Poiko: Quests & Stuff

by Brian Middleton, Rebecca Taylor (Editor)

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN “AVERAGE” DAY FOR POIKO!

Have you ever had to deliver a care package to a dragon with allergies? Have you ever been waylaid by a school of space fish? That’s just an average day for Poiko, the kingdom’s most reliable courier. The world can be a big, scary place, but it can also be wondrous. Sad things can happen, but there are always good friends to turn to, or new friends to make. And no matter what, there is always, always someone who could use your help. Poiko learns all these lessons and more every time he brushes his tail, pulls on his hoodie, and steps out into a new adventure.

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Comics, Adventure, Friendship, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2022

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poiko the lion and Kensie the bat are best friends and business partners. They run a quest delivery service for those packages that require a little more daring to deliver. Kensie is trying to get them to improve their punctuality, but he also doesn't want to hamper Poiko from being Poiko and helping anyone along the way who needs help. Follow along as they try to fulfill their orders, eat Kensie's sandwiches to sustain them along the way, and also stay true to their hearts.

Aww, Poiko and Kensie are adorable, loving heroes. I love how they are so quick to help others. They are eventually joined by Eve, the glowing space fish, who helps them out when the way gets dark. Middleton obviously had fun with the illustrations in this and let his imagination run wild. The backgrounds are so fanciful, and the characters are each unique. You're completely justified in picking this up just to look at the pictures. Anyone who loves kind-hearted characters, fanciful illustrations, graphic novel adventures, and sandwiches should pick this up.

No content issues.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poiko and his best friend, Ken, like to go on adventures while delivering their packages. There is no average or boring day for the kingdom's most reliable courier. The world can be scary but, when you have good friends by your side, you can conquer it all.

I thought the book was a cute read. It was beautifully illustrated and had tons of heart. The book dealt with death, helping others, what it meant to be a friend, and how to be yourself while managing other people's expectations. I am looking forward to reading more of Poiko's adventures!

[Sarah {The Clever Reader} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of the book through Rockstar Book Tours as a tour participant. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.

I’ve not ventured much into the graphic novel world but saw this and couldn’t help myself! I’m also a mom to a toddler who is loving everything books so I thought participating in these tours will also benefit her.

I thought this book was so sweet. The friendship between Poiko and Kenzie was adorable and I liked that each quest touches on different life lessons in a way that children can relate to. The artwork was vibrant and beautiful which I really appreciated. I will definitely be looking into reading more of these types of graphic novels because I really enjoyed this one!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poiko is, as they say, a vibe. This is one I had to read twice before realizing I wanted to give it five stars. Mellow adventures with two friends, couriers who deliver mail “where postfolks fear to tread,” leading with Poiko’s (lion-like creature in a hoodie) wonder, appreciation, and laidback joy in helping others rather than a sense of urgency. Poiko’s a master of listening and communication skills and approaching the world (creatures, terrain) with gratitude—but it’s all quiet, not bang you over the head with a message about how to potentially be; it’s just giving an egg salad sammie to a guy who’s been guarding a lonely outpost gate for hundreds of years (so probably hasn’t had a good sammie in ages) type stuff or empathizing with a giant fly-like creature consumed with sadness over how sad his daughter will be when he dies (he’s not near death, just consumed with sadness). Beautiful colors, muted starry backgrounds and interesting landscapes, just a soft cool book that leaves me with the urge to be more Poiko in life. Out April ‘22, read as an e-galley from #edelweissplus

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this was just adorable. There was so much to see in all of the pictures, and all of it was just a little marvelously off-kilter. The episodes are a little...episodic. (Yeah, I know, that's a poor description.) There isn't really any carryover from one to the next, which makes the appearance of a dead father figure in two of the three an oddly notable redundancy. But Poiko is cute; there are lessons about kindness, punctuality, connection, family, friendship, love, and more. All in a package that young ones can relate to. I have no qualms about passing it to mine.

[Heather]

Poiko–bear, ewok? Not sure what he is, but this character knows how to listen. His adventures include giant trees, dinosaurs and flying cloud fish. He goes after those who need him and helps his friends along they way. With fanciful illustrations and vivid imagery, this graphic novel shows the compassionate nature of Poiko. The author explored grief and sadness in a gentle manner. Perfect for middle grade readers and those trying to learn empathy!

http://littleredreads.com/2022/04/poi...

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poiko and his best pal Kensie have a delivery business, willing to go places most won't. They never arrive on time, constantly diverted by wonder at everything they come across in their travels and always stopping to help anyone in need they encounter. The plot may be about meandering adventures to deliver parcels, but the stories are all about kindness--to others, self, and the world. Middleton accompanies his endearing words with illustrations that manage to be simple, adorable, attractive, and expressive all at once. A winning combination.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just an adorable, cute story that has a very spiritual message, or messages as each story (or as they call it deliveries) has it own. Artwork is realistic fantasy, things are fun and "family friendly." There is some adventure "thrills" but in the end nothing is "over the top bad" or too scary, making it really an all ages story. The adventure itself can be a bit subtle, therefore, it is not for everyone, but the story is still moving.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a very cute art style and fun short adventures, which I bet plenty of kids will enjoy, but I have a nitpick: the constant positivity became annoying. I'm all for characters being optimistic, encouraging, supportive, full of wonder and joy, etc. But it is not realistic or healthy to only be happy all the time. Kensie at least was a little nervous about being on time, but nothing bothered Poiko. The dialogue ended up feeling artificial and forced.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun bunch of adventures. Poiko and Kenzie meet some interesting characters as they deliver packages and do a bit of problem solving along the way.

I adored these two and loved the graphics. A book that covers lots of life’s hurtles and how friendship helps smooth the bumpy road.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Shakera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5
I thought this was absolutely adorable, and with it being in the style of a graphic novel, it’s easy to breeze through it. With the drawings attached to the story, it’s a great way to teach empathy. This was a fun read, and a great way to read more graphic novels!

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, this book kinda felt like a dream. The art? Amazing! The characters? Also amazing. There were also some deep life lessons and details. It's hard to explain the feeling this book gave me but it was definitely a good and happy one.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very gentle story. A bit sappy but very sweet.

[Kelly Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

love the art style

[Megan Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was surprisingly delightful.

[Ash Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this to my 8-year-old nephew and I found it extremely boring. It’s sweet and the art is pretty, though.

[Aurora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Art was cute. Dialogue was like somebody blended up a positive affirmations therapy workbook (derogatory).

[Jennifer]

I received an eSample courtesy of Wonderbound.

[Erin Milham · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be better as the script for a kids show

[Ulvi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked it up because I liked the artwork on the cover and while the art is beautiful the story is full of self help-like sentences and half of the time didn’t make any sense for me.

[Allison Pickett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pokio is a sweet graphic novel for kids. The artwork is magical and the story was sweet but not gripping. I’d say kids will more like come and stay for the artwork and less for the storyline.

[Kellyanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the premise, so-so on the execution.