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Cryptid Kids #1
The Bawk-ness Monster
Penny swears that when she was a little girl, a creature called the Bawk-ness Monster―half sea serpent, half chicken―saved her from drowning. Now, years later, she’s about to move away to a new city, and before she goes, she needs the help of her best friends, Luc and K, for a vitally important seeing “Bessie” one more time. But in their quest to find Bessie and give Penny the send-off she deserves, the kids stumble into a whole new problem―cryptids are being kidnapped by an evil collector, and only Penny, Luc, and K can save them!
224 pages, Hardcover
First published June 27, 2023
4 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 20, 2024
Super cute- love the style of drawings and it flowed so well together. My favorite character was the mom - I loved how fierce she was, and that she just charged forward to find/defend her kid and kid’s friends.
The trio of kids were the perfect little team and it was a very cute adventure story. Would read again and would read series if I can find it 😢
Highly recommend. Also loved the gender inclusive bit with the Luc character.
The trio of kids were the perfect little team and it was a very cute adventure story. Would read again and would read series if I can find it 😢
Highly recommend. Also loved the gender inclusive bit with the Luc character.
July 13, 2023
3.5 stars--This is a cute and colorful graphic novel, filled with kinetic energy and a hip sense of humor. The characters are drawn in the trendy big-eyed, chunky style, and the array of cryptids are creatively hilarious--who can resist the titular half-hen, half-Nessie sea creature?
This book will appeal to kids who enjoy the array of high-energy, well-written shows that populate the animation landscape--making it a great choice for reluctant readers, too. It also contains one of the most in-depth exploration of the comic-making process I've encountered in a junior graphic novel, which will help its appeal with aspiring artists.
This book will appeal to kids who enjoy the array of high-energy, well-written shows that populate the animation landscape--making it a great choice for reluctant readers, too. It also contains one of the most in-depth exploration of the comic-making process I've encountered in a junior graphic novel, which will help its appeal with aspiring artists.
August 22, 2023
we love a good OSHA violation reference
November 15, 2024
The Bawk-ness Monster
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 7.85/10 overall
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 8
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 8
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 7.85/10 overall
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 8
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 8
May 8, 2024
Very enjoyable, great for kids and adults alike.
April 18, 2023
Penny and her mom are getting ready to move. Before they do, Penny wants to go back to visit the Bawk-ness monster that saved her when she was younger. Penny recruits her friends to help her find "Bessie" one more time. Along with her mom, Penny and her two friends discover a secret - an evil organization is kidnapping cryptids to sell. Will they be able to save Bessie and the other crytids?
This was a pretty cute graphic novel. The story was cute and plot was easy to follow. I loved the imaginativeness of the different cryptids, especially Bessie and Bigtaur.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
This was a pretty cute graphic novel. The story was cute and plot was easy to follow. I loved the imaginativeness of the different cryptids, especially Bessie and Bigtaur.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
December 19, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ or (8/10)
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 8
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 9
This book was so sweet and funny so I really enjoyed it! The art and character expressions were amazing as well. I felt like there could have been more to the characters and plot, but overall, this book was great ❤️
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 8
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 9
This book was so sweet and funny so I really enjoyed it! The art and character expressions were amazing as well. I felt like there could have been more to the characters and plot, but overall, this book was great ❤️
October 1, 2023
this was so cute! i loved it!
September 2, 2024
This was so fun and cute. I really enjoyed it!
August 15, 2025
We laughed! The mom was so great.
August 10, 2023
I expected a single joke graphic novel, namely Bessie. But Riess and Goetter have created an alternate world where cryptids are real but they are all different than the ones in our stories. They are delightful combinations of creatures which I shan't spoil here.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
June 27, 2023
The Bawk-ness Monster? I mean come on, what's not to love? Penny, Luc, and K make such a wonderful cryptid saving team, I can't wait for the next in the series. I know this isn't the last time they'll run into the evil Alvida Scales! The art is so adorable and fun. It's so special when illustrators build a world that you can't help but want to live in. A wonderful 205 page escape from reality. Also, The puddle creature is my new favorite thing ever...
March 3, 2024
"The Bawk-Ness Monster" is a vibrant, heartfelt exploration of friendship, courage, and the wild joy of monster-hunting adventures. This graphic novel not only captivates with its full-color illustrations but also enchants with its earnest dialogue and a plot that's as engaging as it is unique.
