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Cottons #2
Cottons: The White Carrot
In Cottons: The White Carrot, the second volume in Jim Pascoe and Heidi Arnhold's graphic novel trilogy, we go deeper into a fantasy world where art is both coveted and feared.
For the rabbits of the Vale of Industry, cha is everything. It’s the fuel that lights their homes, powers their factories, and makes modern life possible. But to Bridgebelle, cha means so much more. It’s the vital ingredient she needs to make thokchas—beautiful works of art that glow and transform, as if by magic.
But Bridgebelle isn’t the only one captivated by thokchas. Outside the Vale, the nefarious foxes have discovered the destructive power they hold. They plan use thokchas as the ultimate weapon in their age-old war against the rabbits. When the foxes attack, Bridgebelle is left with an impossible choice: make them a thokcha, or offer up her life.
For the rabbits of the Vale of Industry, cha is everything. It’s the fuel that lights their homes, powers their factories, and makes modern life possible. But to Bridgebelle, cha means so much more. It’s the vital ingredient she needs to make thokchas—beautiful works of art that glow and transform, as if by magic.
But Bridgebelle isn’t the only one captivated by thokchas. Outside the Vale, the nefarious foxes have discovered the destructive power they hold. They plan use thokchas as the ultimate weapon in their age-old war against the rabbits. When the foxes attack, Bridgebelle is left with an impossible choice: make them a thokcha, or offer up her life.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published February 18, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 18, 2021
4.25* I'll be coming back to this story for sure. Still a huge fan of the art, and the story is getting even more interesting. Can't wait for vol. 3 - hopefully coming soon & with a satisfying conclusion.
August 9, 2021
The next step in the story has Bridgebell seeking the white carrot she recalls from her childhood: is it a myth or is it real? Can it save the cottons?
There is a lot to unpack, so let's just say that there are wolves and cottons with schemes for power. It's a race to see who will ultimately win.
There is a lot to unpack, so let's just say that there are wolves and cottons with schemes for power. It's a race to see who will ultimately win.
December 12, 2020
For a 270 page graphic novel technically written for kids, book 2 of the Cottons trilogy has a rich story with so much world building, you find yourself wanting more. I almost wish this was a actual novel, with more text so I could learn more about the Cottons and the Foxes and their societies and histories.
My only nitpick is still that I have a hard time telling some of the rabbits apart...that or there is a rabbit that has multiple names, which might be why I was confused. This is what happens when you read before bedtime I guess!
Anyway, if you like rich fantasy worlds, this is a series to pick up.
My only nitpick is still that I have a hard time telling some of the rabbits apart...that or there is a rabbit that has multiple names, which might be why I was confused. This is what happens when you read before bedtime I guess!
Anyway, if you like rich fantasy worlds, this is a series to pick up.
October 29, 2024
I can't get over how epic these are. Why does nobody talk about them? Amazing story and characters, and celebration of art. They're so awesome, it's shame the third one has an unknown release date!
Any fan of Warriors, The Green Ember, Wings of Fire, or any other animal fantasy series would love this!
Any fan of Warriors, The Green Ember, Wings of Fire, or any other animal fantasy series would love this!
July 19, 2024
This is not the best book,but it’s a good one.At times it didn’t make sense but it did in the end.🐇🐰
January 27, 2021
This was an interesting graphic novels series
February 17, 2020
Numerous individuals and groups are after the thokchas that Bridgebelle and Croquet have made to use for various purposes. Some want them gone because they fear them. Croquet himself has been twisted by his experiences. Bridgebelle has been having recurring dreams of her home and a story her father told her about a white carrot. And times are turbulent as the carrot shortage and mysterious illness grow more severe.
This book is really hard to summarize because there are a lot of characters each with their own little quests, issues, etc. The book is also definitely a middle book, setting up various things to be right on the cusp of the apex of the plot lines which will come in the final book. I love the background art and the way this series is set in the Yosemite area. It was good there was a little recap (done in a clever way) and a character guide at the beginning of this or I’d have been lost without re-reading the first book. There are some interesting developments in this book, but a lot of big answers are waiting for that last book to be revealed. I was a little worried when one character was asked to make a blood sacrifice to get the answers he wanted, but . Recommended to graphic novel fans, those who like animal fantasies and plots that revolve around the worth of art.
Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content. There’s some animal on animal violence but no fatalities and nothing bloody. Some of the characters want to use the thokchas for dark magic, but that is painted as a bad thing.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is really hard to summarize because there are a lot of characters each with their own little quests, issues, etc. The book is also definitely a middle book, setting up various things to be right on the cusp of the apex of the plot lines which will come in the final book. I love the background art and the way this series is set in the Yosemite area. It was good there was a little recap (done in a clever way) and a character guide at the beginning of this or I’d have been lost without re-reading the first book. There are some interesting developments in this book, but a lot of big answers are waiting for that last book to be revealed. I was a little worried when one character was asked to make a blood sacrifice to get the answers he wanted, but . Recommended to graphic novel fans, those who like animal fantasies and plots that revolve around the worth of art.
Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content. There’s some animal on animal violence but no fatalities and nothing bloody. Some of the characters want to use the thokchas for dark magic, but that is painted as a bad thing.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2020
Bridgebelle lost her home and family to a mysterious fire. She is adopted by her aunt and spends her day working at the carrot factory to make a fuel called cha that makes their modern life possible. After her shift she works in an art gallery and makes thokchas, a beautiful and dangerous rock that can summon the evil Broken Feather King. Bridgebelle is tired of having her mentor take credit for her art and the rules of her adopted home. When she is banished for endangering her community, Bridgebelle sets out to find answers about her pasts and to locate the stolen thokcha.
This is the second book in the Cottons trilogy. Jim Pascoe provides a quick summary of the first book before the reader begins book two. I found the story dull. Jim draws inspiration from Taoism to create his mythical world but describes it on a surface level that it creates confusion to the story. Throughout the story he switches between multiple viewpoints of characters that it is difficult to follow the plot and not focus on unnecessary details. In addition, he only mentions the white carrot in the first and last chapter. I expected it to play a larger part of the story but instead focus was placed on Taoism. I viewed this religion as a terrible choice to an American audience because few are familiar with it and Jim does a terrible job explaining it to a child’s understanding.
This is the second book in the Cottons trilogy. Jim Pascoe provides a quick summary of the first book before the reader begins book two. I found the story dull. Jim draws inspiration from Taoism to create his mythical world but describes it on a surface level that it creates confusion to the story. Throughout the story he switches between multiple viewpoints of characters that it is difficult to follow the plot and not focus on unnecessary details. In addition, he only mentions the white carrot in the first and last chapter. I expected it to play a larger part of the story but instead focus was placed on Taoism. I viewed this religion as a terrible choice to an American audience because few are familiar with it and Jim does a terrible job explaining it to a child’s understanding.
May 8, 2020
Trippy but beautiful illustrations. While the story continues, this book left me with more questions than answers. Some of the story is hard to follow because it's clear that there are some time gaps, but it makes it feel choppy between chapters.
I am very thankful for the character glossary and summary at the beginning to help remind me of what happened in the last book. The magic of cha and thokchas is complicated, and since much is unknown in this age of rabbits, we are learning what everything is along with the protagonists. I'm very curious about the last couple of unrelated scenes, with Bridgebelle (was that real or a vision?) and Hollow. The stage is being set that not everything is as it seems.
I am very thankful for the character glossary and summary at the beginning to help remind me of what happened in the last book. The magic of cha and thokchas is complicated, and since much is unknown in this age of rabbits, we are learning what everything is along with the protagonists. I'm very curious about the last couple of unrelated scenes, with Bridgebelle (was that real or a vision?) and Hollow. The stage is being set that not everything is as it seems.
