JANE, THE FOX & ME by Fanny Britt with illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault. Groundwood, 2013.

One of the New York Times' Best Illustrated Children's Books for 2013, this graphic novel follows Helene, an outcast at her school. No one is ever by her side. Instead, she is teased for having BO and for being overweight (though the illustrations do not confirm this taunt). Helene's solace is found in the pages of JANE EYRE and maybe in the form of a new girl she meets on a camping trip with her class. And then there is the fox who appears one night near her cabin and come forward to reeve attention from Helene. Colors reflect tone and mood (even the type face plays a role here), setting plays a key role as well. This thoughtful book leaves much to the reader.