The story follows Penny, a middle schooler with a history of an unusual encounter, as she and her friends embark on a quest to find the Bawk-ness Monster—a mythical creature that once saved her life. Alongside Penny are K, the cryptid enthusiast, and Luc, the always-prepared former Girl Scout, forming a trio whose friendship and adventures are the heart of this tale. Their journey is filled with evil scientists, a growing cryptid encyclopedia, and a narrative ripe with madcap shenanigans that promise even more excitement in future volumes.
What sets this graphic novel apart is not just its fast-paced, immediately gripping storytelling, but the depth of its characters. Penny, K, and Luc are not just characters on a page; they are reflections of real-life friendships, courage, and the quest to stand up for what's right. The inclusion of a diverse cast—including people of color, trans kids, and representation across body types—adds layers of depth and inclusivity that are both necessary and welcome.
The illustrations in "The Bawk-Ness Monster" are a feast for the eyes. They burst with movement and sound, adding a layer of hilarity and engagement that elevates the story. The creative use of words to depict these elements is particularly noteworthy, offering readers a visual experience that is both unique and immersive.
Perhaps one of the most commendable aspects of Goetter and Riess's work is their approach to diversity and inclusion. Luc's character, for example, is handled with such grace and normalcy that it's a stark reminder of how representation should be done. The book doesn't just include diverse characters; it celebrates them without making their identities the sole focus of their character arc.
"The Bawk-Ness Monster" is, without a doubt, a gem in the realm of middle-grade graphic novels. It's a book that not only entertains but also opens up important conversations around friendship, identity, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others. With its engaging plot, beautifully developed characters, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, it's a book I'd wholeheartedly recommend to middle schoolers and anyone who loves a good story.
The story follows Penny, a middle schooler with a history of an unusual encounter, as she and her friends embark on a quest to find the Bawk-ness Monster—a mythical creature that once saved her life. Alongside Penny are K, the cryptid enthusiast, and Luc, the always-prepared former Girl Scout, forming a trio whose friendship and adventures are the heart of this tale. Their journey is filled with evil scientists, a growing cryptid encyclopedia, and a narrative ripe with madcap shenanigans that promise even more excitement in future volumes.
What sets this graphic novel apart is not just its fast-paced, immediately gripping storytelling, but the depth of its characters. Penny, K, and Luc are not just characters on a page; they are reflections of real-life friendships, courage, and the quest to stand up for what's right. The inclusion of a diverse cast—including people of color, trans kids, and representation across body types—adds layers of depth and inclusivity that are both necessary and welcome.
The illustrations in "The Bawk-Ness Monster" are a feast for the eyes. They burst with movement and sound, adding a layer of hilarity and engagement that elevates the story. The creative use of words to depict these elements is particularly noteworthy, offering readers a visual experience that is both unique and immersive.
Perhaps one of the most commendable aspects of Goetter and Riess's work is their approach to diversity and inclusion. Luc's character, for example, is handled with such grace and normalcy that it's a stark reminder of how representation should be done. The book doesn't just include diverse characters; it celebrates them without making their identities the sole focus of their character arc.
"The Bawk-Ness Monster" is, without a doubt, a gem in the realm of middle-grade graphic novels. It's a book that not only entertains but also opens up important conversations around friendship, identity, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others. With its engaging plot, beautifully developed characters, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, it's a book I'd wholeheartedly recommend to middle schoolers and anyone who loves a good story.
May 24, 2023
*Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC through netGalley. Receiving a copy of this title in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
In this middle-grade graphic novel we follow 3 friends, Penny, Luc, and K as they search for Bessie, the Bawk-ness Monster, who had saved Penny from drowning 3 years prior. When they find Bessie, which ends up being the easiest thing they do in our whole story, they end up getting caught by our villain Alvida, who wants to sue Bessie for evil. Chaos and fights ensue as Alvida is discovered to be in possession of many other cryptids. Penny's mom, Ronnie, comes to the realization that sometimes she just needs to trust her daughter- Penny doesn't need to be glued to her side to be safe. Eventually the kids and Ronnie escape with the cryptids and everyone gets to live happily ever after.
Overall I enjoyed this read. Lot's of colors and fun characters made for a very entertaining read. I don't know that I loved the other made up cryptid's- cryptids already exist in our world, why did we need to make them weirder and more confusing? The story would've been just as good with Nessie, Big Foot, and yeti instead. I loved Ronnie's and Penny's relationship too, I think lot's of moms get the mom guilt after their kids gets hurt and they feel responsible. This showed great representation of how that can look and feel to the child being almost suffocated by the pressure the parent is putting on them to be safe. Overall a decent read, entertaining for kids.
