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Kodi
The gorgeous story of two friends separated by everything in the world—except love. Readers and animal lovers of every age will want to relive this journey over and over again. Katya and her Meema are spending another normal summer at their cottage in Alaska, when a chance accident leaves Katya face-to-face with the biggest creature she’s ever seen… an enormous kodiak bear, soon to become her closest friend. But when Katya suddenly returns home to Seattle, the two are torn apart, leaving Kodi to do whatever it takes to reunite with his fragile human friend. It’s a wild adventure packed with breathtaking views, new companions, and danger around every turn.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2020
56 people are currently reading
2071 people want to read
About the author
Jared Cullum
1 book57 followersBorn in Tennessee and raised in Virginia and Texas, Jared is currently settled with his wife and children in Pittsburgh, PA. He has written and or painted story and concept art for Top Shelf Productions, Frenemy Studios, Boom!-Archaia and Jim Henson Studios working on titles such as: Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock and Storyteller.
Between writing, illustration and field-sketching, Jared is an avid teacher of observational painting from life. He regularly records full length demos for Patreon subscribers and sped up traditional painting demos for his youtube channel, "Jared Loves to Draw."
From workshops to schools, Jared has taught in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He currently teaches plein air watercolor, portraiture, cartooning and gouache at Sweetwater Art Center in Sewickley, PA and is available for workshops.
He is also available for commissions in both his traditional painting and storytelling styles. Contact for more information.
His most recent work is a full length young adult graphic novel for Top Shelf Productions called, 'Kodi'
Between writing, illustration and field-sketching, Jared is an avid teacher of observational painting from life. He regularly records full length demos for Patreon subscribers and sped up traditional painting demos for his youtube channel, "Jared Loves to Draw."
From workshops to schools, Jared has taught in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He currently teaches plein air watercolor, portraiture, cartooning and gouache at Sweetwater Art Center in Sewickley, PA and is available for workshops.
He is also available for commissions in both his traditional painting and storytelling styles. Contact for more information.
His most recent work is a full length young adult graphic novel for Top Shelf Productions called, 'Kodi'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 529 reviews
November 6, 2023
The story of a young girl and her 'bearfriend' Kodi will touch hearts both young and old - wonderful art. If you like bears you will really like this book; reminded me very much of The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Hope to see more works from Jared Cullum in the future; a nice balance of warmth and adventure.
May 14, 2020
A heartwarming story of friendship and adventure when a little girl befriends a bear. Cullum's expressive art and beautiful watercolors are a delight. Readers of all ages will love this moving tale of a bear's perseverance to see his friend again.
Received a review copy from Top Shelf Productions and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Top Shelf Productions and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
August 21, 2020
A lovely and warm story with quirky and endearing characters (including, of course, the massive bear Kodi), with absolutely stunning watercolour illustrations.
This review copy was sent to me by the author.
This review copy was sent to me by the author.
September 23, 2020
absolutely ADORED this! The story was actually dealing with a lot more topics (somewhat darker topics) than what I originally assumed it would but I think it was done wonderfully. There was enough of everything and I really feel like having mixed in the more serious topics balanced it. Plus, the artwork was EVERYTHING.
August 14, 2024
5.29 on CAWPILE
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October 13, 2022«Kodi» es un encantador cuento infantil que cuenta la historia de amistad entre una niña y un enorme oso salvaje de buen corazón. Se hacen inseparables durante el verano, después de coincidir en el bosque, y cuando la niña tiene que volver inesperadamente a la ciudad, el oso emprende su búsqueda subiéndose a un barco como polizón.
La historia es muy tierna, ideal para lectores infantiles. Pero lo que más me ha gustado ha sido la técnica de Jared Cullum. El libro está íntegramente ilustrado con unas hermosísimas acuarelas que hacen de cada página un pequeño espectáculo. En estas acuarelas se observa el amor por esta historia, pero también por la propia técnica. Este cuento de la niña y el oso está narrado con dibujos en los que se ven restos de lápiz, se mezclan manchas de distintos colores, se aprecian las marcas de los separadores entre viñetas y hasta se nota el granulado del papel original. Toda una carta de amor a las técnicas más tradicionales y, en mi humilde opinión, inmortales e inmejorables.
