Graphic Novel Review - 'Elfie's Spellbook, Volumes 1 & 2: Elfie's Spellbook and The Song of the Cicadas' by Christophe Arleston (Writer), Audrey Alwett (Writer), Mini Ludvin (Artist), Hélène Lenoble (Colourist), Anam Zafar (Translator)

'Elfie's Spellbook, Volumes 1 & 2: Elfie's Spellbook and The Song of the Cicadas' is a charming French fantasy graphic novel series for all ages. Sweet, funny, dynamic, creative, clever, educational, and all kinds of magical, it reminds me of the fantasy books I used to read as a schoolgirl, and of the Saturday morning and weekday evening cartoons I used to watch faithfully, routinely and repeatedly.

The premise alone - a young girl goes travelling from place to place in a book bus with her two older sisters (all the while escaping their comedically overbearing aunt), and is gifted her late author mother's notebook, a beautiful red tome with gems and "Feed Me" ("nourris moi") on the cover, and it turns out to be a spellbook, and whenever she writes her own stories in it, a gem on the cover glows, and when she makes origami animals out of the pages, they come to life, and help her out in trying to solve the problems of the places she's visiting - is ripe with promise and potential, and the execution fulfils this wonderfully. It makes for multiple serial and episodic adventures, which, along with the art, the characters, and the situations, is part of the reason 'Elfie's Spellbook' reminds me of a cartoon.

Elfie Roncelune herself is a likeable and believable young heroine (I think she's supposed to be ten or eleven?). She's moody, temperamental, impatient, stubborn, and selfish, like any kid her age and circumstance would be, and she's also curious, inquisitive, altruistic, and compassionate when she needs to be. She's a writer, and she's a witch, like her beloved and tragic maman before her. As well as making magical origami animals out of her inherited spellbook, she rides an origami broomstick come to life! She's like 'Kiki's Delivery Service'!

Elfie lives in a travelling red book bus from London, with sisters. She writes stories and she stargazes on the roof at night (the gems on her spellbook form the Pleiades constellation - it's all connected). I want her life! She also has a Totoro stuffie (another Studio Ghibli reference, and there is a Ghibli and general anime vibe here, to go with the universal and myriad cartoon vibe), and a pet myna bird, Gravier; it's not only animals that come from origami that are her friends (at the moment it's an origami frog, and mice. So cute and funny!). She loves puffins, too.

There is some diversity present, in graphic novel volumes set in modern rural France. One notable example of inclusivity is Elfie's adolescent sister Magda, and her prosthetic leg, an aftermath from the housefire that killed their mother. This disability rep could have been handled better, and Elfie doesn't always get along with Magda specifically because she accuses her of being able to get away with everything and do whatever she wants due to her prosthetic. But it does come into play for Magda's character more than once, and it is never forgotten about, and, thank goodness, Elfie becomes more sympathetic and thoughtful towards her later on.

Despite being a social media influencer, Magda isn't as shallow as she first appears, nor is she a "dumb blonde" stereotype. She is clearly a traumatised girl with many complex feelings needing to be expressed in healthy ways. She occasionally helps Elfie with her investigations, even though she doesn't know about the true nature of the spellbook, or any magical goings on; Elfie is happy to let Magda get involved, to an extent, to boost her sister's confidence and self-esteem, which is a nice, lovely touch.

I like Elfie's other sister, as well - eighteen-year-old Louette - bookseller, driver, mechanic, teacher, and shorthaired and possibly queer-coded badass. Louette somehow finagled her way into becoming Elfie and Magda's legal guardian, and owner of a red bus from London, that's filled with books in French?! And apparently she's got permits for everything. Yeah, it's best not to think too hard about it - let's enjoy the fun and magic of it all!

'Elfie's Spellbook, Volumes 1 & 2: Elfie's Spellbook and The Song of the Cicadas' - one of the stories, and graphic novels, that make me love the fantasy genre all over again. The passion, care and magic are there!

The first two volumes are pretty slice-of-life/cosy fantasy, but that could change down the line - down the road. I might read the next volumes when they come out in English, or maybe not. Who knows? I do want to see more origami animals! And a deeper exploration of the theme of the magic in stories and storytelling, passed down through generations of powerful and misunderstood women.

But for now, I'll keep and enjoy this unique, nostalgic, imaginative, cute, colourful, clever, hilarious, heartfelt, inspired and inspirational artistic gem.

Magic is real - on paper, sweethearts!

Final Score: 4/5