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Between Snow and Wolf
What secret is hidden in the heart of the forest? Lila lives with her father on a snowy island. From a young age, he has protected her from a curse and a demon. One day when he is away for a longer period of time, Lila imagines him already a prisoner and decides to go looking for him. She then discovers a forest asleep under the snow, populated by enigmatic spirits and a white wolf.
Inspired by classic Japanese fairy tales, BETWEEN SNOW AND WOLF is a tale for young girls who seem to grow up too fast (in the eyes of their parents). Braving the world and facing your fears are lessons that never grow old. Mixing humor and drama in a lushly illustrated presentation, this book embraces the influence of Hayao Miyazaki, not just in its "kawaii" cute character design, but in the magical settings the character finds herself in.
Written by Agnes Domergue, a professional musician well known for her published volumes of haiku, this book has the lyrical qualities of a poem.
Inspired by classic Japanese fairy tales, BETWEEN SNOW AND WOLF is a tale for young girls who seem to grow up too fast (in the eyes of their parents). Braving the world and facing your fears are lessons that never grow old. Mixing humor and drama in a lushly illustrated presentation, this book embraces the influence of Hayao Miyazaki, not just in its "kawaii" cute character design, but in the magical settings the character finds herself in.
Written by Agnes Domergue, a professional musician well known for her published volumes of haiku, this book has the lyrical qualities of a poem.
88 pages, Hardcover
Published November 16, 2021
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 23, 2021
In a Nutshell: An interesting graphic novel (perhaps, “bande dessinée” would be more accurate as it was originally written in French) with a brave young protagonist facing her fears and determined to find out the truth.
Story:
This is a story supposedly inspired by classic Japanese fairy tales. But as my knowledge of Japanese fairy tales is zero, I have no idea of the original story. This, however, didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The book begins slowly and there are many panels with just illustrations and no speech. But once the action begins, the momentum really picks up and the story starts to become appealing. Lila’s thoughts on promises including a risk of lying are nicely woven into the storyline.
I had mixed feelings about the characters in the story. Lila is a brave young girl and her character shows resolve and courage very well. She is also caring and respectful. Unfortunately, neither of her parents behaves like a good role model and I found it tough to connect with either of them. Both just come out as selfish and short-sighted. The animals bring in the required touch of humour and light relief. The frogs especially are a hoot, with Moshi being the obedient rule-follower and Mochi, the rebel who questions everything. There are also some interesting guardian spirits who speak in poems or haikus. As the author Agnes Domergue is a professional musician well known for her published volumes of haiku, this shouldn’t come as a surprise and works very well in adding to the lyrical quality of the story.
The best part of this bande dessinée is its artwork. While the story is good, the illustrations truly steal the show. The blizzard, the animals, the spring time, the characters… every single part of the panel is drawn with such beauty that you can help focus more on the drawings than on simply surging ahead with the tale. The font was a mix of plain sans-serif (for most panels) and cursive/running font, which wasn’t quite so legible.
Overall, this is a riveting graphic novel with a fair mix of fun and drama, and with enthralling artwork. Studio Ghibli fans will certainly enjoy it. But I’d recommend it to all who want to give a try to a Japanese fairy tale full of magic and kawaii-style cuteness.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Diamond Book Distributors, Magnetic Press, and NetGalley for the ARC of “Between Snow and Wolf”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Little Lila has always lived with her father on a snowy island. She’s afraid of the snow, and she’s afraid of a demon who is supposed to be dwelling in the heart of the island. To keep her protected, her father doesn’t allow her to venture out of the house. Lila spends her time pursuing her hobbies and chatting with her talking animal companions – the frogs Mochi and Moshi, and the cat Bamboo. When her dad doesn’t return home after a fishing expedition, she confronts her fears and ventures into the forest to look for him. Thus she discovers more about the forest, what with guardian spirits and a giant white wolf and many hidden secrets that reveal more about her, her parents, and the island itself.
This is a story supposedly inspired by classic Japanese fairy tales. But as my knowledge of Japanese fairy tales is zero, I have no idea of the original story. This, however, didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The book begins slowly and there are many panels with just illustrations and no speech. But once the action begins, the momentum really picks up and the story starts to become appealing. Lila’s thoughts on promises including a risk of lying are nicely woven into the storyline.
I had mixed feelings about the characters in the story. Lila is a brave young girl and her character shows resolve and courage very well. She is also caring and respectful. Unfortunately, neither of her parents behaves like a good role model and I found it tough to connect with either of them. Both just come out as selfish and short-sighted. The animals bring in the required touch of humour and light relief. The frogs especially are a hoot, with Moshi being the obedient rule-follower and Mochi, the rebel who questions everything. There are also some interesting guardian spirits who speak in poems or haikus. As the author Agnes Domergue is a professional musician well known for her published volumes of haiku, this shouldn’t come as a surprise and works very well in adding to the lyrical quality of the story.