December 30, 2020
As with the previous installment, this volume in the Cottons series continues on with beautiful artwork and a highly intriguing world. Unfortunately, the first volume's detractors continue as well, namely poor organization of scenes, a scattered vision of plot, and general confusion regarding what, really, is going on. There are questions that need to be addressed yet are left unexplored in deference to the story the author wants to get on with; questions such as "what do thokchas do?", "how are thokchas made?", "why can some rabbits make thokchas but not others?", and "what, exactly, does our protagonist want?" And there are many others besides. This installment appears to start out well, focusing on only a few characters during an art show, but then quickly suffers from the scene-switching that so plagued "The Secret of the Wind". If this is supposed to be about Bridgebelle (as the in-world writings at the beginning of the book say), then it should have been made ABOUT Bridgebelle. Jumping back and forth between Bridgebelle, Croquet, Glee, foxes, etc. whirls the reader about, resulting in a loss of true understanding of character motives, subplot importance, and general cohesion. Ultimately, it's clear to me that the story in here should have been simplified and/or told over more than three volumes, with more time given to each character in their turn. I have no idea what the third and final installment will cover, or, indeed, what it will really be about. Saving the vales (from what? foxes? the Broken Feather King? who is that again...?) Resisting forced labor? Fixing the carrot shortage? Figuring out what that giant flaming turtle-monster guardian thing is? Discovering what happened to rabbit society 500 years ago? Bridgebelle coming into... her "power?" There are lots of loose ends floating about, and while I'll read the final book I won't be holding out for anything different than what we've seen before.
On another, briefer note, there was a completely cringe-worthy Bridgebelle speech on the value of art that failed to actually make the argument.
Lastly, the issue of titles should be acknowledged. In retrospect, I couldn't tell you what "The Secret of the Wind" meant in regards to the book's actual plot; and I couldn't tell you what "The White Carrot" meant either. At least there really is a white carrot in this volume, and at least it certainly represents a choice between 1) freedom/nonattachment, 2) material wealth, and 3) something else... ? I presume that "the white carrot" is a reference to a choice that Bridgebelle has to make, but what that choice is within the story, I couldn't say. The final volume is already titled "The Curse of the Vales", and I think it's safe to say that one's pretty straightforward, as there was a curse already mentioned in "The White Carrot". Let's hope it proves true.
All in all: this is a beautifully, beautifully drawn tale with poor bones. I love vibrant graphic novels, I love anthropomorphic stories, and I love fantasy; but in this case, the combination of those three strong elements have not done enough to save the story from itself. While it's likely apparent that I'll be going into the final installment with a mental preparation for disappointment, I really do hope that the author, Jim Pascoe, can refine his writing and deliver us a new story in the years to come that improves upon his efforts here. He clearly has a fine imagination and a desire to tell grand, unique tales unlike any we've seen before. I hope to give something of his a 5 out of 5 one day.
On another, briefer note, there was a completely cringe-worthy Bridgebelle speech on the value of art that failed to actually make the argument.
Lastly, the issue of titles should be acknowledged. In retrospect, I couldn't tell you what "The Secret of the Wind" meant in regards to the book's actual plot; and I couldn't tell you what "The White Carrot" meant either. At least there really is a white carrot in this volume, and at least it certainly represents a choice between 1) freedom/nonattachment, 2) material wealth, and 3) something else... ? I presume that "the white carrot" is a reference to a choice that Bridgebelle has to make, but what that choice is within the story, I couldn't say. The final volume is already titled "The Curse of the Vales", and I think it's safe to say that one's pretty straightforward, as there was a curse already mentioned in "The White Carrot". Let's hope it proves true.
All in all: this is a beautifully, beautifully drawn tale with poor bones. I love vibrant graphic novels, I love anthropomorphic stories, and I love fantasy; but in this case, the combination of those three strong elements have not done enough to save the story from itself. While it's likely apparent that I'll be going into the final installment with a mental preparation for disappointment, I really do hope that the author, Jim Pascoe, can refine his writing and deliver us a new story in the years to come that improves upon his efforts here. He clearly has a fine imagination and a desire to tell grand, unique tales unlike any we've seen before. I hope to give something of his a 5 out of 5 one day.
February 25, 2020
I really adore this philosophical and psychological series, although this second part isn't as solid as the first one. The White Carrot continues where the first part ended quite straightforwardly. Bridgebelle makes art out of cha, these thokchas that are almost like magical talismans and we learn the truth behind the black sun. Sadly so I wish it hadn't been so anticlimactic. The journey of different rabbits were highlighted as well as the legend of the white carrot - the legend being the most interesting part surely. I wish Pascoe had used more pages to tell the mystery of the black sun, since it's at the center of it all and the reason the foxes are on the hunt. I'm not saying this part isn't good, but I feel like the emphasis is wrongly aimed. The story in itself is amazing still and the thoughtfulness of it all. How this still isn't about rabbits and foxes actually.