In this middle-grade graphic novel we follow 3 friends, Penny, Luc, and K as they search for Bessie, the Bawk-ness Monster, who had saved Penny from drowning 3 years prior. When they find Bessie, which ends up being the easiest thing they do in our whole story, they end up getting caught by our villain Alvida, who wants to sue Bessie for evil. Chaos and fights ensue as Alvida is discovered to be in possession of many other cryptids. Penny's mom, Ronnie, comes to the realization that sometimes she just needs to trust her daughter- Penny doesn't need to be glued to her side to be safe. Eventually the kids and Ronnie escape with the cryptids and everyone gets to live happily ever after.
Overall I enjoyed this read. Lot's of colors and fun characters made for a very entertaining read. I don't know that I loved the other made up cryptid's- cryptids already exist in our world, why did we need to make them weirder and more confusing? The story would've been just as good with Nessie, Big Foot, and yeti instead. I loved Ronnie's and Penny's relationship too, I think lot's of moms get the mom guilt after their kids gets hurt and they feel responsible. This showed great representation of how that can look and feel to the child being almost suffocated by the pressure the parent is putting on them to be safe. Overall a decent read, entertaining for kids.
June 26, 2023
The Bawk-ness Monster by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on June 27 2023. Penny swears that when she was a little girl, a creature called the Bawk-ness Monster (half sea serpent, half chicken) saved her from drowning. Now, years later, she’s about to move away to a new city, and before she goes, she needs the help of her best friends, Luc and K, for a vitally important mission: seeing “Bessie” one more time. But in their quest to find Bessie and give Penny the send-off she deserves, the kids stumble into a whole new problem—cryptids are being kidnapped by an evil collector, and only Penny, Luc, and K can save them!
The Bawk-ness Monster was a very fun read. I liked that it worked on several levels. It a great friend adventure with unexpected creatures and twists that kept everything moving quickly. But there was also room for conversation about being different, bullying, guilt, big changes, and friendship. I thought the story flowed very well, considering the amount of great detail that was layered in. I got a kick out of the three very different friends, and could completely understand the mother's protectiveness after Penny's history. They way she want a bit over the top just added to the feel of the story. The art style and color work matched the tone and action of the book and everything came together nicely. I am hoping to see more adventures from this cast of characters.
The Bawk-ness Monster is a fun and engaging graphic novel for young (and some of us older) readers.
The Bawk-ness Monster was a very fun read. I liked that it worked on several levels. It a great friend adventure with unexpected creatures and twists that kept everything moving quickly. But there was also room for conversation about being different, bullying, guilt, big changes, and friendship. I thought the story flowed very well, considering the amount of great detail that was layered in. I got a kick out of the three very different friends, and could completely understand the mother's protectiveness after Penny's history. They way she want a bit over the top just added to the feel of the story. The art style and color work matched the tone and action of the book and everything came together nicely. I am hoping to see more adventures from this cast of characters.
The Bawk-ness Monster is a fun and engaging graphic novel for young (and some of us older) readers.
March 14, 2024
If Cruella De Vil was a Scooby Doo villain who collected cryptids, you'd have Alvida Scales - she could have gotten away with it if it wasn't for those pesky kids! On Penny's last weekend before the big move for her mom's job, she and her friends, Luc and K, decide their last hurrah will be to find Bessie, the monster of Lake Bockamixon. They hatch a plan that includes camping by the lake with Penny's mom. Bessie is very important to Penny because she was saved from drowning in the lake by Bessie three years earlier (oh, and Luc was the one who pushed Penny into the lake in the first place). Using a makeshift but somehow convincing disguise, the young trio get up close to Bessie - Bessie is a half chicken, half prehistoric fish creature. But then, the whole group, including Bessie and Penny's mom, encounter Alvida Scales and her evil ways. The last hurrah becomes a rescue mission to save Bessie and a bunch of other crytpids like Bigtaur and the yeticorn.
I enjoyed this book, I think it's fun. I don't think the post credits bit about Luc wanting to be called Luc instead of Lucy was necessary because it didn't add anything - the book was great even without that tidbit. It's another book that might get some pushback from the adults specifically because of that post credits bit and the dedication because they emphasize LGBTQ+ realities and we live in a terrible world right now.
I enjoyed this book, I think it's fun. I don't think the post credits bit about Luc wanting to be called Luc instead of Lucy was necessary because it didn't add anything - the book was great even without that tidbit. It's another book that might get some pushback from the adults specifically because of that post credits bit and the dedication because they emphasize LGBTQ+ realities and we live in a terrible world right now.
