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Inkling
Mishaps and madness ensue when magical drawing ink comes to life in the Rylance home and 11-year-old Ethan tries to prove he's just as talented as his famous father.A moving but light-hearted story about grief, family and a sixth-grade rivalry. When Ethan’s class is given the task of creating a graphic novel and magical ink jumps out of his father’s sketchbook, a strange series of events is set into motion. To his younger sister, Inkling is Lucy, her beloved dog; to his father, Inkling is a second chance at a dwindling career and a chance to solve his family’s money worries. Friends and enemies alike try to use Inkling to ace tests and create bestselling comic books, but to Ethan, Inkling is his friend – and he must do everything in his power save him.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2018
257 people are currently reading
2608 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth Oppel
85 books2,730 followersI was born in 1967 in Port Alberni, a mill town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but spent the bulk of my childhood in Victoria, B.C. and on the opposite coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia...At around twelve I decided I wanted to be a writer (this came after deciding I wanted to be a scientist, and then an architect). I started out writing sci-fi epics (my Star Wars phase) then went on to swords and sorcery tales (my Dungeons and Dragons phase) and then, during the summer holiday when I was fourteen, started on a humorous story about a boy addicted to video games (written, of course, during my video game phase). It turned out to be quite a long story, really a short novel, and I rewrote it the next summer. We had a family friend who knew Roald Dahl - one of my favourite authors - and this friend offered to show Dahl my story. I was paralysed with excitement. I never heard back from Roald Dahl directly, but he read my story, and liked it enough to pass on to his own literary agent. I got a letter from them, saying they wanted to take me on, and try to sell my story. And they did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 676 reviews
October 25, 2018
Uplifting, heartfelt and very immersive to read.
Inkling is such a great character to stand by his family in the storm of need. We could all use an Inkling every once in a while.
Ethan is working on a group project for school. Their assignment is to create a graphic novel. Among the students in his group, Ethan is the one picked to make the drawings after the plot has been created. Easy peasy, right?
Since Ethan’s dad is an artist and has produced the amazing ‘Kren’ comic series, it only makes sense that he should have inherited the same artistic tendencies as his father. Vikra however, his classmate and archenemy, thinks differently. She is very artistic and almost knows for sure that she has this in the bag…until Inkling comes along!
Inkling is a color-blob, born from the creations of Ethan’s dad. One night, he simply became. He slowly rolled of one of the sketchbooks in the home office and made his way around the house in the dark.
The group project is going slow…Ethan is overwhelmed and under gifted in his drawing skills. His dad is having a difficult time as of late as well. Creatively, he has hit a blank since the death of his wife. His publisher has been knocking on his door for the past 2 years, waiting for the next big hit. Ethan is trying to help out his dad with his little sister with special needs as much as he can to ease his father’s burden, but the family is hurting and mourning still.
Inkling makes his appearance at the right time of their lives. They have so much to learn from each other and gain from their deeply developing friendship. For a while things start looking back up for them. When Ethan’s drawing skills improve with tutoring lessons from Inkling, the unimaginable happens. Inkling gets kidnapped. The event sends Ethan’s dad into a deep spiral of depression and together as a family they have to make it through a tough time and rescue Inkling.
What are the chances of getting him back? How will they fare? Someone is out to doing some really bad things to Inkling and Ethan is challenged to rescue him.
Fingers crossed…
***
This book was deeply moving as well as entertaining. A truly sweet and heart rendering story to read as the plot follows the families healing and at the same time the adventures of Inkling. (I actually teared up at some moments...that never happens!)
Inkling is a bookworm and the best of influences on Ethan and his family. His hunger to read and learn is infatuating. There are definitely many lessons to be learned and positive messages to be heard from this novel to give hope and encouragement to students of all walks of life.
I really like Oppel’s writing. This is not the first book of his I have read and in my experience his books simply read well and immersive. I was blown away by his series ‘The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein’ and ever since he is high on my list of 'Want to read authors'.
I highly recommend this lovely book with a great message for children as well as adults.
Enjoy :)
(...and keep a tissue box near by!)
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you!
Find my review here as well:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/midd...
Inkling is such a great character to stand by his family in the storm of need. We could all use an Inkling every once in a while.
Ethan is working on a group project for school. Their assignment is to create a graphic novel. Among the students in his group, Ethan is the one picked to make the drawings after the plot has been created. Easy peasy, right?
Since Ethan’s dad is an artist and has produced the amazing ‘Kren’ comic series, it only makes sense that he should have inherited the same artistic tendencies as his father. Vikra however, his classmate and archenemy, thinks differently. She is very artistic and almost knows for sure that she has this in the bag…until Inkling comes along!
Inkling is a color-blob, born from the creations of Ethan’s dad. One night, he simply became. He slowly rolled of one of the sketchbooks in the home office and made his way around the house in the dark.
The group project is going slow…Ethan is overwhelmed and under gifted in his drawing skills. His dad is having a difficult time as of late as well. Creatively, he has hit a blank since the death of his wife. His publisher has been knocking on his door for the past 2 years, waiting for the next big hit. Ethan is trying to help out his dad with his little sister with special needs as much as he can to ease his father’s burden, but the family is hurting and mourning still.
Inkling makes his appearance at the right time of their lives. They have so much to learn from each other and gain from their deeply developing friendship. For a while things start looking back up for them. When Ethan’s drawing skills improve with tutoring lessons from Inkling, the unimaginable happens. Inkling gets kidnapped. The event sends Ethan’s dad into a deep spiral of depression and together as a family they have to make it through a tough time and rescue Inkling.
