E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Willow and her family are moving back to her father's hometown of Nowhere to live in the family home, that the locals say is haunted. She doesn't get to help renovate, however, because she is off to Camp...Whatever. To get there, campers have to get on a creepy boat manned by new director Mr. Tooter. Willow, who wears hearing aids and who knows sign language but usually can hear well with her devices, doesn't care for Mr. Tooter, who yells at her whenever he speaks. She meets Violet and Emma, who are in her cabin, and they join forces when odd things start happening around the camp. Mrs. Nim, the nurse, has hidden depth, as does Mr. Elric, and he introduces the group to some of the odder inhabitants of the area. Mr. Tooter becomes a problem, but is eventually subdued and improved by Mr. Elric, and Willow is ready to go back to her new town armed with the hidden information about the inhabitants.
Strengths: There are a growing number of creepy fantasy graphic novels, and this is a good addition to ones like Escabasse's Witches of Brooklyn, Siegel's The Sand Warrior, Costa and Parks' Rickety Stitch, Stevenson's Lumberjanes, Steinkeller's The Okay Witch, and Blas and Aguirre's Hotel Dare. This also really reminded me of another graphic novel set in a community nears cliffs where there was a mysterious fog, the title of which I cannot for the life of me remember. (Also had three children on the cover.) Willow's hearing is addressed really well, and I wish there were more characters in middle grade literature shown with realistically depicted hearing loss. I had a cousin who wore a hearing aid much like Cece Bell's in El Deafo when I was growing up.
Weaknesses: My students aren't as fond of the creepy graphic novels as they are of the realistic fiction ones.
What I really think: Just put in my last order of the year, and will keep this one in mind if there is money in the budget for it.

[eARC provided by NetGalley]

This graphic novel was pretty cute!!

Representation: D/deaf MC, Latinx, Black characters

As mentioned on the cover, it is an uncorrected proof so it was bound to have mistakes and did have a few. However, I felt like the storyline/arch from scene to scene was a little jagged, and even in some spots within a scene. Some of dialogue didn’t move in a coherent way and found myself a little lost in some places; in particular, there was one scene were the main characters were talking about a newly introduced character by name, whom had been briefly introduced previous to that, but was not visible in the panel—it is important to mention that the character could not be seen as the kids were pointing him out (but like where??).

Some of the plot points could be easily guessed, but unsure if this is an issue as this is aimed at middle grade children.

The pacing in the first 2 thirds was really slow as well, and it didn’t help that a lot of the jagged transitions happened here. It’s probably also important to mention here that there were a few inconsistencies, which probably added to the jagged feel of the graphic novel.

However, I was basically won over in the end because the goblins were the cutest!!!

The story was easy enough to follow for a tween, as well as captivating enough for an older audience to enjoy. It was a truly enjoyable and whimsical story that I would recommend to everybody!
The cast was diverse enough that we didn’t confuse every character. All of them were well developed and had their own unique personality. I became attached to every character and I'm interested to see more of them in the next installments.
The story ends on a great note, it really makes you want to keep reading the rest of the series. It still has a lot to offer and I can't wait to see what happens next!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is such a fun graphic novel! I know it is geared towards those who are younger, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! It was relaxing and fun! The graphics are great, and the story line keeps you on your toes, wondering what will happen next. Willow is being sent to summer camp for the first time, at the age of 11. Needless to say, she is none too pleased about this development. However, the longer she is there, the more interesting things become. Willow and her friends learn lots of interesting things and pick up a few valuable lessons along the way.

This was so cute and whimsy, it reminded me a lot of Lumberjanes which is one of my favorite comic series. The creatures were entertaining and the characters were really lovable. 10/10 would recommend.

Willow and her family move to Nowhere, a slightly spooky small town known for paranormal happenings. Willow, who is Hard of Hearing but wears a hearing aid, decides she would like to attend a summer camp on an island near town. This camp is more than it seems when fairies, Bigfoot, gnomes and even vampires get involved. Overall I found this graphic novel cute with a likeable cast and fun encounters. If anyone is a fan of Lumberjanes, this is a story with a similar idea, so grab it for a read alike.

I thought this was a cute story! When reading MG books, I always seem to think of them in a "would I include this in my classroom library" type of way (I once thought I'd teach elementary LOL). I think I would include it, though I did have a few problems with it. I think it could be a great way for younger readers to be introduced to graphic novels and mystery stories.

LIKES
First, I'm not able to speak on the representation since I am not OwnVoices, but I did love the inclusion of Willow, who has a hearing disability! I loved seeing her sign in a lot of the illustrations. I loved the illustrations a lot, in general, actually and the art style was very cute (especially the gnomes!).

I did enjoy the characters in this! I think we got to know Willow pretty well as a character and believe that we'd get to know her friends a lot more in later volumes. Some of the shenanigans they got themselves into did make me laugh sometimes. I also loved the different creatures included.