The best part of this bande dessinée is its artwork. While the story is good, the illustrations truly steal the show. The blizzard, the animals, the spring time, the characters… every single part of the panel is drawn with such beauty that you can help focus more on the drawings than on simply surging ahead with the tale. The font was a mix of plain sans-serif (for most panels) and cursive/running font, which wasn’t quite so legible.
Overall, this is a riveting graphic novel with a fair mix of fun and drama, and with enthralling artwork. Studio Ghibli fans will certainly enjoy it. But I’d recommend it to all who want to give a try to a Japanese fairy tale full of magic and kawaii-style cuteness.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Diamond Book Distributors, Magnetic Press, and NetGalley for the ARC of “Between Snow and Wolf”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
October 13, 2021
Lila has lived with her father in the centre of a snow storm for as long as she can remember. She fears the blizzard outside but forces herself into it when her father fails to return home. She is determined to save him, despite her fears, but finds much more to love and appreciate than there is to hide from, as she venture outdoors.
This is a graphic novel for Studio Ghibli fans. I fell head-over-heels in love with the gorgeous art-style, the pastel colour palette, the natural setting, and the magical storyline.
Lila was a gentle angel who must be protected at all costs. She was fearless and feisty when she needed to be, yet also had a kind heart, cared for all the creatures surrounding her, and remained forever in awe of the natural world. Basically, she is the perfect heroine for this cottagecore-style storyline to feature.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Agnes Domergue, the illustrator, Hélène Canac, and the publisher, Magnetic Press, for this opportunity.
This is a graphic novel for Studio Ghibli fans. I fell head-over-heels in love with the gorgeous art-style, the pastel colour palette, the natural setting, and the magical storyline.
Lila was a gentle angel who must be protected at all costs. She was fearless and feisty when she needed to be, yet also had a kind heart, cared for all the creatures surrounding her, and remained forever in awe of the natural world. Basically, she is the perfect heroine for this cottagecore-style storyline to feature.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Agnes Domergue, the illustrator, Hélène Canac, and the publisher, Magnetic Press, for this opportunity.
November 26, 2021
A story about a little girl who goes searching for her father when he doesn't come home one night. She eventually meets her mother. The story is based on Japanese mythology and honestly isn't that well written. The art though is gorgeous, particularly the colors.
December 14, 2019
Un univers original et des dessins absolument magnifiques pour une bd toute douce et poétique !
October 15, 2021
This was a slow moving fairy tale. Very lovely, but if you don't want to have a lot of beautiful pictures and want the story to hurry up, this is not the book for you.
Based loosely on Japanese mythology, this is the story of a man who marries a mysterious woman who does not want him to leave her island, but he tries to, and so makes the snow remain year round and disappears. That is the world that Lila lives in, but she doesn't understand. And so, when her father is late, from fishing, she goes off in search of him, exploring the island more than she ever has, and finding things that he has never told her about.
Lovely to look at, but a bit too slow moving for my tastes.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book avialable for an honest review.
Based loosely on Japanese mythology, this is the story of a man who marries a mysterious woman who does not want him to leave her island, but he tries to, and so makes the snow remain year round and disappears. That is the world that Lila lives in, but she doesn't understand. And so, when her father is late, from fishing, she goes off in search of him, exploring the island more than she ever has, and finding things that he has never told her about.
Lovely to look at, but a bit too slow moving for my tastes.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book avialable for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
A magical little girl is unable to leave a mysterious island where it is always winter. Together with some animal pals, she sets out to find her missing father, but discovers far more than her wayward papa. The illustrations are stunningly beautiful, and the real star of the show here.
Thanks to NetGalley and Magnetic Press for a look at this lovely book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Magnetic Press for a look at this lovely book.
January 13, 2022
Cette bd était une réelle bouffée d’air frais, très naturelle et adorable ! Ça m’a un peu fait penser à blanche neige, dans l’ambiance et le caractère de Lila, j’ai beaucoup aimé 🥰
December 19, 2024
Les images sont trop belles 😍
October 20, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
This is a really hard book for me to review. The art is phenomenal. The art alone deserves 5 stars. The story has some issues.
Lila loves on an island that is trapped in eternal winter. Her dad claims to protect her from a demon and a curse. One day he is gone longer than he should be, so Lila ventures out of her home in search of him.