What are the chances of getting him back? How will they fare? Someone is out to doing some really bad things to Inkling and Ethan is challenged to rescue him.
Fingers crossed…
***
This book was deeply moving as well as entertaining. A truly sweet and heart rendering story to read as the plot follows the families healing and at the same time the adventures of Inkling. (I actually teared up at some moments...that never happens!)
Inkling is a bookworm and the best of influences on Ethan and his family. His hunger to read and learn is infatuating. There are definitely many lessons to be learned and positive messages to be heard from this novel to give hope and encouragement to students of all walks of life.
I really like Oppel’s writing. This is not the first book of his I have read and in my experience his books simply read well and immersive. I was blown away by his series ‘The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein’ and ever since he is high on my list of 'Want to read authors'.
I highly recommend this lovely book with a great message for children as well as adults.
Enjoy :)
(...and keep a tissue box near by!)
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you!
Find my review here as well:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/midd...
June 15, 2019
3.5 stars, rounded up. I enjoyed Inkling for many of the same reasons I enjoy Pixar films: its creativity, abundant Easter eggs for adults (an inkblot that adopts Hemingway's prose style? yes please!), refusal to take the easy way out, and earnest emotional center. But unlike Pixar, which has genuinely wrenched a few tears out of my stony soul, I could feel Inkling attempting to tug at my heartstrings, and something about this awareness killed its effectiveness. I wasn't exactly unmoved; I was just moved a lot less than I suspect Oppel was striving for. Also, the ending has some uncanny similarities to a scene in Up.
Anyway, that's not criticism so much as a reflection of who I am as a reader. This is a fine book about a boy and his inkblot, plus Bigger Issues like grief, creativity, and friendship. It has some acutely funny observations about adults in their uncaffeinated zombie state and the number of exclamation points used when lying, and the conflicts are more ethical and nuanced than common in middle grade books. Also, Oppel has good taste in books and alludes to many, often to humorous effect.
Anyway, that's not criticism so much as a reflection of who I am as a reader. This is a fine book about a boy and his inkblot, plus Bigger Issues like grief, creativity, and friendship. It has some acutely funny observations about adults in their uncaffeinated zombie state and the number of exclamation points used when lying, and the conflicts are more ethical and nuanced than common in middle grade books. Also, Oppel has good taste in books and alludes to many, often to humorous effect.
April 23, 2019
This was pure delight. It reminded me strongly of Diana Wynne Jones's The Ogre Downstairs because of how the children and the adults ended up aware of Inkling and how the magic of Inkling's existence worked. It's common for middle grade and YA contemporary fantasies to follow the path of "keep it a secret from the grownups," and that's not a bad thing. But how much more interesting to engage the adults while still keeping the kids as prime movers for the story? It's Ethan who's the moral center of this book, and he stays that way by being a typical kid who's learning to work out good and evil for himself.
I thought at first that the secondary plot (Ethan and his family dealing with the fallout from his mom's death) would be tedious and typical of every other story that has this plot, and I was so happy to see it didn't go that way. I loved the depiction of depression, I loved how Ethan's dad was so well portrayed and how his creative path went, and I especially loved his dead-on reaction to fan mail. Ethan's sister is adorable, and his nemesis is fantastic (I'm afraid this is one of those books where I lose my memory of the characters' names almost immediately).
I would love to push this book on everyone, though I don't think that's reasonable. And I will happily read a sequel if one ever appears.
I thought at first that the secondary plot (Ethan and his family dealing with the fallout from his mom's death) would be tedious and typical of every other story that has this plot, and I was so happy to see it didn't go that way. I loved the depiction of depression, I loved how Ethan's dad was so well portrayed and how his creative path went, and I especially loved his dead-on reaction to fan mail. Ethan's sister is adorable, and his nemesis is fantastic (I'm afraid this is one of those books where I lose my memory of the characters' names almost immediately).
I would love to push this book on everyone, though I don't think that's reasonable. And I will happily read a sequel if one ever appears.
June 16, 2021
6/15/21 Another example of a story that was better the second time. You'll be cheering for Ethan and Inkling to save the day the entire story whether it's past hurts or archnemesises. With illustrations throughout, you might feel like you're reading a comic strip/graphic novel. This time the ending was perfect.
3/26/19 Is this a stand alone or a series? The ending in this story about an ink blob who comes to life and helps a hurting family will leave you wondering.
3/26/19 Is this a stand alone or a series? The ending in this story about an ink blob who comes to life and helps a hurting family will leave you wondering.
December 17, 2018
"It's no easy thing, creating a story." (p.128)
January 25, 2022
I loved absolutely everything about this. I'm thinking of buying it. In hardcover.
There is so much that is so great in Inkling: the story, for starters! The smart conflict, where Ethan doesn't try to hide things for too long! The way Inkling learns! And then there's the story beneath the story, because this is also about the way we all learn. It's about great books and violence in fiction and writer's block and talent and plagiarism and ethics. And parenting. And grief. It's got complex conflict and comic-book conflict; a great child "enemy" and a great adult comic-book-esque villain; an eye to all sorts of ways of telling a story all while - very beautifully - telling a story itself.
There are moments that are less subtle, and even they are pitch-perfect in tone:
There's an amazing balance here, because so much happens while so much is simultaneously referenced, and it's all so deft.
