JINX AND THE DOOM FIGHT CRIME!

Imagination reigns supreme as siblings Jinx and the Doom take on chores and play with the superhero power to make even the mundane magical.

Bespectacled Jinx and her little brother, the Doom, both blond, white children, fight crime. Former adversaries but now allies, the two “use their powers for GOOD” instead of on each other. No shadow monster stands a chance when the caped crusaders are near; and together—by scooter, trike, or cardboard box—they persevere to tackle any mission from headquarters (mom) as a team. Hand-drawn paper cutouts, with digital coloring and collage, are playful and appealing. Done in a warm palette, the compositions contain movement and spontaneity. The artist’s simplified characters are expressive and charming, and the use of patterns and half tones creates texture while recalling newsprint comics. But Cotterill’s talent is most fully realized toward the end, as the children slumber, hero masks still on, dreaming of the next day’s adventures. Here, in full, three-dimensional glory, her process of discovery finds resolution, the artwork timeless in its appeal. With similar pacing and themes to Jacky Davis and David Soman’s Ladybug Girl books, this tale offers the refreshing twist of sibling friendship that caregivers will applaud.

Jinx and the Doom will captivate readers with their irresistible fun.