Winner of the Children's Book of the Year, Neverlanders is a young adult graphic novel book by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Tom Taylor and artist Jon Sommariva. Neverlanders is set in the well-known world of Peter Pan,[1] but serves as a gritty sequel of a found family after the fall of the Lost Boys and Peter.
 | |
| Author | Tom Taylor |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Jon Sommariva |
| Language | English |
| Published | 2022 |
| Publisher | Razorbill/ Penguin |
Publication date | September 20, 2022 |
| ISBN | 9781761049071 |
Content
editThe story of Neverlanders goes beyond the tale of the sole surviving Lost Boy. Neverlanders delves into the world of runaways who find themselves transported to Neverland to experience the chaotic aftermath of Peter Pan's fall. The young people band together with General Tinkerbell and her army of fairies to protect Neverland and their future from the greedy adults of Otherland.
Critical reception
editThe book debuted to positive reviews.
According to Kirkus Reviews, "The fast-paced, adventure-filled storyline forms a well-constructed story that adapts elements from the original world of Peter Pan and includes touches of humor that will keep readers engaged." "The illustrations are bright and expressive, with creatively varied panels that draw readers' eyes. Names and physical appearances highlight a racially diverse cast."[2]
Booklist noted, "Neverlanders reimagines J. M. Barrie's classic Peter Pan in a darker, grittier atmosphere that nonetheless maintains many of the core themes from the original. Taylor and Sommariva inject the classic story with contemporary characters and concerns, and the dynamic, cinematic artwork heightens the high-fantasy feel. Tween fantasy fans will appreciate this engaging ensemble adventure with a solid friendship plot at its heart."[3]
School Library Journal said, "This original take on Peter Pan…brings a new generation into the fold, and the world of the story completely to life with intricate art laced with rich hues of greens and blues. Readers will not want to leave the characters behind in this magical world. Create room on the shelf for this new fantasy graphic novel with roots in the classic, filled with action-packed battles and splendid depictions of a steampunk world. [4]
Awards
editIn 2023, Neverlanders became the first graphic novel to win the prestigious Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers.[5]
Neverlanders also won a Comic Arts Award of Australia in 2023, and was nominated for the Aurealis Award for best illustrated book or graphic novel.[6]
Interviews/articles
editReferences
edit- ^ Greene, Jules Chin (2022-08-03). "Tom Taylor & Jon Sommariva Reimagine Peter Pan In Neverlanders (Exclusive)". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
- ^ "Neverlanders Tom Taylor". Kirkus Reviews. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ "Neverlanders Tom Taylor Jon Sommariva".
- ^ "Neverlanders Review".
- ^ "Think comics aren't books. This Graphic Novel just won book of the year". 18 August 2023.
- ^ aaconvenor (2023-03-09). "2022 Aurealis Awards Shortlist Announcement". Aurealis Awards. Retrieved 2023-04-13.