And then there's the ending, which is FABULOUS: clever and satisfying and so suggestive of more story. I spent a good five minutes after I finished this thinking of all the ways in which this story could go. There's so much possibility here.
It's been a while since I could babble about a book like this, desperate to convey how much I loved it and convinced I can't possibly be doing it justice. So finally, because I can't say more: this is great, and you should read it.
There is so much that is so great in Inkling: the story, for starters! The smart conflict, where Ethan doesn't try to hide things for too long! The way Inkling learns! And then there's the story beneath the story, because this is also about the way we all learn. It's about great books and violence in fiction and writer's block and talent and plagiarism and ethics. And parenting. And grief. It's got complex conflict and comic-book conflict; a great child "enemy" and a great adult comic-book-esque villain; an eye to all sorts of ways of telling a story all while - very beautifully - telling a story itself.
YOU MUST HAVE COURAGE. IF YOU DRAW ONE TRUE LINE AFTER ANOTHER, YOU WILL NOT FAIL.I stopped reading to laugh.
"Who's he talking like now?" Soren asked.
"I think he's still on Ernest Hemingway."
There are moments that are less subtle, and even they are pitch-perfect in tone:
"I keep newspapers for him to eat. He likes comics a lot, but they make him hyper. I've been trying to give him more books."I found that hilarious, sure, but that actually does so much more than obliquely mock! It puts Ethan in a parenting role, and then you realize just how familiar that role is to him, and so this becomes a commentary on grief, too.
There's an amazing balance here, because so much happens while so much is simultaneously referenced, and it's all so deft.
And then there's the ending, which is FABULOUS: clever and satisfying and so suggestive of more story. I spent a good five minutes after I finished this thinking of all the ways in which this story could go. There's so much possibility here.
It's been a while since I could babble about a book like this, desperate to convey how much I loved it and convinced I can't possibly be doing it justice. So finally, because I can't say more: this is great, and you should read it.
December 4, 2018
"No one was awake to see it happen..."
Ethan was in a big trouble. He'd been chosen to draw for his group's comic book project. While his dad was a known and talented comic book artist, Peter Rylance, Ethan couldn't draw a stick figure to save a life. One night, an ink blot magically and mysteriously appeared, born from his dad's drawings in a sketchbook. Inkling, he named it. His appearance had given Ethan an opportunity to finish his drawings for the comic book project, as his dad had been "stuck" and stuggling ever since his mum died.
"Sometimes people die. That's just the way it is."
As they worked together to finish the project, he started to draw attention to himself as the drawings were good. Though no one knew of Ethan's lack of talent, his mortal enemy, Vika, had her suspicions. Vika's the daughter of his dad's publisher, Karl Worthington.
"Lose something?"
Vika thought Ethan had his dad to draw the comic for him but one day, she discovered Inkling. The plot thickened as her dad came up with his own evil plan to use Inkling for their own benefits.
"But if he's a person, how can he belong to anyone?"
I really love how the story flowed. Mostly the povs were of Ethan and Inkling. It's a heartwarming kid's story even though it dealt with issues such as lost, grief and sadness. I think it's nicely written, with good character development and also a nice twist on the villain's part. Inkling was such a charming character; he's such an adorable thing, and it's amusing because he's just an ink blot! That thing even had a mind of his own. I love how Ethan looked out for his sister, Sarah, who was born with Down's syndrome, even though he sulked about it because it's supposed to be his dad's job. I especially love Soren, Ethan's friend, as he was always around for Ethan and he trusted him, and that's a pretty great take on friendship. I'm still not sure what to feel about Vika. She started off as a bad character, but turned out not the real villain of the story. I'm still pretty annoyed, though, because if it wasn't for her, things wouldn't be so intense. Well, that's just how the story should be, I suppose. Ethan was just trying to save himself from embarrassment, but in the end, with Inkling's help, they managed to save a lot more than that. The ending was pretty bittersweet, and emotional, but I could deal with that.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank Pansing for this review copy in exchange for honest review! This book is available at all good bookstores.
Ethan was in a big trouble. He'd been chosen to draw for his group's comic book project. While his dad was a known and talented comic book artist, Peter Rylance, Ethan couldn't draw a stick figure to save a life. One night, an ink blot magically and mysteriously appeared, born from his dad's drawings in a sketchbook. Inkling, he named it. His appearance had given Ethan an opportunity to finish his drawings for the comic book project, as his dad had been "stuck" and stuggling ever since his mum died.
"Sometimes people die. That's just the way it is."
As they worked together to finish the project, he started to draw attention to himself as the drawings were good. Though no one knew of Ethan's lack of talent, his mortal enemy, Vika, had her suspicions. Vika's the daughter of his dad's publisher, Karl Worthington.
"Lose something?"
Vika thought Ethan had his dad to draw the comic for him but one day, she discovered Inkling. The plot thickened as her dad came up with his own evil plan to use Inkling for their own benefits.
"But if he's a person, how can he belong to anyone?"
