How to Spot a Sasquatch

by J. Torres, Aurélie Grand (Illustrator)

On a camping trip with the Junior Rangers, Jay feels like the odd one out. He’s determined to get a photo of Bigfoot—but none of his friends believe Bigfoot exists. But if there’s no such thing as Bigfoot, why is there a giant footprint? And who is stealing all the snacks?

Meanwhile, Sass the Sasquatch and her curious forest friends are playing practical jokes on the campers. On the last day of camp, disaster strikes when Jay falls into a rushing river. Sass comes out of the woodwork—despite her parents’ warnings to stay away from humans!—just in time to save his life. Soon after, Jay and Sass become fast friends, proving that nothing is impossible when it comes to friendship.

Told in ten short chapters.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Childrens, Fantasy, Adventure, Comics, Humor

64 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2018

About the author

Comic book writer whose credits include the Eisner Award nominated Alison Dare, the YALSA listed Days Like This and Lola: A Ghost Story, as well as Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Love as a Foreign Language and Teen Titans Go, which garnered him a Shuster Award.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I picked this one up as I wasn't overly fond of Torres' other Bigfoot graphic novels, but I'm glad I did. The Sasquatch in this book is a spunky, sassy girl who just wants to have fun. She befriends a young camper who's having trouble fitting in, and hijinks, of course, ensue.

I don't know if this will be a series or not, but I would certainly be willing to tune in again.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun graphic novel for late primary, early junior readers. Jay is positive that Sasquatch is real and he is hoping to get a picture of him/her on this camping trip. No one believes him, but there is so much evidence. I loved the print he found and what it turned out to be. So much whimsy in this cute story. Every time Jay finds a clue, there could be inference or prediction skills brought into play. The illustrations were adorable. I loved how the Sasquatch is portrayed, you could actually bring the idea of adoption in with this story as well. A fun story for kids. A great addition to a family, school, class or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Mortisha Cassavetes · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I must thank Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. I am always a fan of Bigfoot/Sasquatch and I grew up thinking that one lived in the forest of my local National Park so this book was awesomeness! The story follows a group of young campers on a weekend camp out. One of the Junior Rangers is Jay and he is out to get that photo of the Sasquatch. I don't want to go more into the book as not to spoil it but the story line is fun and adventurous. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages and OMG the illustrations are cute and Sassy!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel would be appropriate for any age. It would run the level of a harder beginning chapter book, but not too hard. Jay is going camping and really wants to see a Sasquatch. But everyone keeps telling him they are not real. Maybe they are right, but maybe they are wrong. This was just a fun little graphic novel for the kid in us all.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and sassy graphic novel for middle grades. I liked looking at the traditional story of "Searching for a mystical creature in the woods" from different and unusual perspectives. The sasquatch is a girl, and much of the book is told from her point of view. Tons of fun details that adults and kids will enjoy. Nice that the book features a diverse "cast."

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable graphic novel about a camper's quest to see a Sasquatch -- and, finally, we get the Sasquatch's perspective on some things!

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute graphic novel about a kid who gets teased for believing in Sasquatch.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

super cute and short

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'How to Spot a Sasquatch' by J. Torres with art by Aurelie Grand is a story about a young boy obsessed with finding an elusive creature, and the elusive creature that wants to avoid being found.

A group of Junior Rangers is on a camping trip, and Jay is determined to get a photo of Bigfoot. His friends make fun of him for it, but Jay may be on to something. Nearby, a sasquatch named Sass, gathers her animal friends to help her remain hidden, and play tricks on Jay. When the Junior Rangers leave their campfire unattended, the animals come to put it out. When Jay leaves his camera on a tripod unattended, Sass can't help but play with it and accidentally take a picture. When Jay is in real trouble, Sass decides to do the unthinkable.

I really liked this graphic novel with it's sweet story and illustrations. Sass and Jay seem destined to be friends (and hopefully have further adventures). This would be a fun one for young readers.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Owlkids Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[Amy Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Spot a Sasquatch
Awards: none
Grade Level: K-4
Original Summary: A young boy goes on a camping trip and always feels like the odd kid out. He does believe there is a “bigfoot” and wants to get a picture of one, but no one believes him. Until the last day of camp when he gets saved by Sass, and they become friends.
Original Review: This is a cute graphic novel that will keep young student’s attention with the colorful pictures and active storyline. Students will see themselves in the struggle between “friends” and then the resulting friendship between the young boy and the Sasquatch.
Classroom Uses: This book can be used in a Fairy Tale/Folklore lesson and be read to a younger class because students love to hear about bigfoot. It can also be a great book for older readers for independent reading. It has diversity in its characters and shows how friendships can be made between even the most unusual of pairings.

[Lizz (literary_lizard) · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Spot a Sasquatch is about a young camper, Jay, who is determined to prove that Sasquatches are real. While out in the woods, he endures the ridicule of fellow campers to prove that Sasquatches do exist! He brings snacks to lure one in, and has his camera ready. If he's lucky and a Sasquatch does come along, he's ready to snap a photo and prove to the world that he's right.