This is advertised as being influenced by Studio Ghibli, and for most of the story I would say that that is a fitting description. The story is loosely based on Japanese mythology and I enjoyed it up until the end.
I have issues with the father and the actions he took. I also don’t think the negative actions where adequately addressed. I was going to buy a copy to read to my daughter, but decided against it.
Do not read any further unless you are okay with spoilers.
The dad broke his promise to the mom and tried to leave the island with Lila. He so traumatized Lila’s mother, the winter demon, she became trapped in eternal winter until Lila breaks the curse. The dad is horrible in my eyes. He caused all the pain to the island, the mom, and daughter. Yet, he gets away with it. There is some girl power elements, but I feel as though he should have faced some repercussions. I don’t want to teach my daughter that men can break promises and do what they want and not any personal consequences. He want punished, nor even vilified. What he did was wrong. The story makes a point of saying how important it is not to break a promise, yet, he just skips away. It just felt off. There are a lot of crimes against women that barley get punished and it’s the women who face the trauma and I don’t want a children’s story reinforcing that trend. Some people may think I’m being too harsh. But, am I really? Aren’t we all shaped by the stories we learn?
This is a really hard book for me to review. The art is phenomenal. The art alone deserves 5 stars. The story has some issues.
Lila loves on an island that is trapped in eternal winter. Her dad claims to protect her from a demon and a curse. One day he is gone longer than he should be, so Lila ventures out of her home in search of him.
This is advertised as being influenced by Studio Ghibli, and for most of the story I would say that that is a fitting description. The story is loosely based on Japanese mythology and I enjoyed it up until the end.
I have issues with the father and the actions he took. I also don’t think the negative actions where adequately addressed. I was going to buy a copy to read to my daughter, but decided against it.
Do not read any further unless you are okay with spoilers.
The dad broke his promise to the mom and tried to leave the island with Lila. He so traumatized Lila’s mother, the winter demon, she became trapped in eternal winter until Lila breaks the curse. The dad is horrible in my eyes. He caused all the pain to the island, the mom, and daughter. Yet, he gets away with it. There is some girl power elements, but I feel as though he should have faced some repercussions. I don’t want to teach my daughter that men can break promises and do what they want and not any personal consequences. He want punished, nor even vilified. What he did was wrong. The story makes a point of saying how important it is not to break a promise, yet, he just skips away. It just felt off. There are a lot of crimes against women that barley get punished and it’s the women who face the trauma and I don’t want a children’s story reinforcing that trend. Some people may think I’m being too harsh. But, am I really? Aren’t we all shaped by the stories we learn?
December 15, 2019
« Rire aux éclats du soleil. Ou pleurer des rivières. »
January 1, 2020
Le dessin est vraiment très beau mais je n'ai pas été aussi sensible par l'histoire que je m'y attendais.
November 3, 2021
Thank you Diamond Book Dist. For the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!
I cannot tell you how much I adore Japanese style graphic novels. Their imagery is always stunning and the characters young and old offer so much in persona and lessons. Between Snow and Wolf is no different. The beautiful illustrations tell a story of a young girl born of man and demon and her journey to find herself and her purpose. That’s not all though. It’s fast paced look at how the young grow up fast, rushing into the world and the different challenges along the way.
The daughter and father dynamic was beautiful and hinted at familial separation. What I loved most was the focus on promises and how they risk lying when given. The focus on the power of a promise was richly woven into this tale.
There are few areas that were a little choppy and some of the content seems written for younger readers but that didn’t hinder me from whisking through this one. Stunning art, well crafted storyline and adorable characters you can’t help but adore. I absolutely recommend this to readers who love Japanese fairy tales!
I cannot tell you how much I adore Japanese style graphic novels. Their imagery is always stunning and the characters young and old offer so much in persona and lessons. Between Snow and Wolf is no different. The beautiful illustrations tell a story of a young girl born of man and demon and her journey to find herself and her purpose. That’s not all though. It’s fast paced look at how the young grow up fast, rushing into the world and the different challenges along the way.
The daughter and father dynamic was beautiful and hinted at familial separation. What I loved most was the focus on promises and how they risk lying when given. The focus on the power of a promise was richly woven into this tale.
There are few areas that were a little choppy and some of the content seems written for younger readers but that didn’t hinder me from whisking through this one. Stunning art, well crafted storyline and adorable characters you can’t help but adore. I absolutely recommend this to readers who love Japanese fairy tales!
June 1, 2021
Les illustrations sont super jolies mais j'ai rien compris à l'histoire 😬
December 19, 2019
Sublime, plein de beauté, de douceur et de poésie!