September 12, 2023
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A hilarious, fast-paced adventure featuring friendship, a well-dressed villain, and a whole lot of unique cryptids. Penny and her mother are moving. But before they do, Penny wants to thank the mysterious creature who saved her from drowning. Together with her friends, she sets out to find the Bawk-ness Monster and discovers the mysteries run deeper than she ever imagined.
The artwork in this book is adorable. Energetic colors, great action sequences, and tons of humor. Also, loved the reference to Dungeon Critters at the beginning.
The story is fast-paced with plenty of action. I'm definitely hoping this is the start of a series. Would love to learn more about the characters, especially Luc and K.
At the back of the book are bonus comics and concept art. There's also a comic that gives a run down of Goetter's and Riess' creative process, including making digital and physical models for some of the settings and props. A nice look behind the scenes.
This was a fun read.
A hilarious, fast-paced adventure featuring friendship, a well-dressed villain, and a whole lot of unique cryptids. Penny and her mother are moving. But before they do, Penny wants to thank the mysterious creature who saved her from drowning. Together with her friends, she sets out to find the Bawk-ness Monster and discovers the mysteries run deeper than she ever imagined.
The artwork in this book is adorable. Energetic colors, great action sequences, and tons of humor. Also, loved the reference to Dungeon Critters at the beginning.
The story is fast-paced with plenty of action. I'm definitely hoping this is the start of a series. Would love to learn more about the characters, especially Luc and K.
At the back of the book are bonus comics and concept art. There's also a comic that gives a run down of Goetter's and Riess' creative process, including making digital and physical models for some of the settings and props. A nice look behind the scenes.
This was a fun read.
October 15, 2023
Years ago, little Penny was saved from drowning in the lake by Bessie, the Bawk-Ness monster. Years later, as Penny and her mom pack to move, Penny wants to see Bessie again and thank her for saving her life. Convincing her mother to go on a hiking trip with her two friends, K and Luc, the three friends plan in secret how to contact Bessie once more. But what ends up an operation mission for them turns into a nightmare as an evil lady, Alveda, wants to capture all the cryptids in the region. It’s up to the three friends to save everyone and have a little fun on the way as Alvida launches an attack against cryptids.
Absolutely fantastic! Penny is strong and hates goodbyes, K is their hyperactive friend who loves all cryptids, and Luc, with a sarcastic attitude, knows how to form plans. The adventure, the mystery, and the lore come together in a hilarious take on famous cryptids around the world. With her last “hurrah!” before moving, Penny and the gang do what they do best: having loads of fun together.
Absolutely fantastic! Penny is strong and hates goodbyes, K is their hyperactive friend who loves all cryptids, and Luc, with a sarcastic attitude, knows how to form plans. The adventure, the mystery, and the lore come together in a hilarious take on famous cryptids around the world. With her last “hurrah!” before moving, Penny and the gang do what they do best: having loads of fun together.
July 30, 2025
I picked this book up originally because I have been searching for a fun middle-grade graphic novel series to share with my nieces and nephews. The moment my eyes locked with the Bawk-ness Monster on the cover, it was love at first sight.
And I am so glad the story itself did not disappoint.
Penny is moving away to a new city and is sad she never got to thank the Bawk-ness monster that saved her life. With help from her friends, Luc and K, and many objections from her mom, this is her last chance to see Bessie. But it seems like they're not the only ones pursuing Bessie!
The plot itself is straightforward, but the execution is phenomenal! As someone who grew up in the 90s/00s, the Saturday Morning cartoon vibes are strong here. Every character is unique, fun *and* relateable. The cryptids are memorable and cute. The humour worked even for a 30-something adult! The art is absolutely gorgeous on every page.
All I know is I'm hooked. I'm keeping myself a copy.
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And I am so glad the story itself did not disappoint.
Penny is moving away to a new city and is sad she never got to thank the Bawk-ness monster that saved her life. With help from her friends, Luc and K, and many objections from her mom, this is her last chance to see Bessie. But it seems like they're not the only ones pursuing Bessie!
The plot itself is straightforward, but the execution is phenomenal! As someone who grew up in the 90s/00s, the Saturday Morning cartoon vibes are strong here. Every character is unique, fun *and* relateable. The cryptids are memorable and cute. The humour worked even for a 30-something adult! The art is absolutely gorgeous on every page.
