This kind of graphic "novel" really irks me. It's not a self-contained story, despite what the synopsis might lead you to believe. As far as I can tell, the synopsis describes the whole series, not just this one book. Because what you get in The Great Journey is simply one chapter that ends on a cliffhanger. There are hints about what's going on (I'm guessing Papa Bear is taking Elma home to her people), but aside from a couple of perilous situations, there's really no plot. At least, there's no plot that's satisfactorily explored in this volume. It's simply a setup for the rest of the story.

NetGalley stuck this in the children's category, so I feel I need to mention the illustrations. This book really puts the "graphic" in "graphic novel". At one point, Elma loses her clothes. At first, everything is strategically covered, but then she's drawn... well, completely. I'm not even sure if depicting children's genitalia in drawings is even legal in every country, so that's something to be aware of.

I'm not generally a fan of anthropomorphized animals interacting with humans, but in this case, Papa Bear is so human-like that he's barely a bear. He's protective and growly and snores, but he also carries his belongings around in a shoulder bag and can make fire by striking two rocks together. At the very least, he's smarter than the average bear.

I just can't get excited about what is, essentially, a chapter. Maybe if there had been a little more story here, I would've been sucked in and wanted to keep reading. As it is, though, I wasn't... so I don't.

Devoured this adorable graphic novel and was crushed when I got to the end and did not have the next part of the story. I need more!!! Ended on a cliffhanger and my daughter read over my shoulder and was bummed to not have more right away. Beautiful artwork! I need to own this!

Absolutely beautiful. The art is captivating, the story mysterious and leaves you wanting more. I wouldn't recommend this to young children since there are some delicate moments, but I think teens and everyone older who can appreciate a lovely piece of art will enjoy this little book.
*contains child nudity

I thank Netgalley and Europe Comics for an ARC to read and review.

This graphic novel tells the story of Elma, a young girl raised in the wild by bears until she is seven years old. She is then supposed to journey to a location that Papa Bear will not tell her. They set out and face different obstacles in the wild. However, this volume ends before there is any resolution or even an explanation of where/why they are going. I'd say this needs a bit of plot work.

A sort of Jungle Book redux, with a foundling human girl brought up by a bear, until something happens and they set off on a journey. Unfortunately they never get to the end, for this is the first half of the story, needlessly split into two as is the French way/these publishers insist on doing. It looks alright, but never really grabbed. And only having half a story is worse than having none at times, especially when judging for review purposes.

This was a sweet little comic about a girl raised by a bear. I liked the unique take on a blue bear and a girl with blue hair, that was cute. Elma is a wild little girl and Papa Bear makes a tough decision. Very cute story but you are left with such a cliffhanger.

The art is absolutely beautiful! I love the bluish tones. I love the relationship between Elma & papa bear. It’s just so sweet! It ended so quickly but I really want to know what happens next. I’m interested to see where the next volume goes.

Chabbert's story is super exciting, and the art is captivating. I hadn't realized it was only part one or book one, but I would definitely be interested in the follow-up. It was well written, and I think the graphic novel format suites the storyline. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to fellow parents for their children.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the art style. Plot is good so far although it is difficult to review as really it's not that long and ends rather abruptly, especially for a children's comic. A solid beginning and I would like to know what happens next, so i believe it accomplishes what it probably sets out to do if your an adult. I think a child would lose interest as they would not have enough time to become attached. If you like the synopsis then that is what you get.

Elma: A Bear's Life is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This book is in comic book fashion and the art is great! The story line has some underlying trouble to come. But it doesn't come because it ends in a cliffhanger!!! I hate cliffhangers for adult books but I don't believe a children's book should ever have a cliffhanger! That is not right for a kid! Some parents barely can afford the prices of the books the add a cliffhanger on to it! Pluss, it's just not right! They are too young to do that to. I would have given it a 2 star if it wasn't for the great artwork!

Elma: A Bear’s Life is a lovely visual story. The art has a unique and attractive look, the design is colorful, and the story is quite sweet. Great graphic novel!

A large bear does his best to look after a small rambunctious human. The scenes of them hugging and enjoying sunsets are drawn adorably enough that even people for whom this isn't essentially their home life may also find it very cute.

(Netgalley ARC)

I really enjoy the colors in the artwork here. The story was cute and I really enjoyed the sweet relationship between Elma and Papa Bear; there is a bit of intrigue in it so while I won't be continuing with any sequels I think it ends on an appropriate cliffhanger for a young reader.

Elma: A Bear’s Life is a graphic novel about a bear and his journey with a little girl named Elma. In this volume we don’t find out where their journey is taking them or why. Which left me frustrated, in a good way. I need to know what happens.

I don’t normally read graphic novels and am very selective but this one was beautifully illustrated clearly showing the emotions of bear and Elma. The witty banter between the two was cute and my type of co versatile.

I would definitely follow these two on their journey through a series.