This is Scallywag Press’ first graphic novel! They got in touch with me, as a seasoned comic editor, to ensure that none of the aspects special to comics went overlooked. I worked with Rose to define the goals and themes of the book (and its two sequels), and then she wrote a dialogue-only script that I gave structural and some line feedback on. From there, she produced thumbnails, which we also talked over, and finished pages which we decided with publisher Sarah and designer Ness Wood would be line art in black, with two shades of apricot in colour blocks.
We optimised and finalised her script against her finished pages, and tried a few fonts before deciding that Rose would make a font from her own handwriting. Ness applied the script text to Rose’s drawn speech bubbles, and endured many rounds of correction as a balance between comics grammar and prose grammar was, gradually, found!
We decided on a tomato-hued cover to balance “cute” with “energetic,” and avoid putting off various potentially skittish audiences who would benefit from reading the book.
Cat School: Odd Cat Out! is about the neurodivergent experience of beginning a new school, and hits the sort of subtle ennui that characterises shoji manga classics. For readers age 8-12, but strong readers of a younger age will comprehend its themes.
Tangle can’t wait to make a fabulous impression. Eno just doesn’t want them to be late. But the most anxious kitten in class is Pelly, who just isn’t sure she’s cut out for Cat School: it’s loud, confusing, and nobody shares her interests. It looks like Pelly’s destined to be lonely. Cue Tangle’s big idea.
Will the Show Pelly We’re Friendly plan go purr-fectly, or be a big cat-astrophe?