Reviews and Fan Mail
Tina Coleman of Booklist (11/1/2003):
Gr. 5-up. Clockwork Faerie collects the first five issues of Vogelein into
a wonderfully creative graphic novel about Vogelein, a beautiful mechanical
fairy created in the seventeenth century. Although she is immortal, she must
be wound every 36 hours. After her old friend and caretaker dies, she must
find someone new to take care of her. Her search introduces her to a
sheltered college student, a wise street cleaner, and the bitter fairy
Midhir, who has been transformed by the industrial world of Man. Through
these relationships and her cherished memories, Vogelein discovers her own
humanity in a modern world that often ignores the possibility of magic. This
modern fable is a rare treasure that weaves fanciful imagination into themes
of individuality, diversity, and independence. The art is beautifully shaded
black and white, and it carries the narrative impeccably, bringing across
both the emotions of the characters and the depth of their world. Great for
middle readers who like graphic novels or for younger children to share with an adult.