This story is wonderful, and shows how adamant children can be when it comes to achieving their goals. It's the perfect graphic novel for children, and readers of any age, to read in the summer, as it perfectly captures the spirit of a wild summertime adventure. It's full of friendships, adorable forest critters, and of course, the elusive Sasquatch.

Thank you to the publisher for a free e-copy of this book via Net Galley.

[JL Salty · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: g - no profanity, sex or violence
recommend: gn readers 3rd - 6th

cute little story, felt like it was about nothing - EXCEPT maybe the determination to continue chasing your dreams and your own ideas. Not a lot of friendship or support.
There was a little ... snarkiness? from the other kids, as well as from the counselor / ranger character. Lots of cell phone use for kids that seem young for that.
And there is a scene where they leave the fire burning while they go fishing (discovered and extinguished by Sasquatch) - I do NOT know why, but I was nearly offended by that scene. It WAS a teaching moment, but... oof. Living the hyper-ignitable West, I'm a little sensitive to that behavior, I guess. *shrug
a bit of a meh for me.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Spot a Sasquatch by J. Torres
Illustrated by: Aurélie Grand
Publisher: Owlkids Books
ISBN: 9781771472777
Publish Date: May 15, 2018

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Owlkids Books for the ebook ARC of How to Spot a Sasquatch by J. Torres and illustrator Aurélie Grand.

Jay is determined to get a photo of a Bigfoot on his camping trip with the Junior Rangers. None of his friends believe in Bigfoot. But why, is there a giant footprint and who is stealing all of the snacks?

I give this book a rating of 4 stars. It was well written and had cute illustrations. This graphic novel would be good for all ages!

#HowToSpotASasquatch #NetGalley

[Ashley Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. The appropriate grade level for this book is Kindergarten through 4th grade.
2. This book is about a boy who goes on a camping trip and is determined to find Sasquatch. None of his friends believe him that Sasquatch is real, but he has his own personal story to tell. Sasquatch saves his life and they develop their own friendship.
3. This book is a great tool to use for younger children to explain mythical creatures. The pictures are great and can be used as a picture walk so students do not have to read every word. It is also a story that children will be able to connect to their own personal experiences if they have been in the wilderness.
4. One way to use this book in a classroom is to integrate into a classroom that is doing a camping theme. Students can create their own picture depicting a mythical creature that lives in the woods, name their creature and write its name and explain to the class how they would catch it.

[Avery A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Picture Book - Graphic Novel
Awards: none
Audience: ages 7-11
A. How to Spot a Sasquatch is a story written and illustrated in the style of a comic, split up into square or rectangular panel sections.
B. Aurelie Grand's vibrant and clean illustrations consist of thin lines that allow the story to be easily read and followed along by young readers.
C. I would use this graphic novel as a one-on-one story time book with a child who may not be really interested or skilled in reading to help promote reading development.
D. What did Jay give Sass at the end of the story? His binoculars.

[Tatym Medina-Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little graphic novel that is all about getting a photo of Bigfoot. I liked this book for myself, but I do not think it would be a good one really to read in class simply due to the fact that it is a longer graphic novel. This is something that I could see using as a tool to get a kid (likely a boy) who doesn't enjoy reading into books. The illustrations are good and there is a diverse set of characters.

[Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

“How to Spot a Sasquatch” is a graphic novel about a group of campers, one of whom is determined to find a Sasquatch. Think along the lines of “Lumberjanes”, but much milder. The illustrations are basic and the story is alright. I didn’t feel it brought anything special, but was a fun read nonetheless. It’s a good book to introduce kids to graphic novels.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super appealing short graphic novel about Jay, a boy who is convinced there is a sasquatch in the
woods, and Sass - the bigfoot who loves to spy in humans. A sweet fast read good for girls and boys in grades 3-5. Give to fans of Babymouse, Squish, Ariol, or Bake Sale.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Graphic Novel in the children's section of the Library. It does a fun job of integrating new technology with old technology and creating an empathetic example of respect while tickling our funny bones. I will book talk this to some 2nd graders who I think will enjoy this read.

[Cleyton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun graphic novel. I think this book really captures how kids interact and play with each other and it almost felt nostalgic watching the kids explore. The illustrations were alright but definitely not bad.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

We LOVE graphic novels, and this one was SO great.
Perfect for early readers- grade 2-3- this story is so sweet. We loved the sasquatch character-Sass- and the little misadventures that happen along the way.

Great illustrations, and really fun characters.

[Carol Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally adorable! I appreciated the playfulness in both writing and illustration. (Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley)

[The Book Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Turrean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly, but enjoyable.

[Quintina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous graphic novel about a young boy and a sasquatch who's paths cross in the woods.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, cute, with a touch of wisdom, I think this is a great book for middle-grade readers. If I had a middle-grader to give a copy to, I would.

[Gia Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet little book about friendship.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story of Sasquatch. Good for younger readers. Fun because Sasquatch is a girl! With a lot of sass

[Christine Hwang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Novel

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute take on the Bigfoot lore, from a believing young camper and Sass herself. Comic relief from the woodland creatures. Nice look at 2 sides of a story.