Brielle and Bear by Salomey Doku

Brielle is a fairytale expert and first year student at Once Upon a Time University, after having moved away for four years. She has a part time job in the campus bookshop where she literally bumps into Atohi 'Bear' Yonas, the handsome rugby player from the ‘Princes’ rugby team and it seems she has met her Prince Charming. Scattered through the story are bubbles reminding us of the rules of fairytales and rule number two is that ‘ordinary people fall into adventures when they least expect it’ and the two shyly get to know each other. Rule number four is that ‘a fairytale is not complete without a ‘good’ villain’, in this case Pavao Castelo, the most popular society boy on campus who seems to have some relationship history with Brielle that she prefers to forget. Bear is confused about Pavao's relationship with her and Brielle sees Bear chatting to another girl, so they must respond to fairytale rule number five, ‘that obstacles are overcome by hard work, courage, friendship and love. And sometimes magic’.

Packed with beautiful characters, in a colourful fantasy world full of energy, flowers, hearts and butterflies this is pure unapologetic romantic escapism. Every page is packed with wonderful illustrations, consistent characterization and a creative visual language. At the end of the book Salomey reveals her process in creating the book with early character designs that reflect the diversity of a modern university experience as well as drawing inspiration from Disney characters. The pages at the end give an insight into the step-by-step work and thought that has gone into creating something that looks fresh, fun and effortless, a real achievement. Readers hungry for more can access the webtoon of the story on Salomey Doku’s website and other online platforms.

Themes: Fairytales, Love, Friendship.

Sue Speck