I did not finish - I have tried reading this book on multiple occasions and just could not get into it.

I've read both volumes. Elma is a child raised by a bear, far from her people because of a prophecy.
The art is really cute, but the story is too short and not well developed.

It is impossible not to fall in love with the art, the characters and the story.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC 📖.

4.5 stars

The story and art is so very cute and endearing! I loved reading through this so much and found the story to be interesting despite being kept out of the loop as to what's happening though I wanted more out of the book. I really want to know what happens next as it ends in a cliffhanger.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.

***Advance Review Copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I fucking loved this. I read it in a plane and I kept smiling the whole time while reading it. Such a cute and wholesome story.

The first volume's main goal is introducing us to the characters and make us care for them, but the real plot will only begin in the sequel. The story is lovely, although somewhat similar to the story of Mowgli and Baloo in The Jungle Book. The illustration is superb, I loved looking at the pages.

*I received this book as an eARC from Europe Comics via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

This graphic novel is about a talking bear raising a child. There' not much that happens in this first volume other than getting to know the characters. The "seven years are up" and something is changing for Elma. This volume does not have a resolved ending, but I wasn't engaged enough by this story to want to read onto the next volume. I have some lingering questions, but I just wanted more story in this volume. This graphic novel is cute and simple. I give this book a 2/5.

Lovely story and message as well gorgeous artwork but I felt it was too short and it needed to be slightly longer

This is such a short and sweet comic. The art and writing are wonderful so far. I can't wait to see what awaits Elma and Papa Bear on their long journey. There's some very interesting elements at play that seem to be going against the pair during their journey. And Papa Bear is definitely hiding something. Looking forward to what comes next.

*Received via NetGalley for review*

Absolutely gorgeous, which is a big plus. I could look at the panels for ages. But it is very light on plot - everything starts to get interesting right around the end.

This story reminded me rather of The Jungle Book. All the way to the point that Elma calls the bear "Papa Bear". That similarity aside, I'm intrigued by the directions this story is taking. I want o know where the bear is taking Elma, what is awaiting them. There's so much mysterious about this pair. How did Elma end up with the bear? What deal did he make to keep her? There's not really enough plot in this volume to make any guesses.

This book is absolutely stunning!! I want prints of this book to hang on the wall. The story has a familiar feel to the Jungle Book- both lovely and bittersweet. It tugs at this mama’s heartstrings and makes for a very sweet story.

Thank you Netgalley for a review copy of this book.

I am not sure how I feel about this book. The illustrations were ok but a little unclear. The storyline reminds me of jungle book but it's themes were a little muddled. I don't know who the book is aimed at.

Elma has been raised in the woods. But now, it's time for Papa Bear and Elma to start a new life. And it all starts with a dangerous journey.

Elma: A Bear's Life is a stunningly beautiful graphic novel that fills the reader's heart with emotion. It's tender, warm, and in the same time holds a melancholic tone. Both Elma and her Papa Bear are lovely characters, and their journey leaves the reader craving for a second part of this adventure. Definitely a recommended read.

This is a super cute graphic novel about a girl being raised by a bear. I loved the art style of this and the relationship between Elma and papa bear is adorable. This first instalment was mostly just introducing the two characters and developing their relationship. I was hoping for more of an actual plot but I suppose that that will come with further instalments. This is a solid 3 stars for me purely due to there not being enough plot to drive the story forward however I will definitely be checking out the next instalment

Thank you Europe Comics and Netgalley for allowing me to review the best graphic novel I've read in a while.
It's been a long time since I read a children's graphic novel that ended in a cliffhanger, leaving me eager to learn what's going to happen next. This is a wonderful work that embodies the epitome of squential Art, with a capital 'A.' The use of language, illustrations and story works perfectly for the atmosphere and narrative aimed at conveying.

Elma had fantastic illustrations and was a joy to read!
I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Reminiscent of story in The Jungle Book, this is an adventure of a wild child brought up by the bear she calls Papa. Two things would have changed my 3 stars to 5. First, the ending is too abrupt. I’m thinking this would do much better if the story is continued in the same book instead of ending on a cliffhanger. It felt too short. Secondly, as a children’s librarian the slightly too graphic nudity-letting us know the child is female—let’s me know I won’t be able to purchase it for our library. But, the art is fantastic, beautiful, stunning— I can’t say enough about that.

The book itself had Great artwork, a often used, yet still interesting storyline, but it's just in the middle of the road for me in terms of content. It doesn't really "WoW" me in terms of content. That and unfortunately, with Elma being Naked partially or otherwise, that'd be a hard sell to Librarians who work in systems that tend to frown upon that. I can recommend it to others, but just not the Library system.

Despite it being unwise to judge a book by it’s cover, I have to admit that I absolutely requested Elma: A Bear’s Life based on it’s cover – which is so beautifully illustrated I just couldn’t help myself. I didn’t even realise it was a graphic novel-style book until I started reading it (and that just made it all the better).

Elma: A Bear’s Life, Volume 1, is the story of a vivacious young girl called Elma, who’s been raised by a bear she calls Papa Bear. Straight away, the story gave my Goldilocks and The Jungle Book feelings, but it is its’ own story, too. Elma and Papa Bear have been living together her whole life until Papa Bear breaks the news to her that they must travel a long way from their home in the forest. Elma doesn’t understand why and Papa Bear doesn’t elaborate and the begin their journey, facing dangers and testing their relationship.

This first volume is not overly complex, and rather than focusing on a significant story reveal to propel the story forward, we spend a lot of time understanding the deeply loving relationship these two characters have for one another. Papa Bear cares deeply for this human child who considers herself half-bear. Elma is a wild little thing (and spends the entire book naked or half-naked while running around the forest playing games and getting into mischief).

As a reader, we understand that Papa Bear is taking Elma somewhere for some purpose, but it’s not made quite clear what that is – did he make a deal with someone to raise her? Is he returning her to humans? It’s hard to say at this point.

The artwork is absolutely stunning, with a strong orange/blue colour palette. There ‘s a lovely whimsical nature to them. I love the cover artwork so much I’d frame it and put it on my wall, so you know I had a great time just exploring the visual elements to this story while reading.

The book does leave off on a cliff-hanger, so if those are not your ideal story endings, keep that in mind. Otherwise, this was a delightfully charming read and I’ll be keeping an eye out for Volume 2.