The Moth Keeper

January 1, 2023

Gr 3-6-Luminous panels of sequential art star in the latest middle grade fantasy from O'Neill (Tea Dragon Society). Elfin-eared Anya has taken on the responsibility of Moth Keeper for the night village, shepherding the lunar moths on which her people rely to sustain the annual blooming of a flower necessary to their night-dwelling ways. But when Anya, growing weary from her strenuous duties and feeling a pull to experience life in the daylight, takes a trip to visit the sunlit day world, the story traces what befalls her people because of her stepping away from her responsibilities to the lunar moths, and how she makes amends. Among the supporting cast of multihued, nocturnal desert dwellers is Anya's supportive mentor and an ever-loyal sidekick, Estell, who appears to rely on a cane for mobility. While Anya's role is a lonely one, the story emphasizes how the villagers all have a responsibility to one another, reminding readers that "knowing when to ask for help is a form of wisdom." The artwork glows with both moth- and lantern-light against the dark blues of night, and the daylit desert bakes under oranges and yellows. VERDICT A gorgeous and dynamic visual experience with a familiar yet well-told plot.-Francisca Goldsmith

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 23, 2023
O’Neill (Dewdrop) fashions a sparkling parable about coming into one’s own abilities and learning to persevere through dark times in this inviting fantasy graphic novel. Generations ago, as thanks for desert dwellers’ kindness, the Moon-Spirit gifted them the Moon-Moths, creatures who pollinate the Night-Flower tree, which grants the nocturnal villagers with blessings that allow them to thrive. Anya, a young humanoid villager with fox-like ears, has just been initiated as an apprentice Moth Keeper, tasked with tending to the Moon-Moths. Alongside her mentor Yeolen and best friend Estell, Anya tackles various challenges of being the Moth Keeper, which includes spending cold nights alone away from her loved ones. She also contends with a growing curiosity surrounding the nearby sun-dwelling village. O’Neill renders surreal landscapes using a potent palette which features the lush purples and oranges of dusk melding vividly with bright greens and yellows. Anya’s solitude as the Moth Keeper is expertly emphasized via long stretches of wordless panels, allowing readers to soak up the fantastical moonlit vista visuals. Containing a deeply contemplative aura, this worthy volume explores themes of connection, mythology, personal growth, and tradition. Ages 8–12. Agent: Linda Camacho, Gallt & Zacker Literary.

Starred review from February 1, 2023
Grades 4-8 *Starred Review* Anya lives in the night village, a nocturnal community that tends to the powerful Night-Flower tree, the pollen from which sustains them in their food and medicine. Everyone in the night village has a job, and Anya has agreed to be the moth keeper, the guardian and caretaker of the magical moths responsible for pollinating the Night-Flower tree. It's lonely work--she spends each night away from the village, tending to the moths and ensuring they don't get lost--but she finds satisfaction in doing such an important service to her community. Or does she? Fans of O'Neill's comics, such as Tea Dragon Society (2017), will recognize some hallmarks of their work--matter-of-fact queer representation, stunning natural scenes, themes of conservation--but the distinctive desert setting and glowing nighttime palette set this apart. The attention to detail in the world building, from the folktales of the night village to the gorgeous landscapes, are captivating and add to the overall atmosphere, especially as Anya begins exploring and contemplating her place in her community. The slow, meditative pace suits Anya's journey, and the ultimate message--that important community work is too much for one person to bear--is an important one, especially for young readers. Hand this quiet, beautifully drawn book to readers of gentle, uplifting, character-driven comics.

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