This graphic novel is ADORABLE. I was smiling the whole way through, it's such a fun read, despite the deeper topics mentioned, and both characters were loveable.

The topics brought up in this book were definitely on the deeper side, and while it's clear the author did their research, it was kind of brought up abruptly. There's literally a scene where we blatantly see one of the character's self-harm scars, and I just don't think that was the best way to start that conversation. Similarly, I must admit the pacing in this book is awful. They're friends after a single day, which yes is refreshing to see but not very realistic. Also, the romantic aspects of this book just come out of nowhere, and then suddenly they're boyfriends? When we didn't even see them have that discussion?

With all of that said, I read this book in one sitting and had the best time with it. The art is gorgeous, and I loved seeing how these two boys really connected. There were some really sweet moments in this book, and I felt like I knew both characters pretty well despite the lack of background on them. I think this story would have worked a lot better as a written book because we would have gotten a lot more detail both on the characters, the side characters, and their main dynamic.

Cuckoos Three is a beautiful queer story that discusses mental health, particularly topics such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D), self harm, anxiety, and depression.

I recommend this read for anyone who loves Heartstopper. Imagine Heartstopper where the boys were neighbours, Nick aspired to be a vet, and if Charlie was homeschooled and wanted to be an artist. As a single volume, Cuckoos Three progresses much quicker than Heartstopper. Jean and Mosskat use this story to explore the relationship between two young boys, ones experiences with D.I.D., and the importance of acceptance and friendship in your teens. I’m also in love with how much the character Murray loves animals. Oswald and Cindy are both the cutest additions to the story as well.

Also massive props to the authors for being honest in the ‘Extras’ section at the end of the book stating that the depiction of the mental illness in the story was formed after collecting extensive research and conversations with those who have D.I.D. I appreciated the honesty and how they approached the topic. I can’t speak from first hand experience either, but I thought it was beautifully handled in the story.

In short, I will always, ALWAYS drop what I’m reading to pick up something illustrated by Cassandra Jean. I am in love with their art style and am beyond thankful that I was given an arc to review 😍 This is an extremely easy recommendation from me. Pick this up, please. It is beyond beautifully illustration, but also just a heartfelt story as well.

Thank you Netgalley and Yen Press for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC!

I loved Murry and Jacob, they were literally the golden retriever and black cat trope! Also the art was amazing! The story was sweet and heartfelt and I will definitely make all my friends read it!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is a short and sweet graphic novel about 2 very different boys who fall in love with a small town country backdrop. I’m not going to get into the mental illness parts of it, but I feel like it was done respectfully with my limited knowledge.

This was very sweet and I really loved Murry and Jacob. Murry is the perfect golden retriever boyfriend and he was ready to try to understand and defend Jacob without any question and help in when he was in a bad mental state. A true ride or die. And Jacob was so ready to support all of Murry’s dreams. The scene with the dog. Omg how adorable!

The whole insta-love plot might not be everyone’s cup of tea I’m sure, but they did have chemistry the whole time. I wish there was more to story where we get into their lives before meeting each other. I would definitely buy this for myself to read again later.

I have loved the style and art of Cassandra Jean for so long. *Cassandra Clare TMI flashbacks*

This story was so sweet and heartfelt, especially with the growth and dynamic between Murry & Jacob. I adore them and how they helped each other feel good about themselves.
I do not have D.I.D., but from what I can tell, this book is respectful.

THIS IS THE CUTEST BOOK EVER!!!! PERIOD!!!! The story follows Murry Summerfield, the embodiment of a golden retriever. He's a farmer, football player, and dreams about becoming a vet. Then he meets Jacob Durris, the very embodiment of a black cat. Jacob is new in town and has just come from the city, he's an artist and is homeschooled. Jacob is shy, reserved, and has his own secrets. Yet the more time Murry and Jacob spend together the more they begin to fall for one another. This was one of the sweetest and most adorable countryside love stories with such a sweet and adorable couple. I seriously need an entire series of their relationship and life together because I just can't get enough of them!!

*Thanks Netgalley and Yen Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

🎨 Book Review 🎨
• Name: Cuckoos Three
• Genre: slice of life graphic novel
• Rating: 4.25 ⭐️
• Release Date: 8/21/23
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🎨 Thoughts 🎨
Omg Oswald and Cindy is so cute!!!!! I love the cute animals in this graphic novel and the art style is also cute which I enjoyed! Before proceeding into this graphic novel, there is some TW such as self harm (mentioned), dissociative identity disorder, trauma, etc. Murry the Golden retriever MC and Jacob the black cat ML is so cute and I love how protective Murry is of Jacob and wants to understand Jacob and help him feel comfortable. The mental illness rep is done really well in this graphic novel and at the end, Jacob provides a summary about D.I.D. I wish the graphic novel was a bit longerrrrr but it was really good! Also it's in full color!!
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🎨 Appreciation 🎨
Thank you Netgalley, Yen Press, Cassandra Jean, and Mosskat for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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🎨 Tags 🎨
#cuckoosthree #cassandrajean #mosskat #mangarecommendation #booksta #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booktok #lgbtqmanga #yenpress #yenpressmanga #romancemanga #lgbtqMangaRecommendation #mentalillnessrep