The art is beautiful once again and the colors are perfect with deep and rich hues. The animals look realistic and magical at the same time, which makes this oddly cute and sad at the same time. An adult's fairy tale like no other. I cannot wait for the last part of the trilogy, since I need to know what happens and if Pascoe can give this the grand final it deserves. I think he can.
The art is beautiful once again and the colors are perfect with deep and rich hues. The animals look realistic and magical at the same time, which makes this oddly cute and sad at the same time. An adult's fairy tale like no other. I cannot wait for the last part of the trilogy, since I need to know what happens and if Pascoe can give this the grand final it deserves. I think he can.
May 13, 2020
Even someone who missed reading the previous title in this trilogy will be able to pick up the thread of the story, thanks to a summary at the beginning. As another reviewer mentioned, I expected a lot more about the white carrot since that was the title of the book, but it doesn't seem to play much of a part in the story and seems to promise to take on more significance in the next one. Bridgebelle and Croquet and fascinated by thokchas, art pieces that glow and change. Both rabbits enjoy making art, but the two of them are at odds about their uses and whose work is most impressive. The rabbits' enemies, the foxes, also want the thokchas in order to defeat the rabbits once and for all. When Bridgebelle is accused of wrongdoing, she must leave her home and find her way elsewhere. The story line is interesting, and the illustrations are colorful and filled with interesting panels, but the scenes shift from one place to another and one character to another so often that it was challenging to keep everything sorted out as I read. In some respects, this book reminded me of the classic Watership Down. I'm undecided if I'd read the next installment. I probably would, just to have closure, which is important to me when it comes to reading, but there would be quite a lot to sort out.
November 3, 2025
I still find myself, as drawn into the story as I am, aggravated by the carrot shortage that is integral to the plot but completely inane as far as real rabbit food: imagine if they were people and were starving because there was a chocolate shortage?
Repeating my prior review: I can only *sort of* jive with the idea that THEIR world has special, healthy-for-rabbits carrots that provide nutrients that grass lacks, besides harnessing *magic powers* that create devastating weapons in the wrong hands. Art really is power, in this case!
It's just, you know... weird. Also, the very end (of this volume) goes in a completely different direction from what I expected, but maybe I should actually have expected that?
Definitely will hit the spot for fans of the Don Bluth fan-favourite The Secret of NIMH, blending beautiful art with a somewhat dark storyline. (Also, talking animals.)
Repeating my prior review: I can only *sort of* jive with the idea that THEIR world has special, healthy-for-rabbits carrots that provide nutrients that grass lacks, besides harnessing *magic powers* that create devastating weapons in the wrong hands. Art really is power, in this case!
It's just, you know... weird. Also, the very end (of this volume) goes in a completely different direction from what I expected, but maybe I should actually have expected that?
Definitely will hit the spot for fans of the Don Bluth fan-favourite The Secret of NIMH, blending beautiful art with a somewhat dark storyline. (Also, talking animals.)
December 15, 2020
THOM IS A FOX NOW ASDFGHJL, YOU ARE HOW YOU ACT I SUPPOSE. That's what he gets for turning into a vicious drug addict.
Bridgebelle and Samiji appear to have suppressed memories, with the former suppressing the events leading up to her parents' death because Bridgebelle was the one who created the Black Sun. Perhaps in this universe the foxes should fear the rabbits instead of vice versa. After all, their use of Cha for drugs in comparison to Bridgebelle and Kami's use for them as nuclear bombs makes them look like fluffy bunnies in comparison to the actual bunnies. Bridgebelle eating the white carrot at the end is really symbolic of all that she sacrificed to get to where she is now. Great trilogy so far, looking forward to the release of the final installment.
Bridgebelle and Samiji appear to have suppressed memories, with the former suppressing the events leading up to her parents' death because Bridgebelle was the one who created the Black Sun. Perhaps in this universe the foxes should fear the rabbits instead of vice versa. After all, their use of Cha for drugs in comparison to Bridgebelle and Kami's use for them as nuclear bombs makes them look like fluffy bunnies in comparison to the actual bunnies. Bridgebelle eating the white carrot at the end is really symbolic of all that she sacrificed to get to where she is now. Great trilogy so far, looking forward to the release of the final installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2021
Just dull. The story rambles along, I have no feeling for any of the characters and can hardly tell them apart. I don't want to suggest that gore and death make a story better, but, maybe in this case they would - characters are constantly in deathly peril, but then just sort of get out of it. Stakes seem high, but no one is ever seriously hurt or killed, til eventually anybody getting in danger just made me roll my eyes and say 'here we go again'.