The plot twists were so cool and I could really see younger readers being SO surprised by a lot of the aspects.

DISLIKES
I didn't like how Mr. Tooter kept screaming at Willow, but I do understand this could've been used to reinforce his role as a villain. I also did not like the random inclusion of dreamcatchers in the story. It didn't serve a purpose and furthers the idea that they are just a fun craft rather than an important part of Indigenous culture.

Sometimes the plot did feel a little repetitive, but overall I did like the story.

Thanks to NetGalley, Oni Press, and Chris Grine for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This one is available 3/2/21!

Rundown: In the first volume of Chris Grine's, Secrets of Camp Whatever, Willow doesn't want to live in her new town of Nowhere, and she really doesn't want go to her dad's old summer camp, Camp...Whatever, for an entire week. However, when she arrives, Willow quickly makes new friends and realizes that things at the camp are not all they seem. Maybe camp won't be so bad after all?

My Thoughts: I really liked this fun middle-grade graphic novel! I'm already planning on purchasing it for my classroom because I know my 7th graders would love it. Willow is 11, deaf/hard of hearing, and is living the lavender hair life of my dreams. While the focus of this story is not on her disability, there are many sweet (and not so sweet) moments surrounded it that I think spark important conversations. This definitely prompted me to do further research into appropriate terms to use when referencing Willow and her disability. It also makes me want to learn sign language! The fantasy element is mysterious and fun (I love the gnomes!) and gives me so many Lumberjanes vibes! I would definitely read the next one.

I recommend for fans of middle-grade/graphic novels/fantasy. If you enjoy Lumberjanes, you would definitely enjoy this one!

I love animated shows such as Gravity Falls and Hilda, I was hunting graphic novels that has similar vibes as those series and I'm glad that NetGalley gave me an ARC of this Secret to Camp Whatever because it is exactly what I was looking for.

Willow's family just moved to Nowhere, an eerie town in the middle of no where, while Willow's family unpack and settle in to their new home. Willow is sent away by her parents to Camp Whatever to spend the summer there. Willow's parents thought of this as a good time for Willow to find new friends over the summer. Little did they know Camp Whatever is more than what they expected. The island itself is covered by a thick fog, not only that, it is a place full of mystery.
There are missing candy, missing kids, the strange cook that could be a vampire, and gnomes wandering everywhere. Not to mention the camp's own spooky legend!!

“When the blood of my blood is spilled from a star, and the shadows of elves return from afar, I will once again walk this plane bringing death in tow.”

One thing is for sure, its no normal camp where kids have fun in the lake and canoe a long peacefully, there are mysteries and wonder waiting for them in Camp Whatever.

As an adult reading a graphic novel targeted for 9-12 year old kids, I enjoyed my time reading this. It is short, fun, and highly entertaining. It gives off the same vibes such as Gravity Falls and Hilda, kids uncovering mysteries and whimsical magical creatures around a camp setting. The art itself is nice and gorgeous. I highly recommend for anyone that's looking for a quick read to pick up this book.

* I received an eARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Oni Press and Chris Grine.

This graphic novel follows eleven year old Willow on her (reluctant) trip to Summer Camp, in which she and a group of new friends take it into their own hands to find out what strange and wonderful things are happening on the island around them. They find themselves surrounded by gnomes, witches and all manner of cute and creepy creatures who need their help in a bid to stay safe (and hidden!) from danger.

Firstly I want to say that I adore the illustrations in this novel, they're drawn in such a lovely. captivating and expressive style. The story itself was easy to fall into - I managed to read the whole thing within one sitting because I was quite captivated.

With a soft spot for supernatural creatures, I loved the lore and the setting throughout. I really appreciate the inclusivity of the main character being deaf, it's the first time I've read from that perspective and I think the representation is a really important factor for kids reading it too. I also loved the diversity within Wil's group of friends, their differing personalities too (making the friendship feel even more realistic, personally!) and hope to see more from them in future Volumes.

I did notice a couple of typos (missing words or punctuation) but overall, as a children's book or just a charming pick-up for older readers, I thoroughly enjoyed this and will be looking out for more in the future!

Artwork: 5✨
Story: 3 or 3.5/5✨
My first read in 2021 is a cute and interesting story about a creepy summer camp.
This story has the best of Gravity Falls and The Lumberjanes in 1 volume. I really enjoyed the story and the art. One of the things that I really liked was the disable representation because the main character is deaf and it's the first time that I read a story with a deaf protagonist.Also, the character development and the diversity *chef kiss*
It's an introductional volume but I really enjoyed the reading, the art and the story. I'm looking forward to read the next parts in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Secrets of Camp Whatever follows a girl named Willow as she goes to a strange camp in a strange town. There, she makes friends and uncovers some mysteries about the camp. I thought the art in this book was decent but the storyline was a bit too cheesy and strange for me.

