Haru: Book 1: Spring

by Joe Latham

Haru, a small bird who dreams of flying, and their best friend Yama, a talkative boar, are used to being in the shadows. But when Yama finds a strange artifact that causes sinister effects, the two are swept into an epic journey to destroy the artifact and save the world.

In The Valley, best friends Haru and Yama both dream of leaving as they’re bullied at school, frustrated at home, and struggling to figure out who they are. One day, a powerful artifact connects itself to Yama, and they discover that they’ll have to journey to The Beacon in search of answers.

Created by artist Joe Latham, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel series is a coming-of-age tale that spans the changing of seasons. Beginning in spring and ending in spring—the cycle complete. A story of heart, growing up, and the sacrifices we make for those we love, Haru is perfect for middle-grade readers.

"My children LOVE this beautiful, touching and mystic graphic novel much much more than any of the books and TV shows I've made. And for that, I'll never forgive Joe Latham." Vali Chandrasekaran, author, The Ridiculous Race; writer, Modern Family, 30 Rock

• ISBN10: 1524884731
• ISBN13: 9781524884734
• Publish Date: 12 March 2024
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 272
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Haru is a hauntingly well told coming of age story in graphic novel form written and illustrated by Joe Latham. Released 12th March 2024 by Andrews McMeel, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook (comiXology) formats. 

This is an appealing and very well written fantasy adventure featuring two friends, Haru, a young flightless bird, and their friend Yama. They're both bullied at school and dream of leaving the small valley community they've grown up in. Most readers will have no trouble empathizing with the two friends as they try to navigate life.

There are much darker, malign forces at work behind the scenes and the friends are soon drawn inextricably into the eternal struggle of good vs. evil. 

There are some admittedly scary parts in the story which might be a trifle too spooky for younger readers. There's nothing graphic on-page, but it *is* quite creepy in several places. It's a story told in four volumes, of which this is the first, and as such, it's not a self-contained story.

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or middle school+ acquisition, home use, or gifting to a youngster who loves fantasy adventure.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.