The world makes very little sense, and the characters were flat and whiny. I don't know why this was a graphic novel, since huge parts of it were standing around and talking.
The world makes very little sense, and the characters were flat and whiny. I don't know why this was a graphic novel, since huge parts of it were standing around and talking.
November 8, 2019
I really loved the first book in the trilogy and I loved this one as well. There is some violence in this book, so I'd recommend it for a middle grade audience. You should really read the first book but they do give a really good overview of it in the beginning of this book. I like that despite many characters and a lot of interwoven storylines, they keep the chapters short so you can grasp everything more easily. The art is really nice as well. I look forward to reading the conclusion! #Netgalley
July 18, 2023
Plot - 3 stars
Illustrations - 4 stars
Overall - 3.5 stars
As the plot deepens it is also becoming more and more confusing. I feel that some of the chapters are so quick and sparatic and it's a bit jarring at times. I would have liked the chapters fleshed out more. I believe that things have been left confusing so it can all be tired together in the 3rd and final volume. I hope it comes together in a clever way.
I really like the illustrations, they look great and the magical visuals are stunning.
Illustrations - 4 stars
Overall - 3.5 stars
As the plot deepens it is also becoming more and more confusing. I feel that some of the chapters are so quick and sparatic and it's a bit jarring at times. I would have liked the chapters fleshed out more. I believe that things have been left confusing so it can all be tired together in the 3rd and final volume. I hope it comes together in a clever way.
I really like the illustrations, they look great and the magical visuals are stunning.
April 6, 2020
Wind is love.
Still love this series. I would recommend it to an older reader - easily in their teens, rather than the young readers it's marketed towards.
There are so very heavy concepts in this series - death, drugs, religion, choice, work vs art...
This is still incredibly well done.
Wind is love.
Still love this series. I would recommend it to an older reader - easily in their teens, rather than the young readers it's marketed towards.
There are so very heavy concepts in this series - death, drugs, religion, choice, work vs art...
This is still incredibly well done.
Wind is love.
July 5, 2020
I don't know why I continued with this series. I didn't care for the first one and this one was even worse. The message it seems to preach is conform because being different and unique is bad. Utilitarianism is good and work is everything. And this is supposed to be for kids?
I will admit the artwork is good. Not much else though.
I will admit the artwork is good. Not much else though.
April 12, 2021
Graphic novel from the library.
I'm beginning to understand some of the storyline better, although still have no idea where it is headed.
It feels like this is an allegorical tale (possibly about creativity being devalued/ lost and replaced by workaholism?) My curiosity spurs me on to check out the concluding book in the series, once it is released.
I'm beginning to understand some of the storyline better, although still have no idea where it is headed.
It feels like this is an allegorical tale (possibly about creativity being devalued/ lost and replaced by workaholism?) My curiosity spurs me on to check out the concluding book in the series, once it is released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2020
More like 3.5. So much plot is just smashed in here, it doesn’t quite feel like it makes sense. Still intriguing. Reminds me a bit of Duncton Hill with its elaborate theology and mysticism. Grades 5-9.
November 25, 2023
The art is stunning, the storyline was much less enjoyable than the first book in my opinion. It’s difficult to follow the multiple plot lines and complex world building in a fast paced graphic novel. I think this series could benefit from less characters and more depth.
December 8, 2024
The adventure and saga continue as the foxes and rabbits both struggle to gain control of the thokchas through the dark arts. Bridgebelle is trapped in the middle as she must make an impossible yet important decision.
March 16, 2020
The art is spectacular. The story is definitely just making measured steps (hops?) toward book 3 of the trilogy.
May 25, 2020
Beautiful art. Plot a bit less coherent than last time, think it might need a reread. Still highly recommended though.
November 28, 2020
Love the rabbits world! Although it can be a little overdramatic sometimes.
July 14, 2023
Love the art style!!!! I look forward to reading the last book in the series!!
August 24, 2023
It was an okay book. It was very confusing to understand. I don’t recommend it.
November 8, 2023
Gruesome and creepy. What an intricate story. It makes my heart race with fear and suspense. Amazing artwork.
November 22, 2023
It was super sad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews