I had seen Penelope’s Escape from the Platypusary by Arianna Irwin in various places (emails, catalogs, an online reader copy). One day there was a “sign up for getting copies of these reader copies” so I did. And I was lucky enough to receive several of them, with this one being an email with an attachment to a full copy of the graphic novel (granted I was hoping for a physical copy). Yet, I almost decided not to read when I learned it was “based on a true story.” I was not in the mood for a non-fiction story shaped into a fictionalized assumption of what happened since the character was a platypus. Animals stories told from a POV of the animal if “true” can be off putting. But unless the right tone and pacing is gotten when the narrator tells the story can also be off to read. However, I saw it was less than 200 pages, I needed a short read, figured I could always give it up if it didn’t work out and I started and finished the same day.
Now, no it was not WOW BEST BOOK EVER but there was something about it that really captured my attention. It is completely fiction, just the names and the fact there was a platypus at this zoo are true, but the theme was much more than just a “silly escape story, yeah for her!” Nope, our platypus gal is BADA$$! She has the claws, the attitude and she represents women’s rights, empowerment and body autonomy. Because our gal does not take crap, the book contains violence, blood, and mature themes involving mating, force, and control. Therefore the author also included blood, death and betrayal.
By taking a real platypus escape from the Bronx Zoo in the 1950s and turning it into a Redwall meets Warriors meets… I don’t know! I just kept thinking it had a lot of similarities to other works and simultaneously has its own category as well. You get something pretty unique, familiar and its own thing all at once. The cover gives you an idea of the lightness, bold colors and simplicity to the details of the illustrations but there is more to them as well. Still, they are the background and support the characters and they do get the job done. Prenzy is an interesting illustrator.
Now, the recommended ages of this book are giving me some issues. A 10 to 14 year old could easily read it. In the end, honestly they have probably seen worse on the news or aimed at kids movies and/or cartoon shows. Yet, I would not feel comfortable giving it to anyone under 12. The themes are mature, but they are not shown (except there are fights that show cuts and blood), but there is no question what is happening or wants to happen. Just know your own personal and child/teen readers comfort level.
It is now available in finished format.
