The Doughnut Kingdom (Cucumber Quest Series #1)

by Gigi D.G.

Overview

What happens when an evil queen gets her hands on an ancient force of destruction?

World domination, obviously.

The seven kingdoms of Dreamside need a legendary hero. Instead, they'll have to settle for Cucumber, a nerdy magician who just wants to go to school. As destiny would have it, he and his way more heroic sister, Almond, must now seek the Dream Sword, the only weapon powerful enough to defeat Queen Cordelia’s Nightmare Knight.

Can these bunny siblings really save the world in its darkest hour?

Sure, why not?

Adapted from Gigi D.G.'s popular webcomic series, Cucumber Quest, The Doughnut Kingdom is the first graphic novel of a clever, adorable, and hilarious four-volume heroic adventure that is sure to make you hungry for sweets and action.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626728325
Publisher:	First Second
Publication date:	10/10/2017
Series:	Cucumber Quest Series , #1
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	157,148
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Gigi D.G. is a comic artist from Southern California who does concept work for animation and video games. She started creating Cucumber Quest in 2011, and it is her first published work.

Editorial Reviews

09/11/2017
In this first volume in the Cucumber Quest series (originally published as a webcomic), Cucumber the rabbit’s plans to attend Puffington’s Academy for the Magical Gifted (and/or Incredibly Wealthy) are put on hold when the evil Queen Cordelia makes a play for world domination, forcing Cucumber to embark on a heroic quest instead. Cucumber’s younger sister, Almond, is much better suited to questing, but she is constantly underestimated by adults because of her age and gender (comments like “Little sisters aren’t legendary heroes” pop up often). Almond isn’t content to sit at home, of course, so she and Cucumber take on Queen Cordelia, facing off against foes like Sir Tomato, Dame Lettuce, and Sir Bacon as a team. Though Cucumber is ostensibly the central character, Almond steals the show. Comics artist D.G.’s cartooning aesthetic is soft, creamy, and colorful, with an inherent bubbliness that pairs well with the silliness of the story; the stakes don’t feel especially high. Overall, this is a light, charmingly illustrated adventure that successfully introduces Cucumber, Almond, and a humorous supporting cast while setting up future tales. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"[D.G's ]populated the world of Dreamside with characters who can be heart-warming and infuriating, but who are always fun to watch. Plus there’s the art, which features some of the finest color work I’ve seen in webcomics." —i09

"D.G.'s candy-colored charmer is imbued with a delightfully snarky humor, helping to offset the profusion of cuteness....The worldbuilding is cleverly conveyed in bright and dynamic illustrations." —Kirkus Reviews

"A blend of humor and adventure headed by some wackadoo characters—what’s not to like?" —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

From the Publisher

11/01/2017
Gr 2–5—This exercise in video game logic is full of characters who solve puzzles, "level up," and look for bosses to fight. But perhaps that's where D.G.'s video game and animation background shows itself. The book began online in 2011, and this is the first of three volumes to be published by First Second. The Doughnut Kingdom is home to endearing bunny Cucumber and his equally adorable (and more heroic) little sister Almond, who must defeat the evil Queen Cordelia. They tackle dastardly nemeses, including their own meddling parents and Sir Bacon, Dame Lettuce, and Sir Tomato (BLT, get it?), and end up in the tentacles of a cute but scary sea monster. Appropriately, the narrative feels like a webcomic, meandering from notion to notion, from chance encounter to conflict to sharp plot turn, but the imagery stays vivid throughout: oranges, greens, and golds dominate rounded-off panels full of bunnies and a lovable bear. VERDICT This title's stilted logic is balanced by its bold, gleeful illustrations, which will entice young readers with a taste for twists, turns, and cuddly bunnies.—Emilia Packard, Austin, TX

School Library Journal