November 30, 2022
Super bien illustré, mais il manquait un petit quelque chose à l’histoire, je trouve!
September 20, 2023
un coup de crayon vraiment sublime, accompagné d’une palette de couleur apaisante.
j’ai adoré découvrir l’histoire de Lila, cette enfant qui vit sur une île avec son père, où l’hiver règne. interdite de sortir de chez elle à cause d’une malédiction, elle part tout de même à la recherche de son papa qui n’est pas revenu de la pêche. accompagnée de ces animaux de compagnons (deux grenouilles et un chat), elle découvre que cette île cache bien des secrets et qu’elle est peut être la réponse à de nombreuses questions.
un récit poétique, que ce soit par les dessins ou l’histoire, empli de jolis messages mais aussi d’humour.
j’ai été attendrie par Lila et son passé et j’aurai d’ailleurs bien aimé qu’il y ai quelques pages en plus !
bref une BD parfaite à lire à la fin de l’hiver, quand le printemps pointe le bout de son nez 💐
j’ai adoré découvrir l’histoire de Lila, cette enfant qui vit sur une île avec son père, où l’hiver règne. interdite de sortir de chez elle à cause d’une malédiction, elle part tout de même à la recherche de son papa qui n’est pas revenu de la pêche. accompagnée de ces animaux de compagnons (deux grenouilles et un chat), elle découvre que cette île cache bien des secrets et qu’elle est peut être la réponse à de nombreuses questions.
un récit poétique, que ce soit par les dessins ou l’histoire, empli de jolis messages mais aussi d’humour.
j’ai été attendrie par Lila et son passé et j’aurai d’ailleurs bien aimé qu’il y ai quelques pages en plus !
bref une BD parfaite à lire à la fin de l’hiver, quand le printemps pointe le bout de son nez 💐
December 17, 2022
De magnifiques dessins pour une histoire si poétique !
Cette bd est l’essence même de l’hiver. Les teintes sont incroyables et le trait si doux. On plonge dans cette histoire comme dans un cocon moelleux qui nous réconforte. Malgré le froid qui règne dans le décor, on ressent une certaine chaleur consolante. Le parcours de Lila était si agréable à suivre, surtout avec ses compagnons de fortune tout à fait adorables !
Cette bd est l’essence même de l’hiver. Les teintes sont incroyables et le trait si doux. On plonge dans cette histoire comme dans un cocon moelleux qui nous réconforte. Malgré le froid qui règne dans le décor, on ressent une certaine chaleur consolante. Le parcours de Lila était si agréable à suivre, surtout avec ses compagnons de fortune tout à fait adorables !
January 10, 2021
Je suis tombé sous le charme des dessins qui sont d'une douceur incroyable. L'histoire est parfaite pour cette saison hivernale, qui promet une renaissance de la nature après la neige de l'hiver. L'histoire m'a fait pensé à un conte, ce qui m'a charmé, ainsi que le poème.
June 22, 2022
Les illustrations sont tellement belles et douces.
J’ai adoré l’histoire et le poème de Neige.
J’ai adoré l’histoire et le poème de Neige.
November 14, 2024
C u t e !!
Et magnifique en plus de ça
Et magnifique en plus de ça
October 26, 2024
Une BD vraiment magnifique et poétique, j'ai été prise par l'histoire ! Les dessins sont incroyables ! J'ai juste été un peu frustrée par la fin, un peu trop rapide à mon goût, mais ça reste un très beau récit
February 27, 2025
3.5
Les dessins sont magnifiques.
L'histoire est belle mais je ne l'ai pas trouvée fluide.
Agréable lecture.
Les dessins sont magnifiques.
L'histoire est belle mais je ne l'ai pas trouvée fluide.
Agréable lecture.
March 17, 2023
STUNNING illustrations.. just wow 🥰
January 13, 2024
Très belle histoire
June 7, 2024
Très kiki cette bd
March 6, 2021
Entre neige et loup nous a été conseillé par notre libraire. Il s’agit d’un conte en bande dessinée inspiré par la nature et l’alternance des saisons. Il intègre des références japonaise en faisant intervenir les esprits de la nature que que sont les yōkai qui parlent en haïku. L’héroïne est une petite fille, Lila, qui va devoir quitter sa maison pour se lancer dans l’aventure. Il faut parfois sortir de sa zone de confort pour faire des découvertes dont certaines pourraient changer le cours d’une vie.
