Juniper Mae: Knight of Tykotech City

Juniper Mae

by Sarah Soh

An action-packed sci-fi story for fans of Hilda and Amulet.

“Sarah Soh’s stunning story follows guardian warriors, genius inventors, and cute critters in a moving tale about friendship.”
—Aminder Dhaliwal, author of Woman World

“You are immediately hooked into Juniper’s story and lose yourself in the exquisitely rendered landscapes, and delightfully charming characters.”
—Chris Garbutt, co-creator of Netflix’s We Lost Our Humans

“Juniper Mae strikes the perfect balance of adventure, relatability, and charm.”
—Megan Nicole Dong, creator of Netflix’s Centaurworld

“Heartwarming, action-packed and full of magical images.”
 —Mark Griffiths, author of Space Lizards Stole My Brain!

"A beautiful book, crammed with breath-taking drawings and exciting adventures. Your jaw hits the floor in astonishment from the opening page."
—Gary Northfield, author of the Julius Zebra series

Tykotech City is a marvelous and peaceful place, filled with technology beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. But as power cuts begin to plague the residents, and a sinister force infiltrates the city, the lives of the cityfolk are in terrible danger…​
 ​
It falls to Juniper Mae, a tiny, brave inventor, obsessed with the legends of the Guardian Knights, to overcome her fears and save her city. Can she embody the bravery of the Guardian Knights and invent some cool gadgets to save Tykotech City in time?​

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comics, Childrens, Bande Dessinée

64 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated, super fun and action paced read that’s perfect for both reluctant readers and kids looking to try graphic novels for the first time.

[Sarah Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and beautiful art gets this one 3 stars. The text feels like the novelization of a movie and leaves almost no room for thinking or interpretation. It might be best to just look at the art and ignore the text!

[Janina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art in JUNIPER MAE is so lovely, so cute, so colorful, but sadly the story lacked a bit for me. It was too fast-paced and a lot more tell than show. Still, great messages for kids and loved the tama-tamas!

[Lucille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une nouvelle collection jeunesse qui semble vouloir faire le lien entre l’album jeunesse la bande dessinée ! Très mignon avec de l’action et une petite héroïne sympa à suivre dans un monde futuriste

[Anton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bin bisschen bummed out, dass das „nur“ eine Geschichte für Kinder ist. Das könnte eine richtig gute Cyber/Eco-Punk Geschichte sein. Aber Sarah Soh‘s Zeichenstil bietet sich natürlich auch super für ein Kinderbuch an.

[Élise Massé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super belle petite découverte dans la BD jeunesse en science-fiction ! On embarque bien dans l'histoire , les dessins sont vraiment beaux et j'ai un faible pour les tama-tamas qui sont trop mignons ! Hâte de lire la suite ! Pour un public de 7-8 ans environ. Après cet âge, je considère le niveau de lecture un peu trop facile.

[Catherine veut lire trop de livres · Rating 3 out of 5]

« Il y a bien longtemps, Tykotech lab créa le Noyau: une source d’énergie révolutionnaire capable d’alimenter toute la ville. Grâce à cette invention, les habitants n’avaient plus besoin de s’aventurer dans la forêt pour y chercher des ressources énergétiques. Mais un jour, le Noyau cessa brusquement de fonctionner. » (Soh, Sarah. Juniper Mae: Gardienne de Tykotech City, p.10)


Manque légèrement de substance narrative pour en faire un coup de cœur, mais le récit et les illustrations en font tout de même une histoire sympathique pour le jeune lectorat!

[Richard Howlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut graphic novel from @sohsilly is the first book in a new three part series, which follows inventor turned protector, Juniper Mae, as she endeavours to protect Tykotech City and its surrounding forest.

This book makes a perfect gateway comic for kids who have only ever read picture books, the simple panel flow and cool adventure story make it easy to follow and enjoy.

The artwork is my favourite thing about it though, as Sarah Soh draws exquisite backgrounds in both the sci-fi cityscape and the magical forest.

Another great book from @flyingeyebooks to add to my collection of 'books to read with the kids'!

[Emi French 💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a random library pick up I really enjoyed this book and have now got the second one to read 😊

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️*
saw this a work and thought it looked adorable
i was right!
very simple story, easy read. nothing complex but so beautifully illustrated, just grinned the whole way through
adore this

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
WELL THIS WAS SO ADORABLE & FUN! I love the cute art and whole-heartedly recommend this if you enjoy light & fast-paced sff ― even more if you love stories about girls in STEM, cute creature sidekick/friend and appreciate bubbly + vibrant art styles Juniper Mae was an utter delight!

✨ Follows an inventor named Juniper who lives in the city of Tykotech, being rather shy she prefers to work on her inventions & after an invention lands her on the outskirts of the city, instead of encountering beasts that townsfolk rumor about - she meets a frog-turtle like creature named Albie (known as tama-tamas) who gifts her an artifact from the fabled Guardian Knights
✨ After they return to the city, Juniper (with the ancient stories guiding her) works on a way to help the city with its power cuts & become a new knight
✨I loved Soh's art style, its probably one of my new faves - its got a rough, wispy quality but also has that bubbly-ness, including a focus on geometric shapes / lines making it a delight to see with each page, adding to the gorgeous sci-fi aesthetics (especially when it comes to the full-age spreads) - each page & panel feels almost like a snapshot with as the story goes on
✨ the color palette has rich blues, reds/oranges, greens and golds which add to the imaginative quality of the story through the art
✨ Juniper is a sweet protagonist, she learns to embrace friendship & find confidence within herself to help others -though a bit rushed I think there's a lot to her character arc that can be explored in the next volume / her friendship w/ Albie was so cute
✨ After looking more into the age rating (5+), the writing is aimed for younger audiences, telling the reader a lot through the text-heavy boxes as well as its a bit *too fast pacing where I expected more elaboration on the world, atmosphere & characters but overall this was so sweet
✨ Friendship, family and bravery are tackled in this rather brief introduction to what is such an imaginative sff graphic novel

Overall this was so heartwarming, charming, fun & simply put, very cute! a great starter graphic novel for young readers looking to get into sff

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute and wonderful little comic, that could also count as a children's picture book. It can be read in five minutes.

'Juniper Mae: Knight of Tykotech City' mixes in science, futuristic tech, robotics, magic, nature, dystopia, power sources, and legendary fantasy action heroines. It definitely has an anime vibe and influence to it. Plus it reminds me strongly of 'Amphibia' and 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power'.

The protagonist, the titular Juniper Mae, is an endearing little sweetheart inventor, a genius possessing wild imagination and creativity, who is also a loner. Humble, but alone except for her dad and grandpa. In her hero's journey she learns about the joys of friendship, and the confidence boosts that sharing your talents and interests with others can bring. Any neurodivergent reader, or any reader with social anxiety issues, can identify with her.

Juniper Mae will become a hero in so many ways. It is awesome and awe-inspiring.

If only the whole book were a completed story with no sequel hook (there's an ongoing mystery element), and Juniper's new froggy friend Albie, and his race of tama-tamas, had a more original design, and the "twist" villain was foreshadowed and not someone we hadn't seen nor heard of before, and the only visible LBGTQ+ element wasn't in one panel showing two women in a crowd holding hands - there was no reason why Juniper couldn't have had two dads (or two mums), instead of one dad and a grandfather living with her; though the latter is wheelchair bound, for physical disability rep, at least (that and Juniper's red glasses to go with her white hair). Then I would have loved 'Juniper Mae' even more. Oh well.

Female nerds - and sword-wielding, fighting female nerds - are the greatest sci-fi fantasy heroines.

Final Score: 3.5/5

[Theediscerning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, it's about time for a new rule for me to follow with reviews. It runs along the lines of – never trust a book that doesn't credit the actual author on the cover. Sarah Soh's name is all over this, and yes she did a fine job drawing it, but the concept is hers and the text someone else's – although having looked at this I am not surprised if he asked for the credit to go missing. This is weak. To start with, we have a Corp controlling the Core – a mahoosive company running the only energy source in the city. Our heroine ends up in the forgotten realms of the forests outside said wonderful city, finds what rumour had it would only be a horrid monster, befriends the un-monstrous character, and discovers a way to help the city and get a close connection to legendary female warriors of yore. Oh, and to fire the thingy down the tube to save the day, as if this was in the Star Wars universe.

There's little terribly wrong about this, but a lot that isn't right – it's over far too quickly, it has dreadful character motivation for the baddie, it is derivative… None of that will spoil it for the target audience, who clearly aren't au fait with how many times we've had the thingy fired down the tube to save the day done better before now. But should you settle for something that's fine for under-eights on their way to something better? No, you should head straight for the better, and there's a lot of that around. Two and a half stars.

[Книжни Криле · Rating 5 out of 5]

Пъстрият, изпълнен с опасности и чудновати герои свят на Джунипър Мей ще разпали въображението на децата и ще им докаже, че като забавление четенето по нищо не отстъпва на компютърните игри и анимационните филми. Коя е Джунипър Мей, питате вие? Ами, рицарят на Тайкотек Сити, разбира се! Не ми казвайте, че още не сте се запознали с тази млада героиня, олицетворяваща едновременно смелост, изобретателност и технологична мисъл. Къде да я откриете ли? В първи том от нейната едноименна поредица – „Джунипър Мей – рицар на Тайкотек Сити“ от Сара Соу. От младото детско издателство „Книгозавър“ ни обещават красиво илюстриран комикс за деца с афинитет към науката и изобретенията, в който ни очакват фантастични приключения, истински злодеи, верни приятели и мистерии за разгадаване. И обещанието е спазено на повече от 100%! И тъй като книгозаврите не хапят, не се страхувай��е да се отбиете при тях и на Коледния панаир на книгата, от 10 до 15 декември, в НДК, етаж 4, щанд 421. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written and illustrated graphic novel. Even though it is aimed at children, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! The story has an important message and the characters are sweet and relatable. I really need a tama tama in my life!

Entering Tykotech city is a perfect escape from the real world. Juniper Mae is a wonderful inventor who loves building her own gadgets in hopes she can one day contribute to the advancement of Tykotech. She then becomes drawn in to solving the mystery of the theft of the city’s power! The artwork really brought the whimsical story to life. Juniper is a resourceful, empathetic heroine who takes the reader on a brilliant adventure.

The story ends on a cliffhanger so I am really looking forward to the next instalment!

This book is a perfect gateway between comics and graphic novels for the more reluctant of readers. Highly recommend this graphic novel!

[Nancy O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Building her own gadgets in her dad’s repair shop, Juniper Mae is a certified kid wonder. She builds jet packs, socks that keep your feet warm and dry, floating fish bowls… But a slight malfunction with one of her latest inventions causes her to crash-land in the dangerous forests around her city, and there she discovers a whole world of mystery, ancient knights and even a small green tama-tama friend, Albie.’

It’s an easy read with beautiful illustrations. A perfect way to escape the real world and enter Tykotech City.

The colours used in this short comic are absolutely dreamy and I cannot wait for a second instalment of the comic.

I’d recommend this one to anyone who loves illustration and making things as it definitely inspired me to get creative and I’d have loved reading this one growing up.

[Yentl ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper Mae lives in Tykotech City with her dad and Grandpa. This city is technologically advanced. And Juniper is a super smart inventor who creates very cool gadgets and hopes to work as an inventor when she's older. One day while she's out on one of her inventions, it loses power and she lands in the forest. There, she meets Albie a frog critter who is a tama-tama. They become friends and she sees that tama-tamas are not beasts. Albie helps her get back home and she creates many new inventions with a new source she discovered from the tama-tamas. Just when they think everything is ok there is an attack on the City. Will she and Albie be able to do something to stop the scary spider machines? And who is behind them all? Read it to find out!

This was super cute!! I really liked this graphic novel. The illustrations are adorable and I just loved the tama-tamas!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series by Flying Eye Books! I’ve read another story in the series and I love that they always focus on a childhood hero while focusing on important lessons on kindness, honesty, being different and the like. This story is told in a time where a city is all powered from a source of energy called the Core, but something goes wrong and the energy is leaking out. Cue our heroine, nerdy inventor Juniper Mae — she’s never been one for friends, but she loves creating. When an invention she makes malfunctions she is left in uncharted territory of the trees outside the city, and before she knows it, makes an unexpected friend. Can her inventions solve the loss of energy to the city? You’ll have to read to see.


Any book within this series is one I’d buy and gift to littles in my family.

[kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great cute book, but way too short and concise for its own good!

Someone mentioned that it reads like a novelization and that is 100% the case.

Juniper Mae is this dynamic inventor who hopes to one day build something to help her community and is soon set off on a journey when her entire town’s power goes out and cannot be resorted!

I was really excited for this one but it truly feels a bit of a letdown due to how much story, character and worlds building us left out just because of how short it is.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous artwork. My daughter (6, nearly 7) and I loved reading this together. I enjoyed the science-loving protagonist, and she liked the very cute sidekick. The villain's backstory was something we could both understand. My only criticism is that it tied up a bit neatly - Juniper conveniently has combat skills as well as science ones, making her superhero material. It happened a bit quickly for me, but I'll let it slide as the book would have been hugely long otherwise and the artwork was lovely.

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such lovely art! It’s not supported by good story telling though. The definition of derivative, it has the standard shy-girl genius that finds a good friend while simultaneously inventing super advanced gizmos that let her save the city, look cool, and have fun. She also preaches to the villain on being nice before returning her to her mom. The sentences are so expository and sappy - only a 5 or 6 year old could swallow its sweetness. It’s a missed opportunity to tell a better story to match the amazing art.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Джунипър Мей е млад изобретател и голяма приключенка в Тайкотек Сити. Град, в който всичко се върти около технологията.
Когато централния енергиен източник на града спира и електричеството започва да се губи, Джунипър Мей не мисли 2 пъти, а тръгва по петите на проблема. По пътя си изобретява реактивна раница, губи се в голямата гора отвъд стените на града и намира верен приятел - малък зелен тама-тама на име Алби.
Много приключения, страхотна динамика и изключителни илюстрации, тази книга омагьосва малки и големи читатели.

[Critter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Flying Eye Books for providing me with an ARC.

This is a fantastic graphic novel and setup to the series. I loved the characters and illustrations. They are beautiful. I loved seeing the development of friendships. I also love the main character interested and actively used science. It's great for girls interested in STEM. I just loved all elements of this book and how science and magic are intertwined in this story.

[Charlotte Ravenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read ,the story is ok but it was disappointing It started well and then it felt like it just sped through to fast but maybe with there being more to come it will make sense in the end.
But the illustrations are why I bought this and they do not disappoint they are the star of the book, they are beautifully drawn and the colours are perfect. I will buy the next purely for the illustrations alone.

[Alice Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review ~ Join Juniper and Albiebon their adventure to save Tykotech city.
When Junipers invention crashes in the middle of the forest, she is totally lost. Until she meets Albie the tama- tama, and he shows her the way home, and they become best friends. But, when they discover that Tykotech city is in grave danger, it’s their mission to save it. But how?
Magnificently illustrated and gorgeously by Sarah Soh. I can’t wait for another one!

[Alice magical library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join Juniper and Albie on their adventure to save Tykotech city.
When Junipers invention crashes in the middle of the forest, she is totally lost. Until she meets Albie the Tama-Tama, and he shows her the way home, and they become best friends. But, when they discover that Tykotech City is in grave danger, it’s their mission to save it. But how?
Magnificently and gorgeously illustrated by Sarah Soh. I can’t wait for another one!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover art first caught my eye; the brilliant art continued throughout the book. Take your time to enjoy the vivid backgrounds and all the incredible details. The pictures are so colorful and beautiful. The story holds promise, and I look forward to seeing how it develops in the next book. Hopefully, Juniper's character will continue to grow; maybe they will continue the enemies-to-friends theme.

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tengo la maravillosa suerte de que mi pareja es bibliotecario y hace la selección de libros infantiles y juveniles.
Hoy ha llegado a casa con una caja que tenía que transportar a la agencia de lectura y llevaba esta maravilla.
Me lo he leído en un suspiro y me ha encantado. Tiene una ilustración preciosa y una historia sencillisima que atrapa a todas las edades desde la página 1.

Tiene lo que más me gusta, futurismo y un bosque.
Recomendadísimo si de peque eras fan de las WITCH ♡(>ᴗ•)

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

I was thinking about giving this 2 stars but I upped it because the illustrations really are great.

The story is lacking though. As another reviewer wrote, this reads like a novelization of a movie. Before reading that, I was thinking that the story was too saccharine for me. It also does way too much telling instead of showing.

There are definitely cute aspects of the book but overall it left me feeling meh.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was gorgeous! Filled with inventions, new friends, old tales and jam-packed with incredible illustrations that I’d love to hang on my wall! We love a story that has girls in STEM and even better when they encourage empathy and friendship too!! I reckon my kids are gonna love this graphic novel and even better that there’s going to be more! That set up at the end is delicious!