Review by Frank Plowright

Frank is on his way to Camp Jay Bird, and despite being a bear and bigger than every kid on the bus, he’s shy and introverted, preferring to draw comics rather than make friends. Luckily for him, the enthusiastic and outgoing Ricky also likes comics.

Jonathan Schnapp introduces a broad cast around Frank and Ricky, some not happy that a large animal like a bear is at a camp for small animals, and others willing to take advantage of Frank’s uncertainty and naivety. He doesn’t really want to be at summer camp, and makes for an easy target, but because Schnapp’s aiming at younger readers, the bullying is at an extremely low level. Other kids are spotlighted for a page or two showcasing their strengths and insecurities, and including some wisdom for the ages. A tortoise teased for being slow notes that people who rush through life often miss good moments.

Simple and easily understood art serves the audience well, but there’s a full emotional range to the cast and the forest scenery is shown as enticing. Schnapp draws in several different styles, two highlighted on the sample page, but there’s also the very occasional step into reality to portray wildlife. Beyond that Schnapp includes pages from Frank’s favourite comic, and while still cartooning, these incorporate more shading and dramatic poses.

It’s almost halfway through when The Forest Beckons begins to take off. The kids have been told the customary summer camp ghost story, in this case people disappearing after seeing a giant bird, and when Frank and Ricky are sent in the wrong direction they discover a cave with a code engraved in the stone. That’s because Schnapp incorporates puzzles, but also information relevant to scouting. The ambitious reader, for instance, will learn how to tie a bowline knot, and so have a skill for life.

Frank is more concerned with completing tasks and earning badges than Ricky, who sees the activities as unnecessary delays to their investigations, which supplies tension.

Order of the Night Jay is good-natured, informative and sets the right tone by offering solutions to problems and showing the badly behaved being told off. Right at the end, though, it seems to take a turn into the supernatural, which is surprising. Find out the truth in The River Rises.