I really love how the story flowed. Mostly the povs were of Ethan and Inkling. It's a heartwarming kid's story even though it dealt with issues such as lost, grief and sadness. I think it's nicely written, with good character development and also a nice twist on the villain's part. Inkling was such a charming character; he's such an adorable thing, and it's amusing because he's just an ink blot! That thing even had a mind of his own. I love how Ethan looked out for his sister, Sarah, who was born with Down's syndrome, even though he sulked about it because it's supposed to be his dad's job. I especially love Soren, Ethan's friend, as he was always around for Ethan and he trusted him, and that's a pretty great take on friendship. I'm still not sure what to feel about Vika. She started off as a bad character, but turned out not the real villain of the story. I'm still pretty annoyed, though, because if it wasn't for her, things wouldn't be so intense. Well, that's just how the story should be, I suppose. Ethan was just trying to save himself from embarrassment, but in the end, with Inkling's help, they managed to save a lot more than that. The ending was pretty bittersweet, and emotional, but I could deal with that.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank Pansing for this review copy in exchange for honest review! This book is available at all good bookstores.
March 12, 2024
As you might know by now, Oppel is original, and brilliant. This is not just a fun story, but also a dramatic one, with nary a cliche in sight. I really don't have much to say as I ponder the 'wow' of it, except a bit of a warning:
The mc is in 6th grade. If your child is more than a year younger than that, I recommend you make sure to read this before or with them. (Which of course you should be doing anyway, but make sure in this case.)
I will continue to read more, and reread, stories from this author.
---
Reread. Review stands.
This time I noticed that "Ethan looked stern and puffed air at" the cat when it did something wrong. I never knew that trick; I like it.
The mc is in 6th grade. If your child is more than a year younger than that, I recommend you make sure to read this before or with them. (Which of course you should be doing anyway, but make sure in this case.)
I will continue to read more, and reread, stories from this author.
---
Reread. Review stands.
This time I noticed that "Ethan looked stern and puffed air at" the cat when it did something wrong. I never knew that trick; I like it.
December 13, 2018
Inkling is a middle-grade novel with a ton of heart and imagination! It centers around a young boy named Ethan, his family, and a little ink blob that changes their life. It’s an engaging and fun story that tackles some heavy themes without ever becoming too overwhelming.
Inkling is a little ink-blot that comes to life in the middle of the night and finds himself at the center of a family as it struggles to heal and move forward. Ethan is stuck working on a graphic novel for school, but he can’t draw despite what his friends think. Ethan’s father is a comic book artist who hasn’t completed a single story since his wife’s death and finds himself stuck in a rut both creatively and in life. Sarah, Ethan’s little sister, wants a puppy and even though she doesn’t know it needs more time with her father. The death of the mother has created a cloud over their family, and Ethan is trying his hardest to push forward. Inkling’s entrance into his life brings joy and re-connection with his father, and the process in which they both heal, reconcile, and move forward is one that is truly heartfelt and emotional. The connection that Ethan has with his sister Sarah, who has Downs Syndrome, is truly wonderful. It’s so rare to see big/little sibling relationships that are not fraught with jealousy and teasing, so it’s lovely to see Ethan taking his role as a big brother so seriously. He cares for her, takes time out of each day to spend time playing pretend, and even though he does get annoyed he doesn’t let that affect his time with her.
I think where this book excels is in the pure emotion on the page. It’s such a fun book to read, but it has a lot of moments where you get a bit choked up over what’s happening. It deals with death in a way that it can start a gentle understanding of the pain left behind, but also focuses on the healing that can come from being with family. As an adult, I could see Ethan’s father’s grief in a way that I understood and felt truly worried about, but it is written in such a subtle and gentle way that kids will also understand the distance between him and his children. It also tackles moral dilemmas involving inkling’s ability to draw. Is it okay to use Inkling to help with school work? Is it okay to have it draw pages for your career?
To add to the charm it also has illustrations to accompany the story. It has cute little ink splotches on each page, and some equally wonderful drawings scattered throughout.
This is my first Oppel book but I don’t think it will be my last. He has such a light yet immersive style, and he really excels at putting emotions on the page in a way that you can’t help but feel them. I think this is an excellent age-appropriate book that will engage kids (and adults) and keep them reading.
I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Inkling is a little ink-blot that comes to life in the middle of the night and finds himself at the center of a family as it struggles to heal and move forward. Ethan is stuck working on a graphic novel for school, but he can’t draw despite what his friends think. Ethan’s father is a comic book artist who hasn’t completed a single story since his wife’s death and finds himself stuck in a rut both creatively and in life. Sarah, Ethan’s little sister, wants a puppy and even though she doesn’t know it needs more time with her father. The death of the mother has created a cloud over their family, and Ethan is trying his hardest to push forward. Inkling’s entrance into his life brings joy and re-connection with his father, and the process in which they both heal, reconcile, and move forward is one that is truly heartfelt and emotional. The connection that Ethan has with his sister Sarah, who has Downs Syndrome, is truly wonderful. It’s so rare to see big/little sibling relationships that are not fraught with jealousy and teasing, so it’s lovely to see Ethan taking his role as a big brother so seriously. He cares for her, takes time out of each day to spend time playing pretend, and even though he does get annoyed he doesn’t let that affect his time with her.
I think where this book excels is in the pure emotion on the page. It’s such a fun book to read, but it has a lot of moments where you get a bit choked up over what’s happening. It deals with death in a way that it can start a gentle understanding of the pain left behind, but also focuses on the healing that can come from being with family. As an adult, I could see Ethan’s father’s grief in a way that I understood and felt truly worried about, but it is written in such a subtle and gentle way that kids will also understand the distance between him and his children. It also tackles moral dilemmas involving inkling’s ability to draw. Is it okay to use Inkling to help with school work? Is it okay to have it draw pages for your career?
