The 1st thing that stuck out to me when reading this was the illustrations, and then I was quickly engulfed in the world that was being built. This graphic novel has so much character and charm, it's also a perfect spooky season read. ( )

Meesh is different from the other demons around her : she always sees the beauty and goodness around her in opposition to the others of her kind. For them, she is a bad demon ! Bullied, she dreams about the fairy world where everything seems so incredible and sweet. When Meesh’s world is endangered to be destroyed, she escapes to her dream world, hoping to get the help of the Fairy Princess.

I really enjoyed this middle grade graphic novel ! The story and the characters are adorable and so magical. I love how Michelle Lam deals with difference and understanding in a very unique way that will speak to young readers. The art is really adorable ! I am definitely looking forward to reading book 2. ( )

"You don't have to be a certain age to be a hero."

Cute!
3.5 ( )

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley.)

Meesh isn't like the other demons at Mount Magma Middle School. She loves flowers, adores all things fairy, and fangirls over Princess Nouna. Her fire breathing skills are subpar, and she's hardly the star pupil in acid-puking, horn-sharpening, night vision, or lava-molding class, either. Meesh feels like an outcast among her own kind.

But, when contaminated lava turns all the demons of Mount Magma to stone and Meesh must travel to Plumeria City in search of help, she's shunned by the very beings she so idolizes. Little does Meesh know that Princess Nouna is hiding her own 'shameful' secret. Together, the two tweens must figure out who's trying to poison the demons - and learn to love themselves in the process. Luckily, they have some help in the form of Xavier, one of Meesh's classmates (and her former bully); and Chai, a werewolf whose family was also driven from their home.

Honestly, the #1 reason I picked up MEESH THE BAD DEMON is because my younger sister Michelle's nickname is Meesh, and I find the idea of her as a demon delightful (no offense, sis). I'm so glad I did, too, because MEESH THE BAD DEMON is such a fun, sweet, and cozy read - definitely the kind of thing we need in these here times. The artwork is so cute and charming (who knew demons could be so adorable!?), and the story is quirky and imaginative. I love the various realms, but of course Ponderosa - "the place where all kinds of creatures live together!" - is my favorite. While the main story lines are all resolved satisfactorily, the book ends with a bit of a tease, which hopefully means that there will be a volume 2. ( )