The Stonekeeper (Amulet, Book 1) [Paperback]

Kazu Kibuishi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a talking fox, a giant robot---and two ordinary children on a mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.
Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Almost too clever and poignant, Amulet is, on the surface, about navigating the murky waters of adolescence and, beneath that, an exploration of abandonment and survival. Emily and Navin are lost children, literally lost in a dark, new world and struggling to save their mother, who has been kidnapped by a drooling, tentacled beast. With stellar artwork, imaginative character design, moody color and consistent pacing, this first volume's weakness lies in its largely disjointed storytelling. There is the strong, young, heroine; cute, furry, sidekicks; scary monsters—all extraordinary components, but pieced together in a patchwork manner. There is little hope in his dark world as Kibuishi removes Emily and Navin's frame of safety. Their hopes rest in a magic amulet that seems to be working in the interest of the children—until it suddenly isn't. The most frightening element of Amulet is the sense of insecurity we feel for Emily, fighting her way through uncharted terrain with no guide and no support system. This first volume of Amulet isn't a disappointment, but it does feel like a warmup to the main event. If anything, it's a clear indication that Kibuishi has just begun skimming the surface of his own talent. (Jan.)
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Review

Praise for Amulet: Book 1 The Stonekeeper:

"[The] action-packed adventure sequences move at an exciting clip...Part fantasy...and part manga, this volume has much appeal to readers." — Booklist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: GRAPHIX (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439846811
• ISBN-13: 978-0439846813
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Children's Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Spine-Chilling Horror
  • #34 in Books > Children's Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Comics & Graphic Novels

More About the Author

Kazu Kibuishi is the author and artist of the popular Amulet graphic novel series. He is also the creator of the Flight Anthologies, a critically acclaimed comics series, and Daisy Kutter: The Last Train, a winner of the YALSA Best Books for Young Adults Award. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kazu moved to the U.S. with his mother and brother when he was a child. He graduated from Film Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara, and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He currently works as a full-time comic book artist. Kazu lives in Alhambra, California, with his wife, Amy, and their son, Juni.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My students love it, March 5, 2008

By 

K. Parmenter - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Stonekeeper (Amulet, Book 1) (Hardcover)

I'm a third grade teacher, and on a whim I picked up this book for my classroom library. I'm so glad I did! Not only did I love the book, my students have gone wild over it. Every student who has picked it up has been drawn into the story almost instantly. There have been actual fights over who gets to read it next, and they are always disappointed to hear that there's no second book as of yet. I haven't had a book go over this well in a long time!

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kazu's best work yet, December 6, 2007

By 

M. R. Nelson "M. R. Nelson" (Salt Lake City, UT, USA/ EUA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Stonekeeper (Amulet, Book 1) (Paperback)

Kazu has done a bunch of things so far: Flight 1,2,3, and 4 and Daisy Kutter are what he is best know for. But this is his best work yet. The story is easy to follow and quick to read. The book has great visual style and feeling. I look forward to book 2.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I ever read....., December 28, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Stonekeeper (Amulet, Book 1) (Hardcover)

It was a gift from my neighbors and I loved this book. It was about a brother and sister that were trying to save their mom with the help of mechanical robots and thingees. They overcome lots of monsters. That is why I liked the book.