Cette BD nous a beaucoup rappelé le premier tome d’ Eli et Gaston dans lequel une petite fille, Eli, accompagnée de son animal de compagnie, le chat Gaston, s’aventurait dans la forêt à la rencontre de l’esprit de l’automne – ici on est plutôt en hiver sous la neige. Ça me fait penser que nous avons oublié de dire que Lila ne part pas seule à l’aventure, elle est elle également accompagnée d’un chat –pour une fois que ces paresseux mettent le nez dehors – mais aussi de deux grenouilles.
Ici il y a un côté plus poétique dans l’histoire mais aussi dans les dessins qui sont plus doux et simplement embellis par des couleurs pastel, cette belle harmonie est préservée par une concision dans les dialogues – si l’on oublie les bavardages des grenouilles. A priori il s’agit d’un one-shot, dommage car nous avons passé un bon moment.
Également publié sur mon blog.
Cette BD nous a beaucoup rappelé le premier tome d’ Eli et Gaston dans lequel une petite fille, Eli, accompagnée de son animal de compagnie, le chat Gaston, s’aventurait dans la forêt à la rencontre de l’esprit de l’automne – ici on est plutôt en hiver sous la neige. Ça me fait penser que nous avons oublié de dire que Lila ne part pas seule à l’aventure, elle est elle également accompagnée d’un chat –pour une fois que ces paresseux mettent le nez dehors – mais aussi de deux grenouilles.
Ici il y a un côté plus poétique dans l’histoire mais aussi dans les dessins qui sont plus doux et simplement embellis par des couleurs pastel, cette belle harmonie est préservée par une concision dans les dialogues – si l’on oublie les bavardages des grenouilles. A priori il s’agit d’un one-shot, dommage car nous avons passé un bon moment.
Également publié sur mon blog.
October 15, 2022
Un conte magnifique et très mignon, si beau et doux que j’en ai pleuré.
J’ai tout aimé : les dessins, les couleurs, les personnages, les décors, Lila et ses compagnons animaux, les allusions aux mythes japonais… C’est un conte initiatique qui se lit vite et bien, c’est très agréable, j’ai adoré !
J’ai tout aimé : les dessins, les couleurs, les personnages, les décors, Lila et ses compagnons animaux, les allusions aux mythes japonais… C’est un conte initiatique qui se lit vite et bien, c’est très agréable, j’ai adoré !
March 5, 2021
J'avais découvert cette BD par le biais d'une chronique, et sa couverture me faisait tellement envie ! L'avis m'a encouragée, et plus d'un an plus tard, j'ai enfin mis la main sur cette BD.
Et... j'avoue que je suis un peu déçue. Je m'attendais à une œuvre de l'acabit des Fleurs de Grand-Frère : de beaux dessins, une histoire douce et pleine d'émotions.
Les dessins sont en effet magnifiques, que ce soient ceux de l'hiver et du printemps. Ces couleurs ! C'est absolument sublime.
Mais côté histoire... tout s'enchaine un peu vite dans cette aventure. Et c'est vrai que d'ordinaire, j'aime les rythmes rapides, les histoires qui avancent. Mais dans une œuvre aux dessins si doux, c'est dommage de ne pas prendre davantage le temps.
Et la fin a été... frustrante. J'ai accumulé beaucoup de ressentiment pour le père au cours du récit, et ce dès le début, alors qu'il fait de fausses promesses à sa fille, l'enferme, continue de lui mentir... C'est de l'abus, et régler ça avec des excuses et un câlin est juste décevant.
Ça reste une histoire sympathique, avec des dessins juste merveilleux !!
Et... j'avoue que je suis un peu déçue. Je m'attendais à une œuvre de l'acabit des Fleurs de Grand-Frère : de beaux dessins, une histoire douce et pleine d'émotions.
Les dessins sont en effet magnifiques, que ce soient ceux de l'hiver et du printemps. Ces couleurs ! C'est absolument sublime.
Mais côté histoire... tout s'enchaine un peu vite dans cette aventure. Et c'est vrai que d'ordinaire, j'aime les rythmes rapides, les histoires qui avancent. Mais dans une œuvre aux dessins si doux, c'est dommage de ne pas prendre davantage le temps.
Et la fin a été... frustrante. J'ai accumulé beaucoup de ressentiment pour le père au cours du récit, et ce dès le début, alors qu'il fait de fausses promesses à sa fille, l'enferme, continue de lui mentir... C'est de l'abus, et régler ça avec des excuses et un câlin est juste décevant.
Ça reste une histoire sympathique, avec des dessins juste merveilleux !!
November 23, 2021
The art in Between Snow and Wolf is absolutely beautiful. The story is very cute. It is about a girl, Lila, who is afraid of snow. When her father does not return from a fishing trip so braves the outside world and learns about the magical forest around her.
October 15, 2019
Tellement une jolie surprise
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews