I really enjoyed this! The color palette was really pretty and I felt like it enhanced the story. I really appreciated that the illustrator included text that wasn't just dialogue. It's very frustrating when graphic novels are only dialogue, it feels like the story isn't as strong. But the illustrator found the perfect way to weave it into the story. I think a lot of people will really enjoy this adaptation!

This book breathes a new life into an old classic, bringing it to a new generation of readers. The drawings show action and character very well and the story is easy to visually follow. The explanations of why immortality is so bad are beautifully done and illustrated. There were times that the story felt like it was leaving parts out, but overall it was very well done.

Definitely purchasing this for our school library!

As a public librarian, I appreciate this genre of classics made into graphic novels. It's a great way to get reluctant readers to pick up classic stories. I liked the art in this book, it fits the feeling of the story, softer colors and nothing too dramatic. I was a bit put off by the narration integrated into some the pictures, I'm not sure why, but it felt awkward and took me out of the story. The story of the Tucks is told well, although much of the emotional and internal life of the characters is difficult to pack into the spare text of a graphic novel. Tuck Everlasting is a story where much of what happens is about how the characters feel and think, rather then action filled events, so it's a tough pick for a graphic novel. However, the bulk of the story remains, and I feel like this is a worthwhile representation of the original.

3.5 ⭐️
I have not read the original book, nor have I seen the movies so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this graphic novel. I’d heard it was emotional, character driven, and sad. The GN gave a sense of those things in the serene landscapes, and thoughtful scenes.

Winnie is a fairly well developed character with hopes, interests and a hopeful spirit. The Tucks all seemed static as characters. They each had their own individual purposes, but they were shallow. They reminded me of ghosts repeating the same motions at the same times over and over. That may have been intentional since the family was doomed to a similar fate. I felt that there were some holes in the storyline and more detail in the character interactions would help greatly.

Interspersed between events and dialogue are ponderings that reveal the themes of the book thoughtfully and gently. The image of the wheel, and reflections of life without death are both beautifully expressed. I also enjoyed the comparison of Winnie’s heart opening to flowers when she is finally able to go outside the gate.

To sum it up, I enjoyed the graphic novel and may decide to read the original to get the full story. Themes are beautifully expressed through stylized text and watercolor artwork, but the storyline was lacking.

I want to preface this review with the fact that I have never actually read the original text, so I’m basing this entirely on this graphic novel! Not a comparison review!

Winnie Foster enters the wood behind her house that she’s never been in, and then she’s kidnapped by a mysterious family she’s never met. As the story unfolds, they entrust her with their secret of never aging. Winnie is ambivalent about this fact, but the urgency and secrecy with which the Tuck family shared this with her makes her reconsider. What if you were offered immortality?

This classic story adapted to a graphic novel format for its 50th anniversary is expertly done. The illustrations are gorgeous, utilizing warm tones of pastel watercolors. Many pages contain no dialogue or text, using images to further the plot. Perhaps the best feature of this format is how the narration is integrated into the landscape in the panels, rather than in a traditional text box. It adds to the dreamy feel.

I’m definitely purchasing this one for my middle school library. I think students will get into this because of the theme of immortality and the sheer gorgeousness of these illustrations. How could you resist?

Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for the ARC.

Rating 4.5/5
Pub date: September 2, 2025

Beautifully illustrated yet true to the original, K. Woodman-Maynard delivers an incredible graphic adaptation of Tuck Everlasting. For a graphic adaptation of a classic children’s novel, it has the perfect word to illustration ratio in a way that never feels too wordy or overly reliant on the illustrations. I have fond memories of my fifth grade teacher reading this book aloud, and the graphic novel brought me back to a story that feels as timeless and relevant as when it was first written.

I cannot wait to share this story with a new generation of readers, especially since it now happens to be in their favorite format (the graphic novel).

In this truly stunning adaptation of Natalie Babbitt's kidlit classic, readers meet young Winnie Foster, who feels trapped by her privileged life. One day, she encounters a stirring and unusual family called the Tucks, who are hiding a wonderful and dangerous secret. Will Winnie keep it, even if it puts her in danger? And if she has the chance to live forever and join them in their adventures, will she take it?

