100 Cupboards: The Graphic Novel provides a new portal into a beloved story. I'm always excited to see a book I love adapted into a movie, game, picture book, or graphic novel, but rarely does the new format hold up to the original. In this case, though, 100 Cupboards: The Graphic Novel captured everything I loved about the original book. It provides a great entry point for readers new to the series and a fresh take for those familiar with the story.
The Story
If you're unfamiliar with 100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson, my review of the series is a great place to start.
Henry, a boy who has been kept so "safe" that he hasn't experienced life, must go to live with his Uncle, Aunt, and three cousins when his parents go missing. A mysterious tapping on the wall of his attic room leads him to discover 99 cupboards hidden behind the plaster. He and his cousin Henrietta soon realize this cupboards are tiny doors to other worlds, some of which seem wonderful. Others are clearly evil. There are more mysteries in the house, and when Henrietta goes missing, Henry must find his courage to go and rescue her.
What I loved about 100 Cupboards: The Graphic Novel
- This book takes its time. Which I think is rare for a graphic novel. The story must be condensed so much that often the slower, atmospheric moments are rushed. But that's not the case here. And those scenes feel key to Henry's eventual transformation.
- Illustrations: Forrest Dickison really captures the world and characters of this story. I especially love seeing the wall of cupboards!
- Works for a younger audience--N.D. Wilson's books are intense. And that's on purpose. (Check out his article Why I Write Scary Stories for Children). Which means they aren't for everyone, and parents of younger, more sensitive readers may want to read ahead. However, I believe this version of the story will be an easier entry point for younger readers who may not be ready for the intensity of the novel.
- New entry into the series--I'm excited for new readers to discover this series! Hopefully young readers will dive into the novels to get the fuller story (or because they can't wait for the next two graphic novels to be released!).
Parents should know...
While I found this version decidedly less creepy than the original novel, it still contains a scary witch whose mangy cat acts as her eyes. There's is also some violence: Henry stabbing the witch and getting cut himself and another character hitting the witch with a baseball bat.
I'd highly recommend 100 Cupboards: The Graphic Novel for readers ten and up!
Carolyn Leiloglou is the award-winning author of the middle grade fantasy trilogy The Restorationists. She is the granddaughter of art collectors, daughter of an art teacher, and homeschooling mom to four wildly creative kids, two now graduated. She’s been reviewing her favorite children’s books on House full of Bookworms for over a decade. Carolyn and her husband Demetrios make their home in San Antonio, Texas, and you can find her everywhere online as House full of Bookworms.