La historia es muy tierna, ideal para lectores infantiles. Pero lo que más me ha gustado ha sido la técnica de Jared Cullum. El libro está íntegramente ilustrado con unas hermosísimas acuarelas que hacen de cada página un pequeño espectáculo. En estas acuarelas se observa el amor por esta historia, pero también por la propia técnica. Este cuento de la niña y el oso está narrado con dibujos en los que se ven restos de lápiz, se mezclan manchas de distintos colores, se aprecian las marcas de los separadores entre viñetas y hasta se nota el granulado del papel original. Toda una carta de amor a las técnicas más tradicionales y, en mi humilde opinión, inmortales e inmejorables.
June 18, 2021
There are some things in your life which makes you feel beautiful.
And this (my heart is so happy at the moment) is one.
Forget the cover because once you turn it over, you will be pulled in a very fairytale like children's story which will make you want to sing something like Elsa's Let It Go over and over again.
Because who cares when there's something that speaks to our souls.
There's nothing much to tell regarding the story. Girl is being bullied so she prefers to stay along reading comic books. Out of nowhere she meets a huge, golden brown wild bear. She rescues the animal and becomes besties. Yes, but you know what? The rest of the story is a hug. We don't need to explain hugs. We do not need to tell stories of what events lead to hugs. So yes, the rest of the story is a wholehearted hug. We have to see it and feel it.
The artwork is so wholesome! Never have I ever been this much in love with watercolor art!
I have to say I love all the main characters. And I really dislike the bullies. What's worse are the adults/teachers taking sides of these bullies.
And adults and nonreaders (if this species really exists), please stop judging readers. Comic books count. Picture books count. There's no issues here.
And this (my heart is so happy at the moment) is one.
Forget the cover because once you turn it over, you will be pulled in a very fairytale like children's story which will make you want to sing something like Elsa's Let It Go over and over again.
Because who cares when there's something that speaks to our souls.
There's nothing much to tell regarding the story. Girl is being bullied so she prefers to stay along reading comic books. Out of nowhere she meets a huge, golden brown wild bear. She rescues the animal and becomes besties. Yes, but you know what? The rest of the story is a hug. We don't need to explain hugs. We do not need to tell stories of what events lead to hugs. So yes, the rest of the story is a wholehearted hug. We have to see it and feel it.
The artwork is so wholesome! Never have I ever been this much in love with watercolor art!
I have to say I love all the main characters. And I really dislike the bullies. What's worse are the adults/teachers taking sides of these bullies.
And adults and nonreaders (if this species really exists), please stop judging readers. Comic books count. Picture books count. There's no issues here.
October 7, 2021
I picked this book up based on its beautiful cover and I devoured it the same day. The watercolor art is simply gorgeous. I love that the texture of the watercolor paper from the original artwork made its way into the printed version. The color palette, characters, and sea towns are exquisite.
Kodi is a sweet story about friendship, particularly the unexpected kind found when we help someone. I loved the characters, especially Meema, who we meet riding a motorcycle with a sidecar. Katya is charming as we quickly learn she's shy, loves reading comics, and is good at helping others. I hope as Kodi is listed as a first book in a potential series that we learn more about Joshua's backstory.
Overall, the art is my favorite part, really a wonderful watercolor graphic novel. And the story is also very sweet.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
~Jess, Youth Services
Kodi is a sweet story about friendship, particularly the unexpected kind found when we help someone. I loved the characters, especially Meema, who we meet riding a motorcycle with a sidecar. Katya is charming as we quickly learn she's shy, loves reading comics, and is good at helping others. I hope as Kodi is listed as a first book in a potential series that we learn more about Joshua's backstory.
Overall, the art is my favorite part, really a wonderful watercolor graphic novel. And the story is also very sweet.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
~Jess, Youth Services
September 8, 2020
Sometimes what you need is a little girl becoming best friends with a bear and having a fabulous adventure together.
This is a beautiful book with a sweet, simple story and delightful, smooshy illustrations that are like a gooshy mashup of comic book art and muppets (which makes sense given the artist/authors links to various Jim Henson projects). Basically you just want to hug the crap out of all the pictures.
There are some lovely thoughts about friendship here but for once it's nice to get a fun, silly story about a girl and her bear that isn't hell bent on making me a better person.
More adventures with Katya and Kodi please and thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a beautiful book with a sweet, simple story and delightful, smooshy illustrations that are like a gooshy mashup of comic book art and muppets (which makes sense given the artist/authors links to various Jim Henson projects). Basically you just want to hug the crap out of all the pictures.