All I know is I'm hooked. I'm keeping myself a copy.
You can also find me on: Instagram
January 11, 2024
Pleasantly surprised by this book.
I've been in a graphic novel/comic book mood for a while now and a lot of them have been massive letdowns I expected the same of this book.
I'm a sucker for trying out LGBT books and also well written characters. These children are absolutely adorable nuanced and really quirky. They're the weird kids out and you can tell but they wear it proudly. I adore the creativity of this book and I wasn't expecting to enjoy the facial expressions near as much but this one has some of the best facial expressions I've seen in a graphic novel/comic for some time.
The bad guy literally has the best faces she reminds me of Professor Venomous from OKKO.
Well I don't know the reason to create new cryptids I enjoyed the creativity of these guys and how it was really goofy and over the top. I suppose this book is a huge win and one of those things that was made for LGBTQ kids.
A solid 5/5 these characters are so fleshed out and good!
I've been in a graphic novel/comic book mood for a while now and a lot of them have been massive letdowns I expected the same of this book.
I'm a sucker for trying out LGBT books and also well written characters. These children are absolutely adorable nuanced and really quirky. They're the weird kids out and you can tell but they wear it proudly. I adore the creativity of this book and I wasn't expecting to enjoy the facial expressions near as much but this one has some of the best facial expressions I've seen in a graphic novel/comic for some time.
The bad guy literally has the best faces she reminds me of Professor Venomous from OKKO.
Well I don't know the reason to create new cryptids I enjoyed the creativity of these guys and how it was really goofy and over the top. I suppose this book is a huge win and one of those things that was made for LGBTQ kids.
A solid 5/5 these characters are so fleshed out and good!
September 1, 2023
The facial expressions in this graphic novel is HILARIOUS! So on point and comedic, the humor is so entertaining to read. If it were a movie and more addition to the plot, I'd definitely watch it.
The artwork is phenomenal, so colorful and well-drawn, and the script of the characters are simple enough to read.
The cryptids drawn were so silly and extraordinary too! Who would ever think to put a monkey and a centaur together? Or a yeti and an unicorn?
Definitely if there are more series in the near future, I'd definitely pick up and read again! Although I have a feeling (fingers crossed) that there will be more as there are endless creativity drawing other cryptids and they did speak about ocean cryptids... ~
The artwork is phenomenal, so colorful and well-drawn, and the script of the characters are simple enough to read.
The cryptids drawn were so silly and extraordinary too! Who would ever think to put a monkey and a centaur together? Or a yeti and an unicorn?
Definitely if there are more series in the near future, I'd definitely pick up and read again! Although I have a feeling (fingers crossed) that there will be more as there are endless creativity drawing other cryptids and they did speak about ocean cryptids... ~
September 1, 2023
Very similar to Lumberjanes, for a more solidly middle grade crowd. The art, sense of humor, and tendency to throw everything supernatural at the wall will feel familiar. For me, this was slightly less successful. Most of my issue was with Luc's character arc. Halfway through the book, you discover that Luc had horribly bullied Penny when they were younger. And it just isn't dealt with. Neither of them really talk about it, they're just best friends now. This all apparently happened offscreen before the events of this graphic novel, but it still feels weird to include it if it doesn't really have an impact on what actually happens in this book. The shift from bully to bestie is a huge deal, and seeing exactly none of that makes it feel unearned.
September 7, 2023
I 100% picked up this book from the library because of the giant chicken on the cover. And the giant chicken didn't disappoint, "Bessie" (the Bawk-ness Monster's nickname, natch) was adorable and all the cryptids were tons of fun. How much did I love Bigtaur? (Honestly, if there's a second book, I'm only reading it if it's about him.)
The book itself was, from this 40 year old's perspective, okay. Very high energy, over the top, chaos. I saw a review that likened this book to Lumberjanes and that's an accurate comparison, but if all the characters were Ripley. It got to be a little too much, but I'm sure kids will love the zaniness.
The book itself was, from this 40 year old's perspective, okay. Very high energy, over the top, chaos. I saw a review that likened this book to Lumberjanes and that's an accurate comparison, but if all the characters were Ripley. It got to be a little too much, but I'm sure kids will love the zaniness.
October 11, 2023
This book is weird and laugh out loud funny and I cannot wait to read more of these kiddos and their journey!
It is a book that I would have wanted to read as an awkward teen that is obsessed with monsters and creatures.
The story follows a group of kiddos who are seeking to close out their summer (and cement their friendship as one of their friends is moving away) by seeking out a local legend, Bessie, a cryptid that is half chicken, half sea creature.