Crafted in partnership with Babbitt's estate, this graphic novel adaptation does a remarkable job of both capturing the magic of the source material and using the visual format to express and explore the story in beautiful new ways. Woodman-Maynard relies on as much of the source text as possible, at times embedding narration right into the landscapes and imagery of her spreads. She makes exceptional use of a pastel watercolor palette, often utilizing monotone mini-palettes to create and communicate moods, themes, and emotions. Thoughtful back matter includes a detailed look at her artistic process, as well as a Q&A with Babbitt's daughter, in with Woodman-Maynard shares considerable insight into the development and composition of the illustrations. An absolutely gorgeous version of a timeless story, sure to engage new readers and reward fans of the original.

*3.5 stars*

Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel brings Natalie Babbitt’s beloved 1975 children’s novel to a whole new format, all while keeping its original magic and charm. Just like the novel, the story of Winnie meeting the Tuck family at a mysterious spring explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the cyclical nature of life.

This adaptation is fairly faithful to the original text, with some alterations for the sake of pacing. The pacing is quite fast, which I think will help keep young readers engaged, but I wouldn’t have minded a slower pace. There is an interview included in the back of the book that details some of the decision-making behind the art and storytelling, for those interested in the adaptation process.

As for the artwork, K Woodman-Maynard used a combination of digital and traditional techniques to create the panels, and the end result is very whimsical and colorful. I felt like the art captured the themes well, and worked well for the story. It isn’t my personal favorite style, but it works well in this context, and again, there is more information in the back of the book for those who are interested in the artist’s process.

I could see this graphic novel adaptation being fantastic as either an alternative format or a compliment to the original novel for new generations of readers, and also great for those familiar with the story looking for a bit of nostalgia who want to revisit the Tuck family one more time. Definitely recommend.

*Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC for review!*

This is such a beautiful adaptation of the original novel, Tuck Everlasting. The visual elements enhance the original story and will make it appealing to a new generation of readers. The collaboration with Babbitt's estate and family, and the discussion of this at the end of the book, were also interesting to read. This will definitely be a title I will purchase for my middle school library!

This is a gorgeous rendering of Tuck Everlasting in graphic novel form. I want my kids to read it when it comes out. The plot of Tuck Everlasting is condensed to fit in graphic novel form, but the core of the story is still there. It's great for fans of the book to revisit the story and perfect for kids who want a classic story in an enticing format.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

This captivating rendition of Tuck Everlasting takes you on a thrilling journey that keeps you turning the pages. It's a stunning, fast-paced read that draws you in visually, making it impossible to put down!

I thought it was a beautiful graphic novel with the watercolors and the characters' design. But the plot isn't exactly perfect yet I found it suitable for older children and readers who wanted to go back to the story or are new to it.

4.5 / This is a beautiful adaptation of Tuck Everlasting! The visual watercolor elements melded well with the text. Often, there was text woven into the images, ribbons of music playing, physical manifestations of Winnie's fears, and circular imagery to emphasize the circle of life. The late summer, hot August atmosphere was clear with color and persistent rays of sun. It's been a long time since I read the original, but I definitely hope I can get this version in the hands of kids who are partial to graphic novels and others who might not have time to reread the original! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This adaptation of a beloved timeless story for the 50th anniversary was a refreshing take that I think many new readers will enjoy. This story is near and dear to my heart. Having read the original novel and grown up watching the film adaptation, the graphic novel is a new perfect take on bringing this classic story back to life. The art was impeccable and so sweet. The warmth of the watercolors was a perfect addition to tell Winnie & Jesse’s story, a story that warms the heart.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the opportunity to experience this beautiful edition of Tuck Everlastings 50th anniversary.

Thanks to the publisher for letting me see a sneak peak in advance. The version I saw had the illustrations and narration written in, but the dialogue letterer hadn't finished, so I can comment on narration and pictures. This appears to be a faithful rendering of the classic children's book. I remember especially from my childhood the toad who could not die. I particularly liked the work the colorer did on this graphic novel. A huge portion of it had that blue orange combo like on the cover that makes you feel like you're in a sunset hug. I also think they did a good job making the man in the yellow suit look both prim and scary at the same time.

Tuck Everlasting is one of the first stories that I remember falling in love with. I was a reader before reading Tuck Everlasting, but the story of Winnie Foster and the Tuck family really changed my brain chemistry.

This graphic novel adaptation was absolutely one of the most beautifully illustrated books I've seen. The artist really captured the essence of the original painting that Natalie Babbitt did and expanded upon it. The use of color and space really elevates this story. I can absolutely see myself reading this again and again.

I can't wait to see a physical copy so I can see what the art looks like in person.