There are some lovely thoughts about friendship here but for once it's nice to get a fun, silly story about a girl and her bear that isn't hell bent on making me a better person.
More adventures with Katya and Kodi please and thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 18, 2020
Who wouldn't love to befriend Kodi, the big lovable bear? Katya discovers Kodi trapped by a branch in the woods near her grandmother's cabin. She convinces her meema to help administer first aid and soon the girl and bear inseparable. Sadly, Katya has to return to Seattle before the summer is over. She leaves Kodi a handmade picture. Kodi cannot bear (pun intended) to wait until Katya returns. He hopes aboard a boat to go look for her in Seattle. Can a bear navigate the streets of Seattle and find his dear friend? You have to read this book and see. The artwork is muted and beautifully detailed. The matching striped shirts that the two are sporting on the fishing boat are just delightful.
September 14, 2020
An absolutely exquisite and adorable watercolour story exploring the power of friendship and love through hardship and support.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
October 22, 2020
Katya spends much of her time with her grandmother far from her native home in Seattle, in some far-off Alaskan town. There, safe from the tormenting at school, she loses herself in comics and is glad to escape. Worried about her granddaughter’s insular lifestyle, Meema sends her out to play. Caught in a heavy downpour however, Kayta stumbles into a ravine and finds to her surprise a most unlikely companion to comfort her.
Kodi is a bear whose welcome, rounded form fills up both frame and moment and together, he and Katya make for a strong caring couple. Kodi providing a sense of security and trust that Katya is missing and Katya a tender sense of love that Kodi thrives upon: together they seem inseparable. Yet when Kayta eventually has to leave home, Kodi cannot cope and sets off to see if he can find her.
I loved the watercolours throughout this graphic novel. They washed through the moments evoking the open wilderness as well as the business of sea ports and city streets. Plenty of rounded characters and landscape means that the story and images are inviting, cosy and full of warmth and assuredness. The plot might have benefitted from extension or some less-important areas cut but there is absolutely no doubt that you come away with a smile and a deep sense of comfort. Great for Y2+
Kodi is a bear whose welcome, rounded form fills up both frame and moment and together, he and Katya make for a strong caring couple. Kodi providing a sense of security and trust that Katya is missing and Katya a tender sense of love that Kodi thrives upon: together they seem inseparable. Yet when Kayta eventually has to leave home, Kodi cannot cope and sets off to see if he can find her.
I loved the watercolours throughout this graphic novel. They washed through the moments evoking the open wilderness as well as the business of sea ports and city streets. Plenty of rounded characters and landscape means that the story and images are inviting, cosy and full of warmth and assuredness. The plot might have benefitted from extension or some less-important areas cut but there is absolutely no doubt that you come away with a smile and a deep sense of comfort. Great for Y2+
October 13, 2020
Cute and sweet, but falls to pieces if you take even one second to think about the improbability of it all. A blurber on the back cover mentions Pixar, and the story and art do feel like they would translate well into a Disney cartoon short, a nice palate cleanser before the feature begins.
April 28, 2021
Kodi by Jared Cullum is a visually stunning graphic novel, and such a sweet and heartwarming story.
Katya and her Meema are spending their summer in their Alaskan cottage. Katya stays in her room all day reading comics, so Meema finally makes her go out to the store. Along the way, she meets the biggest creature she's ever seen... an enormous kodiak bear with a gentle heart and a knack for fishing.
When Katya must suddenly return home to Seattle, the two are torn apart, leaving Kodi to do whatever it takes to reunite with his fragile human friend. It's a wild journey packed with beautiful views, brave new companions, and adventure around every turn.
Jared’s watercolors are truly breathtaking, and really tell a story on their own. There is so much emotion and I really connected with all of the characters. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next!!
Katya and her Meema are spending their summer in their Alaskan cottage. Katya stays in her room all day reading comics, so Meema finally makes her go out to the store. Along the way, she meets the biggest creature she's ever seen... an enormous kodiak bear with a gentle heart and a knack for fishing.
When Katya must suddenly return home to Seattle, the two are torn apart, leaving Kodi to do whatever it takes to reunite with his fragile human friend. It's a wild journey packed with beautiful views, brave new companions, and adventure around every turn.
