The beginning of a Batcat graphic novel always amuses me, while the end always moves me. This fourth volume in the delightful series is no exception. Here, Batcat is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a wishing star on Spooky Isle. The star grants one resident of the isle one wish, serious or silly. When this year’s star appears, however, falling to the isle as a glowing orb, it doesn’t seem to grant anyone’s wish.
Batcat is disappointed that their wish hasn’t been granted. They become quiet, withdrawn, and … blue, literally and figuratively. It’s up to friend Al the Ghost, with a little assistance from the Island Witch, to help their friend. Author Meggie Ramm manages to make Batcat and Al’s life charmingly hilarious while also offering a substantive but age-appropriate look at how to help someone dealing with sadness, grief, and perhaps depression.
Batcat is sad, though, not just because their wish wasn’t granted, but for a deeper reason. It’s a spoiler, but may be useful for adult readers to know before sharing this book with their young ones. I’ll therefore write it in white on white below; click and drag over the area to see.
Batcat used to await the arrival of the wishing star with their grandpa, and has fond memories of their time together. They’re sad because they don’t have another chance to celebrate together. The book’s lessons therefore relate to anyone navigating grief, and those seeking to help them, as well as to those navigating depression for other reasons.
Backmatter includes a comic by Ramm explaining that they wrote the book because their own dad died when Ramm was still young. They wanted to create a book to help their younger self and others in similar situations.
Despite the serious topic, though, Ramm infuses the story with verve and humor that make it a delight. Puns, breaking of the fourth wall, and general silliness abound, yet Ramm never makes light of Batcat’s feelings themselves. The steps that Al takes to aid Batcat feel genuinely helpful, such as “Step One; Make sure they are somewhere they feel safe.” It’s skillfully done, making this another highly recommended volume in a highly recommended series.
If you or the young readers in your life haven’t yet met the two nonbinary friends, this volume can work as a standalone, although you’ll miss a few references to things established earlier in the series (like how Batcat and Al come to live together). It’s such a treat of a series, though, that if you read one, you’ll likely want to read them all.