Like this book does not hold back and it does give its characters room to breathe - there are some other topics about friendness, forgiveness, and guilt, but they don't swallow the story and weight it down. At its core, this is a fast-paced adventure book with a whole lotta heart that I want to share with the world.
It is a book that I would have wanted to read as an awkward teen that is obsessed with monsters and creatures.
The story follows a group of kiddos who are seeking to close out their summer (and cement their friendship as one of their friends is moving away) by seeking out a local legend, Bessie, a cryptid that is half chicken, half sea creature.
Like this book does not hold back and it does give its characters room to breathe - there are some other topics about friendness, forgiveness, and guilt, but they don't swallow the story and weight it down. At its core, this is a fast-paced adventure book with a whole lotta heart that I want to share with the world.
March 5, 2024
I loved this! For fans of cryptids and great friendships. I loved the wild and chaotic evil doc (bonus it was a lady evil genius!) but the amount of times those kids fooled her was hilarious! And the mom! “Now just let me talk to the adult…” 🤣🤣 thanks for trying though, mom 😜
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. They introduced so many different cryptids the possibilities are endless for who they could find/save next!
The picture are very descriptive. You could hand this to a kid just learning to read and they’d love the pictures, and you could hand this to a strong earth reader and they could have fun, and you could hand it to an upper elementary reader and they could love it too! Very versatile graphic novel.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. They introduced so many different cryptids the possibilities are endless for who they could find/save next!
The picture are very descriptive. You could hand this to a kid just learning to read and they’d love the pictures, and you could hand this to a strong earth reader and they could have fun, and you could hand it to an upper elementary reader and they could love it too! Very versatile graphic novel.
April 24, 2024
The storyline was fun! I think I've met the villain in person a few times in real life. The illustrations were vivid and engaging. My favorite is K's cat-like smile. I like having a story with an LGBT+ character that is totally accepted and there was no question or a side story during the main story as to why in the past they were Lucy and now are Luc. I don't think it even needed that story in the last pages. The cryptids were fun, especially BigTaur. K's shirt about BigTaur had me cracking up laughing. Wolfman was SO CUTE with those big eyes! I recommend this graphic novel for all ages. Also, as a fan of correspondence, I was happy to see the friends writing to each other. It's almost a lost art.
August 8, 2025
Penny and her mom are about to move, so she has one last weekend with her friend. She wants to go camping, so she can hopefully see the Bawk-ness Monster and thank you for saving her from drowning a few years ago. The Bawk-ness Monster has the upper body of a chicken and the lower body of a sea serpent. They have to trick Penny's mom into taking them and hopefully sneak away to find the cryptid on their own, but Penny's mom won't let her daughter out of her sight leading to them getting caught by a cryptid hunter. Can they escape and free the Bawk-ness Monster? It's a ridiculous fantasy adventure with over the top scenes that are perfect in a kids' graphic novel about cryptids. For fans of Another Kind, InvestiGators, and Kitty Quest. Also for fans of cryptids.
July 26, 2023
Penny and her mom are preparing for a big move and there is just one thing she wants to do before they leave -- find Bessie, the Bawk-ness Monster. As a child, Penny was saved from drowning by Bessie and now she wants to see her again to prove her existence. What she gets instead is a chaotic run-in with the cryptid broker Alvida Scales and a madcap adventure with her friends and mom. The illustrations are bright and bold and match the absolutely chaotic energy of the story.
Silly, goofy, inclusive and a lot of fun.
Silly, goofy, inclusive and a lot of fun.
August 21, 2023
I really liked Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter's other graphic novel, Dungeon Critters, so I had high hopes for this one too. I really liked this alternate world's twisted cryptozoology. It was interesting, fun, and fresh! I liked the human elements too; from Penny's relationship with her mom, to Luc's backstory (which I wished I knew more of!!).
Overall, a solid, fast paced graphic for cryptid fans!
Overall, a solid, fast paced graphic for cryptid fans!
November 26, 2023
Penny wants to find the Bawk-Ness monster – a mythic chicken/sea monster who legend has it lives in a nearby lake – to thank “Bessie” for saving her from drowning when she was younger. It’s urgent to Penny to do it before she and her mom move away. With the help of her friends Luc and K, she convinces her mom to take them on a camping trip so she can find Bessie. When they find Bessie, they also find an evil group of Cryptic hunters. Can Penny save Bessie? Fun and funny graphic novel series-starter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews