I am always interested in folktales and exposure to new culture. This was cute and exciting! The illustration pushes boundaries in a fun way - like with spiders spinning webs off the edges of panels. The two sisters in this story are interesting characters, but Bog Myrtle provides the most intrigue. This is a modern folktale that presents commentary on things like environmentalism and being a good person.

What an absolute blast! I read this with my 8-year old and it was such a hit! I personally loved the mixing of nature tale with traditional fairy tale tropes. The illustrations were fantastic. While reading, we laughed out loud at the spiders striking and unionizing, and at the quickness that Beatrice’s sister met her end. Bog Myrtle was scary, silly, and charming, everything you want and more in a fairytale.

Thank you Net Galley for this beautiful ARC!
I loved how the story touches on current, real-life issues like sustainability and nature conservation (especially as someone who works in the field), labor rights and capitalism.
The depictions of all of the characters was well thought out both in the writing and artwork.
The artwork is what initially sparked my interest and it continues to be absolutely beautiful throughout the book.
I already plan on purchasing a copy for a coworker as soon as it is available!

This is not normally a genre I write reviews for but I think I'm missing out. The storyline and the illustrations were so unique and delightful. Thankfully the spider illustrations weren't scary! I enjoyed the dialogue between the characters. But most importantly there were a lot of lessons within this book that can be easily learned and digested. Without any spoilers I will say I laughed out loud when I read Magnolia's last scene. #solidarityforspiders
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delightful book! I went into it with no expectations on the subject matter, but loved reading the author’s note at the beginning about following the long-standing tradition in horror of naming the book after the antagonist. This book left me with the resounding thought “Be a Beatrice, not a Magnolia.”

I adore folktales, and this was a fun addition to the genre for children. I enjoyed the artwork and Bog Myrtle. I think the lessons on environmentalism, labor rights, and kindness. However, I did think the language used for the message on capitalism would go over the intended audiences head. It was more aimed at tweens. I think there are more effective ways to convey those messages for children to understand without having to rely on adults to give long winded explanations. I’m conflicted on how the story wrapped up with the sister Magnolia. It was pretty on par with how classic folktales find a resolution but I think some people might find it unsatisfying. I didn’t have a problem with it though, it gave an edge to the story.

Calling this a modern folktale was a very apt description! It reads just like The Woman Who Swallowed a Fly or The Chicken and the Fox. Delightful! (I will say the bug and rat stuff is kind icky but it fits the dark folklore vibe of the book)

What a creepy book in the best way that teaches a message about greed, stability and substance and nature. Great story.

Hilarious. Weird. Sweet. Beautiful. Fun. I did not expect to like this as much as I did. I found myself not being able to put it down. The art work was just as amazing and weird as the story. I loved everything about it!

This is a lovely graphic novel for kids. This book was so well illustrated, from the forest and the cute little spiders to the patterns of the sweater, everything works so well together. It has been a really long time since I've seen this style of illustration and it just works perfectly here!
"Bog Myrtle" was a perfect story about generosity, empathy, environmental awareness and sustainability. Surprisingly it even touches on topics such as capitalism, greed and workers' rights.

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for giving me access.

What a DELIGHT!

I adore children's books, and a highly illustrated mash-up between a graphic novel and a picture book is right up this school librarian's alley.

However, I was not expecting this to be SO delightful!

I hooted, I hollered, I learned a strong lesson.

Now, if only I could figure out how to join Arachnid Local 175 because "injustice won't fly!"

Thank you to Net Galley and Annick Press Ltd. for the eARC!

"Bog Myrtle: A Forest Tale" is a delightful children's graphic novel brimming with sisterly bonds, humor, and valuable life lessons. Beatrice and Magnolia, two sisters in the woods, embark on a journey that intertwines humor with important themes like labor rights and sustainability.

Beatrice's quest to knit a sweater for her grumpy sister Magnolia forms the heart of the story, complemented by charming character dynamics and vivid artwork. The forest itself becomes a character, exuding personality and love for its inhabitants.

