject of death and attempts to disarm it. Through the surprisingly endearing figure of Mr Skelly, Watson sets out to reframe our inevitable end. Rather than a terrifying grim reaper, death is presented as a grounding reality that makes our present moments profound and meaningful. Working in a library environment, I see countless titles promising to change a reader's perspective, but Watson's approach stands out for its earnest, humble charm.
The book is structured around short, reflective essays, interspersed with full-page illustrations and brief quotes. The artwork is beautiful, creating a tactile, comforting atmosphere that perfectly matches the book's gentle tone. Mr Skelly resting in a field of flowers is an image that makes the macabre feel strangely cosy.
When the writing leans into personal reflection, it resonates deeply. The essays encouraging us to find value in the in-between days, or recognising the quiet luck of simply being here to face our daily challenges, offer a meaningful perspective shift. I really appreciate how Watson gently highlights the quiet miracles of everyday life.
However, the textual execution can occasionally feel uneven, which holds the book back from being a flawless read. The longer passages offer thoughtful introspection, but the short quotes accompanying the full-page illustrations often rely on overly familiar platitudes. Sentiments that echo variations of "nothing changes if nothing changes" or "if you're going through hell, keep going" dilute the unique premise of the book. Because the visual identity of Mr Skelly is so distinct, these generic phrases feel like missed opportunities. A bit more original phrasing in these bite-sized takeaways would have better matched the unique art style and profound themes Watson is clearly capable of exploring.
Despite leaning on some conventional advice, the overarching mission of the book remains impactful. How Lucky Am I? is a visually stunning, tender exploration of mortality, acceptance, and gratitude. It serves as a beautiful, gentle reminder to look up from our routines and appreciate the simple fact that we are here at all.
How Lucky Am I? is due to be published on 28th July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A huge thank you to Christian Watson and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this wonderful book.
This book is a warm hug. The artwork is absolute chef's kiss so beautiful, so soft, so full of warmth that you can literally feel your heart get lighter as you flip through it.
What makes this book special is how it puts into words the things we already know deep down but often forget when life gets loud. Sometimes you just need someone to remind you, give you that gentle nudge, to be that little voice in your head telling you what you already know. And Mr. Skelly is exactly that voice. He is comforting, grounding, and quietly encouraging, like a friend who sits beside you and says, "You're doing okay. Keep going".
It's also exactly what I wanted to hear. Somehow, everything I read resonated so deeply within me, like it was speaking directly to the parts of myself I tend to ignore. I genuinely want to print the pages and paste them on my walls so I'm constantly reminded not to take life so seriously and to slow down, breathe, and take things easy.
And honestly, taking something that's "scary", a skeleton, and turning it into something so comforting, warm, and beautiful is such a talent. Kudos to the author. I'm someone who's scared of death, and I can't say this book cured that fear, but for the moments I was reading it, it didn't feel that scary. It felt softer. Kinder. Almost like it was okay to sit with the thought instead of running from it and I like to believe that's exactly what the author intended.
It's the kind of book that would make such a thoughtful gift for anyone who could use a little lightness in their life and a little comfort and grounding. I already know I want to keep a physical copy in my bag and another on my office desk, ready to flip open whenever life feels overwhelming. It's a pocket sized reset button, a collection of reminders that help you breathe a little deeper and feel a little lighter.
Warm, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated, How Lucky Am I is more than a book it's a companion for the days when you need a soft place to land.
This book is a warm hug. The artwork is absolute chef's kiss so beautiful, so soft, so full of warmth that you can literally feel your heart get lighter as you flip through it.
What makes this book special is how it puts into words the things we already know deep down but often forget when life gets loud. Sometimes you just need someone to remind you, give you that gentle nudge, to be that little voice in your head telling you what you already know. And Mr. Skelly is exactly that voice. He is comforting, grounding, and quietly encouraging, like a friend who sits beside you and says, "You're doing okay. Keep going".
It's also exactly what I wanted to hear. Somehow, everything I read resonated so deeply within me, like it was speaking directly to the parts of myself I tend to ignore. I genuinely want to print the pages and paste them on my walls so I'm constantly reminded not to take life so seriously and to slow down, breathe, and take things easy.
And honestly, taking something that's "scary", a skeleton, and turning it into something so comforting, warm, and beautiful is such a talent. Kudos to the author. I'm someone who's scared of death, and I can't say this book cured that fear, but for the moments I was reading it, it didn't feel that scary. It felt softer. Kinder. Almost like it was okay to sit with the thought instead of running from it and I like to believe that's exactly what the author intended.