A graphic novel adaptation of the well-known children's book that has its 50th anniversary this year. If you didn't read the book in elementary school, the Tuck family has lived in the woods near town for a long time... much longer than you'd think, Years ago, they had all drank from a funny-tasting spring and as the years passed, found that they had never aged, although wives, children, and friends aged and passed on. They felt drinking from the spring was a curse and didn't tell anyone where it was. Now, they live reclusively, One day, a girl named Winnie is out playing in her yard and decides to venture into the wood, where she sees a 17-year-old drinking from a spring. When she goes to drink as well, the boy stops her, and she discovers the effects of the spring. The Tuck family essentially kidnap her to try to convince her not to tell anyone about the secret of the spring. With a search underway, and nefarious characters looking for the everlasting spring, Winnie forms a friendship with the family, and they fight together to protect the world from the unexpected negative consequences of people finding and drinking from the spring.

My tween really enjoyed this book, which somehow she evaded reading it in any elementary school classes. It gave us plenty of food for thought and ethical hypotheticals for discussion (as I did when I read it in elementary school) about the morality of keeping the spring a secret, and whether the ends justify the means. This graphic novel adaptation provides a more accessible introduction to this classic children's story while also providing it in an alternate artistic form that will make it accessible and refreshed for a new generation of readers.

With delicate emotion and timeless themes, Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel breathes new visual life into Natalie Babbitt’s beloved classic. Adapted with reverence and illustrated by K. Woodman-Maynard in soft, expressive watercolor, this graphic novel version offers both newcomers and longtime fans a fresh way to experience Winnie Foster’s unforgettable journey.

The story’s central question—what if you could live forever?—is handled with quiet grace. When young Winnie discovers a magical spring and the immortal Tuck family who guard its secret, she’s faced with an impossible choice. The graphic novel captures this emotional weight while making the story more accessible to middle grade readers and graphic novel enthusiasts alike.

Woodman-Maynard’s illustrations complement the lyrical tone of the original novel, infusing the natural world with warmth and wonder while underscoring the melancholy beauty of the Tucks’ existence. The pacing allows for contemplative pauses, letting readers absorb the deeper questions about life, death, and what it means to truly live.

While the adaptation remains faithful to the source material, some of the novel’s introspective prose is naturally condensed to suit the format. As a result, a bit of the nuance may feel lighter in this version—but it’s a thoughtful tradeoff that opens the door for visual storytelling to take center stage.

Elegant, emotive, and filled with quiet power, Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel is a poignant and beautifully crafted adaptation that honors the heart of Babbitt’s original tale. A lovely addition to any classroom, library, or personal collection.

Netgally ARC
Expected publication September 2, 2025

I enjoyed the original as a young reader, and again as an adult, along with the movie, so getting a glimpse of yet another artistic medium as a graphic novel was a treat! The pen and watercolors add so much to the living water narrative of the story. Graphic novels do condense the original work, but adapters, who also love the original, take care to incorporate details into the art. Well done!

A Timeless Classic Reimagined—Tuck Everlasting in Graphic Novel Form!**

This adaptation was impeccably done—I absolutely loved it! Seeing Natalie Babbitt’s beloved classic transformed into a graphic novel was nothing short of magical. 🌿✨

Winnie Foster, just ten years old, feels trapped behind the gates of her privileged home. Her family's refined ways and strict expectations keep her isolated from other children, leaving her longing for freedom and connection. One day, she makes a bold decision: she steps beyond the confines of her yard to explore the world—and everything changes.

She meets Jesse Tuck, and soon the entire Tuck family, who whisk her away and reveal a breathtaking secret: a spring that grants immortality. As Winnie grapples with the weight of this discovery, she begins to understand the beauty and burden of eternal life—and why the secret must be protected.

But danger lurks in the form of a mysterious man in a yellow suit, who schemes to exploit the spring for profit. When he threatens Winnie, Mae Tuck takes drastic action to protect her, and Winnie must make a courageous choice to help the Tucks escape justice and preserve their secret.

This graphic novel adaptation stays true to the heart of the original story, capturing its emotional depth and philosophical wonder. The illustrations are simple yet evocative—perfectly complementing the narrative and breathing new life into this timeless tale. 🌼📖

Tuck Everlasting explores the allure of immortality and the profound value of a life well-lived. It’s a story that never loses its relevance, and this visual retelling makes it even more accessible and impactful.

Huge thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to experience this beautiful edition. It’s a comforting, thought-provoking read that reminds us why classics endure—and why sometimes, they’re even better the second time around.