Haru - by Joe Latham (Paperback)

About the Book

"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"--

Book Synopsis

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.

"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

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 for a complete cycle. A story of heart, growing up, and the sacrifices we make for those we love, Haru is perfect for middle-grade readers.

Review Quotes

"Joe Latham is a skilled artist, who takes us on a colorful journey to an enchanted world, which mirrors our own reality more than we might think. The characters are honest, friendly and empathic, even if everything around them is touched by hate and darkness. If we'd all take care of each other like Haru, Goose and Yama, the world would be certainly a better place." Aimée de Jongh, graphic novel author of Days of Sand (Aimee de Jongh)

"Latham sets this dazzling work in a Tolkienesque world, employing clever pen and ink drawings awash in luminous colors to deliver a cliffhanger ending that will have readers eagerly anticipating the next installment." (Publishers Weekly)

"Latham's tale is lush and evocative, recalling the quirky whimsicality of Hayao Miyazaki and striking an original balance between contemplative and exciting. ... A series opener that both enchants and captivates." (Kirkus Reviews)

"The themes and artistic style call to mind books like Ben Hatke's Things in the Basement and T. Probert's Lightfall. Good-hearted Haru is a character to root for in this often-dark beginning, leavened with moments of humor." (School Library Journal)

"This debut graphic novel, the first in an anticipated trilogy, is a visual gem, with lush, vibrant colors competing with bruised, dark shading[.] [...] Readers will likely be keeping an eye out for the next volume, particularly after a cliffhanger ending." (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)

"While their Tolkienian quest merely begins in this volume, they encounter friends and enemies and must traverse a moody, rundown shopping mall, an unusual locale for epic fantasy which, along with the school-based social issues and the colloquial language, makes for a distinctive, grounded mixture that could prove enticing to genre neophytes" (Booklist)

About the Author

Joe is a Human Person, based in Bristol (UK). He makes comics, illustrations and designs for other humans. In his own words, he is "a tall nerd" and he plays the drums. He also likes to hang out with his cat. He uses Instagram and Twitter to post project updates and artwork.