It's the kind of book that would make such a thoughtful gift for anyone who could use a little lightness in their life and a little comfort and grounding. I already know I want to keep a physical copy in my bag and another on my office desk, ready to flip open whenever life feels overwhelming. It's a pocket sized reset button, a collection of reminders that help you breathe a little deeper and feel a little lighter.
Warm, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated, How Lucky Am I is more than a book it's a companion for the days when you need a soft place to land.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How Lucky Am I felt like getting a warm hug while also being gently called out by a very wise friend. This book is packed with reminders that hit at exactly the right moment, especially if you’re someone who’s constantly overthinking life at 2 a.m. for absolutely no reason (couldn’t be me).
One of my favorite lines was: “How lucky am I that things didn't work out? How lucky am I to outgrow the things not meant for me? How lucky am I to be broken so the light could come in?” That quote alone honestly deserves its own therapy session. The entire book carries that same comforting but honest energy — reminding you that growth is messy, painful, and necessary.
There were so many moments that made me stop and reread paragraphs because they hit a little too hard. “If you keep carrying old bricks you'll keep building the same house” was one of those lines that stayed with me long after I finished reading. The book has a way of taking complicated emotions and turning them into simple truths that somehow make everything feel lighter.
I also loved how validating it was. “You don't have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm” and “You can be the sweetest peach on the tree. Some people just don't like peaches” are such important reminders, especially for people who constantly try to please everyone. Sometimes you really do need a book to look you dead in the eyes and tell you to stop emotionally auditioning for people who don’t deserve front row seats in your life.
And finally: “You can't give your life more time, so give your time more life.” That line perfectly captures why this book earned 5 stars from me. It’s inspiring without feeling preachy, emotional without being overly heavy, and filled with the kind of words you want to highlight, screenshot, and send to your friends at midnight.
This wasn’t just a book I read — it was a book I felt.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How Lucky Am I felt like getting a warm hug while also being gently called out by a very wise friend. This book is packed with reminders that hit at exactly the right moment, especially if you’re someone who’s constantly overthinking life at 2 a.m. for absolutely no reason (couldn’t be me).
One of my favorite lines was: “How lucky am I that things didn't work out? How lucky am I to outgrow the things not meant for me? How lucky am I to be broken so the light could come in?” That quote alone honestly deserves its own therapy session. The entire book carries that same comforting but honest energy — reminding you that growth is messy, painful, and necessary.
There were so many moments that made me stop and reread paragraphs because they hit a little too hard. “If you keep carrying old bricks you'll keep building the same house” was one of those lines that stayed with me long after I finished reading. The book has a way of taking complicated emotions and turning them into simple truths that somehow make everything feel lighter.
I also loved how validating it was. “You don't have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm” and “You can be the sweetest peach on the tree. Some people just don't like peaches” are such important reminders, especially for people who constantly try to please everyone. Sometimes you really do need a book to look you dead in the eyes and tell you to stop emotionally auditioning for people who don’t deserve front row seats in your life.
And finally: “You can't give your life more time, so give your time more life.” That line perfectly captures why this book earned 5 stars from me. It’s inspiring without feeling preachy, emotional without being overly heavy, and filled with the kind of words you want to highlight, screenshot, and send to your friends at midnight.
This wasn’t just a book I read — it was a book I felt.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Here's Christian Watson's "How Lucky Am I." Subtitle: "the inspiring and uplifting new book featuring Instagram sensation Mr Skelly" (on Instagram at 1924us).
["In this poignant, affirming, and beautifully illustrated journey, social media sensation Mr Skelly explores the ups and downs of existence and discovers the makings of a meaningful life.
"How lucky am I, to have lost what I wanted, to find what I deserved"
Join beloved Mr Skelly, a gentle skeleton wandering across lush landscapes and treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, to find his family and – ultimately – a safe home.
Along the way, he discovers life lessons which help us remember what to hold onto and what to let go of, to realize how lucky we all are, because this beautifully fragile present moment is truly all we have.
Mr Skelly invites you to shift your lens, make peace with what you can’t control, appreciate what can’t be seen, and live your life to the utmost of your ability.
How Lucky Am I is a simple reminder that, in the end, we're all made of the same bones. With gentle words and hand-painted imagery, this book hopes to shine a softer light on what's often overlooked - and maybe, in doing so, help us remember what truly matters."]
I have never seen or heard of Mr Skelly before, but now I'm fucking hooked, addicted, obsessed. He's fun and sweet but inspirational.