Jared’s watercolors are truly breathtaking, and really tell a story on their own. There is so much emotion and I really connected with all of the characters. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next!!
July 28, 2023
The watercolor illustrations paired with a lovely story of friendship was everything 💙
May 1, 2021
«Коді» Джареда Куллума розповідає про дівчинку Катю, яка проводить літні канікули у передмісті разом із Мемою. Вона любить комікси, боїтьс�� води і багато років терпить цькування через свою клаповухість. Вона самотня й навідріз відмовляється залишити будиночок, щоб знайти друзів.
Та одного разу, повертаючись з крамниці, через долю випадку Катя познайомилася із ведмедем, лапу якого притиснуло завалене дерево. Вона врятувала його і між ними поступово розквітає щирий зв’язок через проведений час разом.
Тут багато теплих і кумедних моментів, як, наприклад, Катя хитрує з рибалками, щоб дістати Коді трохи риби. Коли дівчинка несподівано повертається назад в Сіетл, Коді намагається знайти її, весело знайомлячись із людьми та допомагаючи місцевому рибалці.
Малюнок виконаний аквареллю, де художник вдихає життя у героїв. Постійно ловиш себе на думці, що тобі весело чи сумно, посміхаєшся чи турбуєшся за героїв.
Це тепла, душевна й щира історія, яка показує світ з чарівної сторони.
Та одного разу, повертаючись з крамниці, через долю випадку Катя познайомилася із ведмедем, лапу якого притиснуло завалене дерево. Вона врятувала його і між ними поступово розквітає щирий зв’язок через проведений час разом.
Тут багато теплих і кумедних моментів, як, наприклад, Катя хитрує з рибалками, щоб дістати Коді трохи риби. Коли дівчинка несподівано повертається назад в Сіетл, Коді намагається знайти її, весело знайомлячись із людьми та допомагаючи місцевому рибалці.
Малюнок виконаний аквареллю, де художник вдихає життя у героїв. Постійно ловиш себе на думці, що тобі весело чи сумно, посміхаєшся чи турбуєшся за героїв.
Це тепла, душевна й щира історія, яка показує світ з чарівної сторони.
September 1, 2020
There’s absolutely no reason not to give this book 5 stars. It was darling, nuanced, fast paced but with plenty of beautiful moments and gorgeous watercolor illustrations to savor.
The story is so sweet, and every emotion was there on the page to be felt. I highly recommend this graphic novel and will definitely be looking into future works by this author/artist.
Bonus points for it being set an Alaska and allowing me to reminisce over small-town Alaskan atmosphere without any of the silly tropes that often come with reading a book set there.
The story is so sweet, and every emotion was there on the page to be felt. I highly recommend this graphic novel and will definitely be looking into future works by this author/artist.
Bonus points for it being set an Alaska and allowing me to reminisce over small-town Alaskan atmosphere without any of the silly tropes that often come with reading a book set there.
October 14, 2020
This was a cute graphic novel about a lonely girl who makes friends with a bear.
Richly illustrated, and a cute cast, I'll continue to follow this series.
Recommend for kiddos between 6-10 probably, but I wouldn't stop anyone from reading it. ;)
Richly illustrated, and a cute cast, I'll continue to follow this series.
Recommend for kiddos between 6-10 probably, but I wouldn't stop anyone from reading it. ;)
October 22, 2020
The art in this is SO good! Not a lot of text in this one, but the art speaks for itself and tells the story.
December 23, 2021
Book 1 of my Christmas 24 hour readathon
This book was like a warm hug 🥺 it was so so wholesome and cute! I loved the grandmother relationship in here too. Literally everything was perfect. Kodi and Katya have my heart ❤️
This book was like a warm hug 🥺 it was so so wholesome and cute! I loved the grandmother relationship in here too. Literally everything was perfect. Kodi and Katya have my heart ❤️
March 23, 2024
Delightful and heart warming. 4.5 stars.
August 4, 2022
A sweet and funny story about the (unlikely, but here's the beauty) friendship between a little girl and a gluttonous and cumbersome bear. Clearly aimed at a very young audience, under ten years of age, but innocent and very appreciable, especially thanks to the wonderful watercolor of the drawings.
WARNINGS: none, suitable for all ages
STYLING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ORIGINALITY: ⭐⭐⭐
CHARACTER DEV.: ⭐⭐
PLOT DEV.: ⭐⭐
IMPORTANCE: ⭐⭐
WARNINGS: none, suitable for all ages
STYLING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ORIGINALITY: ⭐⭐⭐
CHARACTER DEV.: ⭐⭐
PLOT DEV.: ⭐⭐
IMPORTANCE: ⭐⭐
August 28, 2020
This heartwarming story is both visually beautiful, and fun to read. It is a sweet story about a girl who befriends a Bear. When they have to be separated the bear, Kodi, stops at nothing to find his dear friend. Fun and engaging for the whole family. My little boys love it.
August 31, 2020
Beautiful artwork! Lovely message about friendship ❤️
June 8, 2021
A charming friendship story with delightfully rich, expressive watercolor art.
January 12, 2021
I absolutely loved how the story was told mostly through the art without much dialogue.
May 16, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the chance to read an advanced copy of Kodi by Jared Cullum.
Kodi by Jared Cullum is yet another adorable and beautifully rendered story for both young and adult readers. This is the story of Katya as she makes friends with Kodi, a Kodiak brown bear, while vacationing in Alaska with her grandmother. It's clear that Kodi isn't a normal bear, but that's what makes this story all the more endearing. When Katya and her grandmother have to cut their vacation short, Kodi grows lonely without his young friend and makes the journey to Seattle to find her.
In these turbulent times, I believe readers need more books like Kodi, stories that will give hope and also tell the story gorgeously. All of the panels seem to be rendered with watercolor backgrounds, and Cullum does an excellent job of showing the beauty of both Alaska and Seattle. Kodi is drawn in soft golden brown tones, which helps make him much more approachable.
This is yet another graphic novel that would benefit a joint reading between parents and their children. Definitely recommended.
Kodi by Jared Cullum is yet another adorable and beautifully rendered story for both young and adult readers. This is the story of Katya as she makes friends with Kodi, a Kodiak brown bear, while vacationing in Alaska with her grandmother. It's clear that Kodi isn't a normal bear, but that's what makes this story all the more endearing. When Katya and her grandmother have to cut their vacation short, Kodi grows lonely without his young friend and makes the journey to Seattle to find her.
In these turbulent times, I believe readers need more books like Kodi, stories that will give hope and also tell the story gorgeously. All of the panels seem to be rendered with watercolor backgrounds, and Cullum does an excellent job of showing the beauty of both Alaska and Seattle. Kodi is drawn in soft golden brown tones, which helps make him much more approachable.
This is yet another graphic novel that would benefit a joint reading between parents and their children. Definitely recommended.
July 27, 2020
While out on a walk near her grandmother’s summer house, comics-loving Katya encounters an enormous kodiak bear with its leg pinned under a fallen tree. Working together, Katya and “Meema” free the bear and mend his wounded paw. Katya and Kodi become fast friends (and an expert fishing team), so both are crestfallen when she must return to Seattle. When Kodi sees a tourist with a Seattle t-shirt, he realizes that stowing away on a cruise ship will deliver him to Katya. But finding a small girl in a big city requires the assistance of a fisherman named Joshua, who forms his own unique bond with the bear. Jared Cullum’s gorgeous watercolors portray a range of settings, emotions, and action with evocative style. Readers who fly through the pages to find out what happens next will want to re-read, pausing to admire the mountain streams, city skylines, and ocean waves. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel for young readers is also an homage to the power of friendship and creativity. Don’t miss it!
June 21, 2020
The beautiful watercolors are the star of this graphic novel, but the story of a lonely girl who finds a friend in a giant bear will also hit home with the book’s target audience of grades 3-6. ELA teachers will find use in their classrooms when discussing characters’ feelings and their changes over time/events. Art teachers can definitely use this one when teaching the use of water color as a medium as well as the use of space and shadowing. Text is absolutely free of any potential red flags in the content and those looking to be sure that characters represent multiple ethnic, family and social groups will be pleased. Thanks for the dARC, Edelweiss and I can’t wait to see the fully rendered art in the finished edition.
April 2, 2020
This book is a wonderful story! The story of a young girl named Kayta who would rather be in the world of comics than spending the summer in Alaska with her grandma, when she finds a bear trapped by a fallen tree she makes an unlikely friendship. This friendship travels far and refuses to be broken. The watercolor and cartoonish style of people makes this book even more magical. Overall this is an emotional story of a bear and a girl doing all they can to be friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 529 reviews