The illustrations capture the enchanting forest and the sisters' cozy yet dreary home, enhancing the storytelling experience. Despite its serious themes, the narrative maintains a lighthearted tone, prompting genuine laughter and smiles from readers.

"Bog Myrtle" stands out for its exploration of significant issues in a digestible manner for young readers. While some may find the lessons obvious, they spark valuable conversations about environmentalism and labor rights.

In sum, "Bog Myrtle: A Forest Tale" entertains, educates, and inspires with its lovable characters, stunning artwork, and thought-provoking themes. It's a book that deserves a cherished spot on every child's bookshelf.

Bog Myrtle is a children's/middle grade graphic novel about two sisters that live in a small house in the woods. Beatrice is a kind sweet girl whereas her sister Magnolia is constantly grumpy and quite rude. In an effort to do something nice for her sister Beatrice journeys out to the forest to find yarn where she meets Bog Myrtle and after returning home problems ensue. This book also touches on themes of labor rights, sustainability, and capitalism.

I absolutely adored this book. The plot was intriguing and the art style was gorgeous. While I was intrigued by the plot I was a bit disappointed by how quickly we moved on from each issue and certain parts of the plot seemed to just work a bit too well although I understand that was most likely due to this being a fairytale-esque children's book. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was incredibly cute and a great read especially if you are looking for a entertaining way to show younger readers about important topics such as capitalism, labor rights, and sustainability. Reading this has made me even more interested in Sharp's other novel so I'm hoping to pick that up sometime this year.

While this is a children's book some younger readers might find a few of the scenes scary but overall I would say that this is a great book for kids.

Thank you to Netgalley and Annick Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another weird and wonderful gem from Sid Sharp, this time introducing concepts like capitalism, ethical use of resources, sustainability, and unions. Really funny way to include all these topics but maybe in a bit of a heavy-handed way. I don't think my daughter will love this one quite as much as The Wolf Suit, perhaps a little more targeted at the adult than the child this time. It is funny though, and I like the little twists at the end of each chapter.

Such a fun graphic novel with some important themes and beautiful artwork. I liked the part where all the spiders revolted and went on strike. I think one of the big lessons of this story is not to take anything or anyone for granted, and not to let greed take over. The cast of characters was amazing, as well. Myrtle and Beatrice are the cutest. Overall, being kind costs nothing. So be kind. <3

cute at first. loved the illustrations. Beatrice is hilarious, I was expecting more folklore, less Lorax
good overall, but not what I wanted at the end. Bog Witch is great, the whole "are you okay?" exchange was a delight

This was a cute fractured fairy tale that touches on capitalism, environmentalism, labor rights, and being a nice person. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fun and fantasy, but especially middle graders, who I think will recognize some of the higher-level themes.

Very cute! I loved the illustrations! Every turn of the page was outstanding! I also loved the dynamic of the two sisters and the spider character! Every touching and thoughtful story.

This was a tough sell for me. I have two young children who I think would be interested by the cover, but I don't think they would be entertained by "eating dead rats" and "pulling legs off of spiders." especially when we're really trying to encourage them to treat all living things kindly. Later in the story, there is more emphasis on this idea, but the creepiness of the bog monster takes away from the message. The bird skull in the forest felt unnecessary, as did the bog monster wanting to turn Beatrice into a fly to eat her. Couldn't she just have a tough outer shell? Why does there have to be a threat involved? Same goes for the scary looking raccoon who attacks the beautiful new sweater Beatrice has made and the "she pulled it out of her butt" line - all seems unnecessary and bizarre. I know that there's a good message hidden in the story when greedy grumpy Magnolia is eventually eaten by Bog Myrtle, but it's all very muddied but the excessive cruelty and rude behavior. I would not recommend this book or read it to my children.

This book is great!
This is a children's picture book about Beatrice who lives in the woods with her sister, Magnolia. It's tagged as a graphic novel, but it is a picture book.
Beatrice is kind and sister is mean. The book is an easy way to start a conversation with youth about workers rights. The illustrations are fun.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review