Cottons: The Secret of the Wind

by Jim Pascoe and Heidi Arnhold

Cottons: The Secret of the Wind is the first graphic novel in a three part series, which takes place in a dystopian world around 500 years after industrialization and the fall of civilization.  The protagonistic group of the story are the rabbits who own a carrot factory, and are trying to rebuild civilization to reflect a more modern sense of time.  All rabbits are expected to work at the factory in order to turn carrots into Cha for energy. Readers will meet several rabbits who are not taken seriously by their elders or peers because of their intense interest in becoming artists, as opposed to working at the factory.  The foxes, who would be considered the antagonistic group of the story, are desperate to take over the factory, so that they can use the Cha for evil. In order to prevent the foxes from breaking the previous agreement and taking over the factory, the rabbits must learn to accept who they are within themselves, as well as where they came from in their past.

Within the first ten pages of Cottons, I was left in awe by the beautifully descriptive illustrations.  I instantly knew this story wasn’t going to be as lighthearted as I originally anticipated because of the fierceness of the animals emotions depicted within the illustrations. The visual literacy skills that are developed by readers while reading this story are beneficial in helping them understand more about visuals in the world around them.  Readers are able to use the illustrations from one panel to the next to help them truly develop a sense of each character’s emotions and personal struggles.

As I was reading, I could picture this story being used in a history class as a parallel for major events that have happened within our own history.  At the conclusion of book one, the author gives the readers a detailed background of each character, as well as the history of the conflicts between the rabbits and foxes.  There were times within the story that this information would have been helpful prior to reading the story. However, given that I am now aware that this information is at the end of the story, I would guide readers in that direction if they seem confused while following the story line.  I would also recommend that readers research the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution in order to gain a better understanding of the setting and relationships between the characters.

Overall, I would recommend this story to readers in upper elementary and beyond.  Given the dystopian nature, complex relationships and underlying themes of self-acceptance and courage, Cottons might be too complex for younger readers to understand.  However, there is no content in this story that would be inappropriate for any age to read.

Cottons: The Secret of the Wind is available to pre-order today or you can purchase it at your local bookstore on July 3, 2018.

I was granted an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.