To add to the charm it also has illustrations to accompany the story. It has cute little ink splotches on each page, and some equally wonderful drawings scattered throughout.
This is my first Oppel book but I don’t think it will be my last. He has such a light yet immersive style, and he really excels at putting emotions on the page in a way that you can’t help but feel them. I think this is an excellent age-appropriate book that will engage kids (and adults) and keep them reading.
I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2021
This was creative unique and fun! A story about friendship, grief and making the right choice.
It took me a bit to get into it but that is usual for me and youth books.
Inkling was a very fun character. I thought he maybe had a little too many human characteristics for an ink blot but not sure how else to have written that.
I didn’t love the dad. I get he was lost in grief but I didn’t think he came across as very honest. It was nice that Ethan recognized that in himself as well but that didn’t ever seem remedied by the end of the story.
I think my 7th grade son would enjoy this book.
It took me a bit to get into it but that is usual for me and youth books.
Inkling was a very fun character. I thought he maybe had a little too many human characteristics for an ink blot but not sure how else to have written that.
I didn’t love the dad. I get he was lost in grief but I didn’t think he came across as very honest. It was nice that Ethan recognized that in himself as well but that didn’t ever seem remedied by the end of the story.
I think my 7th grade son would enjoy this book.
July 9, 2020
I like Kenneth Oppel's writing, but this did not knock it out of the park for me.
I'm glad the ending was not predictable, there was a surprise and a turn of events that made the last part of the story more upbeat and suspenseful.
I loved the three characters in the Rylance family, our young hero Ethan, professional graphic artist Dad who's been blocked since his wife died, and Ethan's little sister Sarah who brings a warm heart and a different perspective through her Down's Syndrome eyes. I could read about their family all day.
I liked the teachable part of this story, that what you feed your mind is extremely important. Quality reading, quality stories, feed our minds in the same way that they literally fed Inkling, the ink blot that came to life. It's a cute story, and I can see why it's sold so well and kids and teachers often take it out at my Library.
I should also add that the illustrations by Sydney Smith are playful, and the "messy" pages are a lot of fun. :)
But here's my major beef with it... the length of the book doesn't match the plot. In other words, this story would appeal to young readers who aren't quite up for such a long novel. Those who can read a book of this length, might find the story a bit slow, or simple, as one of my sons did. (I wanted to know why, now I do.) It's not a difficult book to read, and the language suits an age 10-12 reader, but the story about an ink blot coming to life and becoming Ethan's best friend and supporter, didn't bring enough in the first half to warrant the length of telling. Not that it's a poorly told story, Oppel's a great writer, but in the end looking back, even all the nuances and details that I usually like could have been clipped a bit.
With that said, if you're looking for a cute story, a relaxed read that isn't fast paced, this one fits the role. I will read some of his other work, and the images from this one will definitely stick with you, but it fell short of the mark for me.
I'm glad the ending was not predictable, there was a surprise and a turn of events that made the last part of the story more upbeat and suspenseful.
I loved the three characters in the Rylance family, our young hero Ethan, professional graphic artist Dad who's been blocked since his wife died, and Ethan's little sister Sarah who brings a warm heart and a different perspective through her Down's Syndrome eyes. I could read about their family all day.
I liked the teachable part of this story, that what you feed your mind is extremely important. Quality reading, quality stories, feed our minds in the same way that they literally fed Inkling, the ink blot that came to life. It's a cute story, and I can see why it's sold so well and kids and teachers often take it out at my Library.
I should also add that the illustrations by Sydney Smith are playful, and the "messy" pages are a lot of fun. :)
But here's my major beef with it... the length of the book doesn't match the plot. In other words, this story would appeal to young readers who aren't quite up for such a long novel. Those who can read a book of this length, might find the story a bit slow, or simple, as one of my sons did. (I wanted to know why, now I do.) It's not a difficult book to read, and the language suits an age 10-12 reader, but the story about an ink blot coming to life and becoming Ethan's best friend and supporter, didn't bring enough in the first half to warrant the length of telling. Not that it's a poorly told story, Oppel's a great writer, but in the end looking back, even all the nuances and details that I usually like could have been clipped a bit.
With that said, if you're looking for a cute story, a relaxed read that isn't fast paced, this one fits the role. I will read some of his other work, and the images from this one will definitely stick with you, but it fell short of the mark for me.
December 29, 2018
Moral conundrums rarely appear in middle grade novels. Or really any novels. It's much easier to write good and bad guys who only do good or bad things respectively and leave it at that. But I love complexity and ambiguity and myriad greys. So this is my jam. There's a blob of ink spontaneously turning into a sentient being once it escapes from the sketch book of a graphic novelist. Like every fictional new sentience it soaks up English and USian culture pretty quickly and without wasting too much in-story time, because a montage of years passing while a new being slowly observes and learns the complexity of human behavior, the way a human does, really stretches out the timeline.
Anyway, new life, new friendship, moral confusion about what is the right thing to do as for Inkling's well being, as well as to what extent a human should take advantage of Inkling's abilities. So that's good.
There's a family grieving the loss of the mother, the overwhelmed father and son struggling to maintain a semblance of the life before, and the dad is not quite making it. But again, ambiguity: he's failing his children, Ethan and Sarah, somewhat, but he's trying, and his grief is almost palpable, as is theirs.
There is also, surprisingly, quite a bit of intense skullduggery and a tremendous scene that leaves the reader a little breathless. That was unexpected too.
Also, there's a lot about art, and the creation thereof, and the emphasis on Talent that can impede the acquiring of Skill.
So really, there's just a tremendous amount of great stuff here that makes it a compelling novel for any reader, of any age. It is a standout book and I really hope a broad range of readers will give it a go.
Library copy.
Anyway, new life, new friendship, moral confusion about what is the right thing to do as for Inkling's well being, as well as to what extent a human should take advantage of Inkling's abilities. So that's good.
There's a family grieving the loss of the mother, the overwhelmed father and son struggling to maintain a semblance of the life before, and the dad is not quite making it. But again, ambiguity: he's failing his children, Ethan and Sarah, somewhat, but he's trying, and his grief is almost palpable, as is theirs.
There is also, surprisingly, quite a bit of intense skullduggery and a tremendous scene that leaves the reader a little breathless. That was unexpected too.
Also, there's a lot about art, and the creation thereof, and the emphasis on Talent that can impede the acquiring of Skill.
So really, there's just a tremendous amount of great stuff here that makes it a compelling novel for any reader, of any age. It is a standout book and I really hope a broad range of readers will give it a go.
Library copy.
July 14, 2022
Oh my goodness! I loved this book!
The characters - Ethan! Every parent should have an Ethan. And his sweet sister Sarah. I loved her. And Inkling! He's just so... How do you describe an inkblob with personality? I loved the name dropping of books that Kenneth Oppel weaves into his story and how Inkling adapted to each story and how he learned from them. Don't we all learn from the books we read? I loved that we watched Ethan and Sarah's grieving dad come to terms with his loss and how Inkling was a part of that. This is a book aimed at kids in grades 4-7, but was a joy for me to read. I hope they like it as much as I did.
The characters - Ethan! Every parent should have an Ethan. And his sweet sister Sarah. I loved her. And Inkling! He's just so... How do you describe an inkblob with personality? I loved the name dropping of books that Kenneth Oppel weaves into his story and how Inkling adapted to each story and how he learned from them. Don't we all learn from the books we read? I loved that we watched Ethan and Sarah's grieving dad come to terms with his loss and how Inkling was a part of that. This is a book aimed at kids in grades 4-7, but was a joy for me to read. I hope they like it as much as I did.
December 13, 2018
This was a fun, quirky story and our whole family loved listening to this one.
November 16, 2024
I keep trying books by Oppel and I keep not liking them. I think I need to give up. The stories just always sound so interesting so I dive in with excitement and it's all very "meh."
I was actually recommended this book which is why I decided to give him yet another try. Same thing happened. I can't ever connect to the characters or care about anything that happened to them. We're supposed to feel sympathy for this family who just lost their wife/mother. The dad is obviously suffering from depression and can barely hold it together and Ethan is often left to care for his sister Sarah who has down syndrome. (So much piling on.)
Then there was the whole evil villain sixth grade girl who just wants to be the best artist. Seriously? I can't think of a worse origin story. I didn't buy it for a second, even while trying to suspend reality. It just didn't make sense.
This is the first audiobook I listened to at 2.5x speed and that was because I just wanted it to end. It's not even that long but it felt like it was going on for days. I don't even know why I forced myself to finish. I think I would've been happier just giving it up.
I generously gave it two stars because it wasn't the worst thing I have ever read, I just didn't feel excited about it at all.
I was actually recommended this book which is why I decided to give him yet another try. Same thing happened. I can't ever connect to the characters or care about anything that happened to them. We're supposed to feel sympathy for this family who just lost their wife/mother. The dad is obviously suffering from depression and can barely hold it together and Ethan is often left to care for his sister Sarah who has down syndrome. (So much piling on.)
Then there was the whole evil villain sixth grade girl who just wants to be the best artist. Seriously? I can't think of a worse origin story. I didn't buy it for a second, even while trying to suspend reality. It just didn't make sense.
This is the first audiobook I listened to at 2.5x speed and that was because I just wanted it to end. It's not even that long but it felt like it was going on for days. I don't even know why I forced myself to finish. I think I would've been happier just giving it up.
I generously gave it two stars because it wasn't the worst thing I have ever read, I just didn't feel excited about it at all.
November 18, 2018
Books that encourage me to use my imagination, to stretch it, are always a delight. And Inkling was quite a stretch. Imagine an inkblot coming to life. All the things it could become.
Ethan Rylance got himself in a big pickle. He volunteered to do the illustrations for his school’s project. What was he thinking? He can’t draw. Mr. Rylance is in a bigger pickle. It’s been two years since his last graphic novel and he’s got writer’s block in a big way. One night, while everyone is sleeping, the ink from his sketchbook comes together and escapes the page. Inkling is about to create.
While this story touches on dealing with the loss of a loved one, it’s not the main focus and most of it’s good plain fun. Some extra thrills are added when the Rylance family’s little secret is discovered by someone not so nice. This part I could go on and on about, but I’ll not spoil it for you. I was equal parts angry at the bad guys, worried about Inkling and hopeful for this family that needs something magical in their lives.
Inkling is such a fun book. I gobbled this up as fast as Inkling slurped up ink.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Ethan Rylance got himself in a big pickle. He volunteered to do the illustrations for his school’s project. What was he thinking? He can’t draw. Mr. Rylance is in a bigger pickle. It’s been two years since his last graphic novel and he’s got writer’s block in a big way. One night, while everyone is sleeping, the ink from his sketchbook comes together and escapes the page. Inkling is about to create.
While this story touches on dealing with the loss of a loved one, it’s not the main focus and most of it’s good plain fun. Some extra thrills are added when the Rylance family’s little secret is discovered by someone not so nice. This part I could go on and on about, but I’ll not spoil it for you. I was equal parts angry at the bad guys, worried about Inkling and hopeful for this family that needs something magical in their lives.
Inkling is such a fun book. I gobbled this up as fast as Inkling slurped up ink.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
December 25, 2022
I loved this!
This was my second Kenneth Oppel read. After reading "The Nest" this year and loving it (more than anything else I read all year), I had to read more.
This book reminded me a lot of Pixar movies. It was wholesome and inspiring, funny and engaging, family friendly and not too scary but still very gripping. It had a lot of imagination and a lot of heart.
And it even managed to be a wee bit scary by the climax, which was a pleasant surprise.
I loved this book and promptly reccommended it to my little sister after finishing it. XD
This was my second Kenneth Oppel read. After reading "The Nest" this year and loving it (more than anything else I read all year), I had to read more.
This book reminded me a lot of Pixar movies. It was wholesome and inspiring, funny and engaging, family friendly and not too scary but still very gripping. It had a lot of imagination and a lot of heart.
And it even managed to be a wee bit scary by the climax, which was a pleasant surprise.
I loved this book and promptly reccommended it to my little sister after finishing it. XD
May 6, 2024
Fun book that touches on topics of friendship, family, grief, what constitutes personhood, creativity, ethics, loyalty, and a number of other topics (including the effects of what we consume as readers) in a relatively short and readable book intended for kids.
Loved the premise, accessibility, and willingness to touch on heavy topics. 4.5/5
Loved the premise, accessibility, and willingness to touch on heavy topics. 4.5/5
October 1, 2019
Fans of Chris Grabenstein's "The Island of Dr. Libris" may enjoy this book.
September 21, 2021
This book was pretty good. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought it would. But I will admit this is a good book to read during a blackout and have nothing better to do because that's what I did.
January 20, 2019
What started as a fun, quirky read had me in tears by the end. Inkling shows up in Ethan’s life after his mom dies and his dad is struggling with survivor’s guilt and writer’s block. Funny and sweet story with a beautifully heartfelt ending. Ages 9 and up.
July 24, 2020
Fun! Almost makes me forgive ol Kenny for killing Bruce off so abruptly in airborn
June 7, 2024
Student rating: 4.73
April 2, 2025
Loved this! Would make a great read-aloud. We listened to the audiobook in the car and the reader was fantastic. And who can help but fall in love with SARAH 🥹😍🤩
September 25, 2024
Heartwarming and clever, Inkling is really a form of book therapy. I loved how it touched on so many important topics, from grief, to having a special needs sibling, and even the effects of violence in entertainment.
February 13, 2021
I like it because it is an outstanding writing and it is funny . I liked that the part when Ethan and his friend , tried to rescue Inkling so they snuck inside Vika's home . That part had a lot of action .
November 26, 2020
Such a cool book. I loved the funky story.
December 26, 2019
Inkling, the ink-blot which emerges from Ethan’s dad’s sketchbook is so hilarious and adorable. Inkling eats ink! Newspapers, books, you name it! He eats them, reads them and learns from them. Inkling, a living being. An adorable living ink blot who has a kind heart (somewhere?!) at the core.
Therefore, he’s my most favourite character in this book. He (or she) is such a great friend to Ethan. I find it adorable that Inkling seems to have a mind and a voice of his own. (Just for easy reference, I’ll use the pronoun ‘he’ as what Ethan refers Inkling as, just so you guys know.)
I’m sure at some point in our lives, we all know what it must’ve been like for Ethan’s dad to feel about having kind of zero ideas on how to draw his next comic series. How writers have their writers’ block so it’s the same I guess for artists how they have blanks in their minds on what to draw next.
Therefore one of the issues involved in this book I feel is how tempted are we to call others’ work our very own. How Ethan continually battles temptation to use Inkling fully in his art project and finally overcomes it by at least asking Inkling to teach him how to draw and attempting the last few pages of comic panels on his own.
But how Ethan’s dad might have succumbed to the temptation? (I don’t know how to explain but you need to read this book to find out how this ended).
There’s also themes of greed when Inkling was caught and put in an aquarium glass case and the so called ‘bad guys’ (I won’t say who, just in case of spoilers) ‘breed’ him so that he or his other(s) can churn out pages and pages of violent comic strips?
It’s so funny how I totally enjoy this book and feel so much for Inkling and also Ethan (I relate to Ethan so much, because I can’t draw too, but at least I don’t have a comic book artist as my dad).
All in all, the characters are totally relatable, I love Ethan’s sister Lucy and her need for a puppy (I know right!)
This book is an enjoyable adventure, I totally recommend this to kids who love a good story about a lovely ink blot named Inkling and his awesome cool friend Ethan.
Thank you to #Pansing @definitelybooks for this lovely book which warms the cockles of my heart. Look out for the ending you guys! This is totally worth the read.
This book can be got from any good bookstores.
Therefore, he’s my most favourite character in this book. He (or she) is such a great friend to Ethan. I find it adorable that Inkling seems to have a mind and a voice of his own. (Just for easy reference, I’ll use the pronoun ‘he’ as what Ethan refers Inkling as, just so you guys know.)
I’m sure at some point in our lives, we all know what it must’ve been like for Ethan’s dad to feel about having kind of zero ideas on how to draw his next comic series. How writers have their writers’ block so it’s the same I guess for artists how they have blanks in their minds on what to draw next.
Therefore one of the issues involved in this book I feel is how tempted are we to call others’ work our very own. How Ethan continually battles temptation to use Inkling fully in his art project and finally overcomes it by at least asking Inkling to teach him how to draw and attempting the last few pages of comic panels on his own.
But how Ethan’s dad might have succumbed to the temptation? (I don’t know how to explain but you need to read this book to find out how this ended).
There’s also themes of greed when Inkling was caught and put in an aquarium glass case and the so called ‘bad guys’ (I won’t say who, just in case of spoilers) ‘breed’ him so that he or his other(s) can churn out pages and pages of violent comic strips?
It’s so funny how I totally enjoy this book and feel so much for Inkling and also Ethan (I relate to Ethan so much, because I can’t draw too, but at least I don’t have a comic book artist as my dad).
All in all, the characters are totally relatable, I love Ethan’s sister Lucy and her need for a puppy (I know right!)
This book is an enjoyable adventure, I totally recommend this to kids who love a good story about a lovely ink blot named Inkling and his awesome cool friend Ethan.
Thank you to #Pansing @definitelybooks for this lovely book which warms the cockles of my heart. Look out for the ending you guys! This is totally worth the read.
This book can be got from any good bookstores.
November 26, 2018
Inkling is a wonderful middle grade novel–imaginative, funny, and full of heart. There are delightful illustrations by Sydney Smith that are perfect at capturing the best moments in the novel, starting with the very first page and the nighttime prowling adventure of Rickman the cat. Ethan and his little sister Sarah are adorable, and written with emotion and sensitivity. Ethan has had to grow up faster than he should have, and he is an amazing big brother to Sarah, who has Down Syndrome. Ethan’s dad, a comic book author and illustrator, is struggling big time, with both work and life. Into this mix comes the magical little ink blot, whom Ethan names Inkling. He seems like the answer to each of their prayers–helping the creatively-challenged Ethan with a school project, being the puppy Sarah so desperately wants, and even serving to get Mr. Rylance “unstuck” from his writer’s block. Each of them can use Inkling for what they need, but is it the *right* thing to do?
This is a great story about overcoming challenges in life (be they small or large), about wrestling with ethical questions, and about recognizing the importance of family. Inkling does end up teaching each character something very important, even if it’s not the lesson they originally anticipated. I love this book, and the ending is so powerful. This is a great story with just enough magic to enchant and delight kids of all ages!
Rating: 5 stars!
**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for purposes of this blog tour. This review is voluntary on my part, and reflects my honest rating and review of the book.
This is a great story about overcoming challenges in life (be they small or large), about wrestling with ethical questions, and about recognizing the importance of family. Inkling does end up teaching each character something very important, even if it’s not the lesson they originally anticipated. I love this book, and the ending is so powerful. This is a great story with just enough magic to enchant and delight kids of all ages!
Rating: 5 stars!
**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for purposes of this blog tour. This review is voluntary on my part, and reflects my honest rating and review of the book.
October 28, 2018
Review originally published 27 October 2018 at Falling Letters.
Oppel has delivered us another middle grade novel (to my delight, as I wasn’t much of a fan of his previous book, Every Hidden Thing [young adult historical fiction]). Inkling offers a compelling story that plays to Oppel’s strengths as a writer.
Inkling himself is a delightful character. My cynicism tensely awaited the moment when Inkling would become the villain, but this does not happen. Although Inkling develops autonomy, he cares deeply for Ethan and his family. It’s pretty adorable. Inkling emotes just as much as the human characters. The way Inkling develops his voice through ‘reading’ was also an entertaining process. I read Inkling just about in one sitting – I was quite curious to find out how that little blob was going to turn out!
Inkling explores some thoughtful questions such as the ethics around creativity and where ideas come from, but the conversation never gets too heavy. The plot essentially centers on whether it’s okay for someone to claim Inkling’s work as their own. Some moments, particularly surrounding how Inkling wants to help Ethan’s dad, were unexpectedly poignant.
The Bottom Line:In Inkling, Oppel has once again demonstrated his ability to craft fun and compelling narratives for middle grade readers.
Oppel has delivered us another middle grade novel (to my delight, as I wasn’t much of a fan of his previous book, Every Hidden Thing [young adult historical fiction]). Inkling offers a compelling story that plays to Oppel’s strengths as a writer.
Inkling himself is a delightful character. My cynicism tensely awaited the moment when Inkling would become the villain, but this does not happen. Although Inkling develops autonomy, he cares deeply for Ethan and his family. It’s pretty adorable. Inkling emotes just as much as the human characters. The way Inkling develops his voice through ‘reading’ was also an entertaining process. I read Inkling just about in one sitting – I was quite curious to find out how that little blob was going to turn out!
Inkling explores some thoughtful questions such as the ethics around creativity and where ideas come from, but the conversation never gets too heavy. The plot essentially centers on whether it’s okay for someone to claim Inkling’s work as their own. Some moments, particularly surrounding how Inkling wants to help Ethan’s dad, were unexpectedly poignant.
The Bottom Line:In Inkling, Oppel has once again demonstrated his ability to craft fun and compelling narratives for middle grade readers.
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