It's all nature and reclaimed spaces. All motivational quotes without being in-you-face about it. It's knowing when to move on and knowing when to push the course. It's being okay with not being okay. It's finding luck in the lucky but also in the mundane.
I might need to find one of these posts for my next phone background. And follow Christian/1924us/Mr Skelly on IG.
#howluckyami #christianwatson #mrskelly #1924us #selfhelp #inspirational #motivational #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["In this poignant, affirming, and beautifully illustrated journey, social media sensation Mr Skelly explores the ups and downs of existence and discovers the makings of a meaningful life.
"How lucky am I, to have lost what I wanted, to find what I deserved"
Join beloved Mr Skelly, a gentle skeleton wandering across lush landscapes and treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, to find his family and – ultimately – a safe home.
Along the way, he discovers life lessons which help us remember what to hold onto and what to let go of, to realize how lucky we all are, because this beautifully fragile present moment is truly all we have.
Mr Skelly invites you to shift your lens, make peace with what you can’t control, appreciate what can’t be seen, and live your life to the utmost of your ability.
How Lucky Am I is a simple reminder that, in the end, we're all made of the same bones. With gentle words and hand-painted imagery, this book hopes to shine a softer light on what's often overlooked - and maybe, in doing so, help us remember what truly matters."]
I have never seen or heard of Mr Skelly before, but now I'm fucking hooked, addicted, obsessed. He's fun and sweet but inspirational.
It's all nature and reclaimed spaces. All motivational quotes without being in-you-face about it. It's knowing when to move on and knowing when to push the course. It's being okay with not being okay. It's finding luck in the lucky but also in the mundane.
I might need to find one of these posts for my next phone background. And follow Christian/1924us/Mr Skelly on IG.
#howluckyami #christianwatson #mrskelly #1924us #selfhelp #inspirational #motivational #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: How Lucky Am I by Christian Watson
How Lucky Am I is less a traditional story and more a quiet, reflective journey, with a wandering skeleton named Mr. Skelly guiding the way. There is no real plot to track, no structured arc pushing things forward. Instead, it moves through moments and emotions, exploring love, loss, and the complicated idea that things not working out might still lead somewhere meaningful. Mr. Skelly drifts from place to place in search of something like home, which feels intentionally open-ended rather than incomplete.
The book leans into reflection over narrative, but in a way that feels sincere rather than overly packaged. Each page offers a small thought or observation, and while the themes are familiar, they land with a kind of quiet honesty. It does not try to overexplain or force conclusions, which helps it avoid feeling overly polished. There is a softness to how it approaches difficult emotions, allowing space for interpretation instead of tying everything up neatly.
The artwork and text work closely together to create a consistent tone. The illustrations have a muted, slightly melancholic quality that complements the introspective writing, and together they create something that feels cohesive rather than one carrying the other. It is the kind of book where the mood lingers, even if the individual lines are simple.
Overall, this is the kind of book that depends on your willingness to sit with it. It is not trying to be complex or groundbreaking, but it feels thoughtful and genuine in what it does. For me, it really worked. I would give this 4.5 stars, especially if you are someone who connects with quieter, more reflective reads.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
How Lucky Am I is less a traditional story and more a quiet, reflective journey, with a wandering skeleton named Mr. Skelly guiding the way. There is no real plot to track, no structured arc pushing things forward. Instead, it moves through moments and emotions, exploring love, loss, and the complicated idea that things not working out might still lead somewhere meaningful. Mr. Skelly drifts from place to place in search of something like home, which feels intentionally open-ended rather than incomplete.
The book leans into reflection over narrative, but in a way that feels sincere rather than overly packaged. Each page offers a small thought or observation, and while the themes are familiar, they land with a kind of quiet honesty. It does not try to overexplain or force conclusions, which helps it avoid feeling overly polished. There is a softness to how it approaches difficult emotions, allowing space for interpretation instead of tying everything up neatly.
The artwork and text work closely together to create a consistent tone. The illustrations have a muted, slightly melancholic quality that complements the introspective writing, and together they create something that feels cohesive rather than one carrying the other. It is the kind of book where the mood lingers, even if the individual lines are simple.
Overall, this is the kind of book that depends on your willingness to sit with it. It is not trying to be complex or groundbreaking, but it feels thoughtful and genuine in what it does. For me, it really worked. I would give this 4.5 stars, especially if you are someone who connects with quieter, more reflective reads.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Picture Book | Motivational | Carpe Diem
Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
•Plot: How Lucky Am I. The author discusses the origin of Mr. Skelly and how it is used to represent death, life, and love. Their goal is to rebrand death as something to accept rather than fear or seek. In between the art and thoughtful blurbs, the author talks to the reader.
•What I liked: Vibrant art with thoughtful pieces. One that stood out to me was, “You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm,” Which is like you don’t have to burn yourself out trying to impress people. Also, “You can be the sweetest peach on the tree, some people just don’t like peaches.” It’s true, and you can think about it in the way some people just won’t accept you, and that’s okay, be you. Also, “Sometimes the grass is greener where you water it.” Where you are could be where you want to be, basically.
•What didn’t work for me: That it’s short! It would be nice if it were longer with more blurbs and art.
•Themes / Ideas: Life is short, be appreciative.
•Who I’d recommend it to: Seeking motivation, those who appreciate art.
Overall/Thoughts: The book is about appreciating life and how change happens through little things. It’s calm visuals with thoughtful words. I originally saw Mr. Skelly's art videos on TikTok and was curious about the book. The book is just as great as the different motivational videos I saw before it. Mr. Skelly is a playful and contemplative character.
Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
•Plot: How Lucky Am I. The author discusses the origin of Mr. Skelly and how it is used to represent death, life, and love. Their goal is to rebrand death as something to accept rather than fear or seek. In between the art and thoughtful blurbs, the author talks to the reader.
•What I liked: Vibrant art with thoughtful pieces. One that stood out to me was, “You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm,” Which is like you don’t have to burn yourself out trying to impress people. Also, “You can be the sweetest peach on the tree, some people just don’t like peaches.” It’s true, and you can think about it in the way some people just won’t accept you, and that’s okay, be you. Also, “Sometimes the grass is greener where you water it.” Where you are could be where you want to be, basically.
•What didn’t work for me: That it’s short! It would be nice if it were longer with more blurbs and art.
•Themes / Ideas: Life is short, be appreciative.
•Who I’d recommend it to: Seeking motivation, those who appreciate art.
Overall/Thoughts: The book is about appreciating life and how change happens through little things. It’s calm visuals with thoughtful words. I originally saw Mr. Skelly's art videos on TikTok and was curious about the book. The book is just as great as the different motivational videos I saw before it. Mr. Skelly is a playful and contemplative character.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an illustrated self-help/inspirational book featuring the musings of the skeleton Mr. Skelly.
Lush, full-page drawings take us on a journey with Mr. Skelly through different landscapes and interactions with his little family, with a few written pages scattered throughout for explanation and image grouping.
I didn’t dislike this book, but it didn’t exactly hit the mark for me. I think I expected it to be more of a narrative or story, but it was more like single or few-frame images paired with quotes and sayings. I received a digital copy, so maybe if I had a physical version it would feel different. I like the concept of Mr. Skelly, and the artwork was great. I especially liked that the word bubbles looked like fire-edged paper.
Some of the messages felt a little too cliché for me, and I would have liked a more cohesive story. It was described as being about death and grief, but it felt more about acceptance and mindfulness, in my opinion. But, I’m a bit of a goth girly, and Mr. Skelly felt a little too cute to come across as macabre. Also, I’m also not familiar with Mr. Skelly, so that may have contributed to some of it not fully landing for me. I could see how readers who already love the character would connect with it a lot more.
Overall, a very pretty book that would be nice to have on a coffee table to flip through when you need a little pick-me-up.
Art: 5/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Writing: 3/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
***I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This is an illustrated self-help/inspirational book featuring the musings of the skeleton Mr. Skelly.
Lush, full-page drawings take us on a journey with Mr. Skelly through different landscapes and interactions with his little family, with a few written pages scattered throughout for explanation and image grouping.
I didn’t dislike this book, but it didn’t exactly hit the mark for me. I think I expected it to be more of a narrative or story, but it was more like single or few-frame images paired with quotes and sayings. I received a digital copy, so maybe if I had a physical version it would feel different. I like the concept of Mr. Skelly, and the artwork was great. I especially liked that the word bubbles looked like fire-edged paper.
Some of the messages felt a little too cliché for me, and I would have liked a more cohesive story. It was described as being about death and grief, but it felt more about acceptance and mindfulness, in my opinion. But, I’m a bit of a goth girly, and Mr. Skelly felt a little too cute to come across as macabre. Also, I’m also not familiar with Mr. Skelly, so that may have contributed to some of it not fully landing for me. I could see how readers who already love the character would connect with it a lot more.
Overall, a very pretty book that would be nice to have on a coffee table to flip through when you need a little pick-me-up.
Art: 5/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Writing: 3/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
***I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
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