My favorite thing about this graphic novel is the art style. It’s so well done and flows beautifully. The storyline is good, following an eleven year old Willow and friends through a strange and creepy set summer camp. Willow is deaf and that doesn’t slow her down one bit. For an eleven year old she portrays a great personality especially in dealing with her disability. Very well written story in my opinion (though I have no experience with a hearing disability). Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher/author for the chance to read this for my honest opinion.

I have a soft spot for cartoony supernatural and amazing art. This was it.

First of all, I loved the art, second of all, I really enjoyed the story. It was fun and easy, and it reminded me so much of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1865718/">Gravity Falls</a> and a little bit of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/43889-the-spiderwick-chronicles">The Spiderwick Chronicles Series</a>. I missed a crazy little person like Mabel, tho.

I also like that we have a deaf character for once instead of gay character (not that it has anything to do with the story but...). We all like to shit about inclusion, but everywhere you turn you can see only gay relationships, and I'm honestly getting tired of that kid of partial inclusion.

I liked Willow - she was brave and she didn't take anyone's shit. She knew what was supposed to be done and what was right, so she worked towards it. I also liked how she's not the one to see herself as disabled because of the fact she is deaf. She's like "I don't hear on my own, but I can do everything you bunch can!" and I love her for that. (I have no experience with deafness, but I do like her attitude.)
And I like her sidekicks. The friendships are built quickly, but they all stand together!

All in all, it was a really cute story and the art was just AMAZING. I honestly can't wait to read the next volume.

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Secrets of Camp Whatever: 1 from Oni Press and Netgalley .
This is my review of Secrets of Camp Whatever: 1 by Chris Grine. This will be published on 2nd March 2021
This was enjoyable. I really like this atmosphere and the mystery in the stories plotline. Willow and her group are friends are interesting characters. The art style was really well done and brought the story to life. I will definitely be carrying on with volume 2.
Would recommend if you enjoy the comics / graphics novels such as the Lumberjanes.

This was much better than I expected. It was a little creepy, but not terrifying. I liked all the characters. It was really easy to identify with all of them. The incorporation of mythical creatures was really well done. The author made them part of the story in a way that was totally believable. They were all hidden in plain sight. I am eagerly anticipating new magical creatures in future editions. Willow is a great heroine and I can’t wait to see her further adventures in her new home town. Plus I love the purple hair! Keep writing these please!

A group of kids go away for a summer camp they will never forget.

The main character in this book is a spunky girl named Wil, short for Willow. Her hearing aid batteries came up missing when the camp snacks mysteriously disappeared. Her quest to find them revealed that Camp...Whatever might be a little more than what she expected.

Werewolves, Vampires, Witches, Goblins, Gnomes, and so much more.

I can’t wait to introduce this Graphic Novel to my 5th grade students.

CAWPILE Rating 9.71

When Willow’s family moves to Nowhere, her dad insists on dropping her off at his old summer camp. The last thing Willow wants to do is attend camp Whatever, which is plagued with rumors of supernatural creatures on top of being surrounded by an eerie fog. Once Willow arrives, she discovers that camp Whatever isn’t so bad. In fact, she’s determined to get to the bottom of its secrets, especially mysterious supernatural creature that broke in and stole everyone’s snacks along with the batteries to her hearing aids.

This is such a fun graphic novel following Willow and her new group of friends at camp Whatever. I was excited to see Willow as the main character because representation matters, and it’s not often that I see deaf or hard of hearing characters represented in books. Willow goes back and forth between speaking and using sign language, and other characters show interest in learning sign language as they get to know her. Of course, there’s also some prejudiced characters who yell as loud as they can when talking to her and ignore what she has to say. I’m not deaf or hard of hearing myself, but this rings true based on what I know one of my friends often experiences.

I initially thought that Willow was a bit pushy and abrasive, but I grew to love her as the story continued. Once she gets comfortable at the camp, she and her group of new friends really shine. Each of her friends are wonderful on top of the supernatural characters we meet and learn about, which was pretty exciting.

I love how the supernatural world and its risk of being exposed to those who are not friendly is slowly revealed to Willow and company. It reveals a whole new world of interesting and funny characters that I quickly grew to love. I’m really interested in seeing how this aspect continues to expand as well as who they have to go up against to protect everyone in future volumes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for an eARC of this title.

I thought that this story was incredibly intriguing. It was a bit confusing to begin with, but I think that was very smart in terms of setting up the story. Things are very suspicious from the beginning and our main characters are learning about the mysterious island and camp as they begin their experience at the camp.

I really enjoyed the diversity in characters, personalities, and friendships that were present in this book. I enjoyed the action and fast pace of the story. I found that the pace of the story really kept you guessing and excited to read more and more. I highly recommend this to anyone who is intersted in mythical creatures, mystery, and summer camps!

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was stunningly illustrated and amazingly written. The worldbuilding was pretty ok, and it was an adorable graphic novel. It was a bit childish, but it's a fun read for budding horror fans and of any age that enjoys kid-friendly horror/monster/fantasy books.