InFurNation Rotating Header Image

Book

Unexpected Heritage

Jan 30th, 2026
by rodney.
No comments yet

More notable young-adult fantasy from Penguin Random House: Dragonborn, by Struan Murray. “There is a secret world of dragons that lurks at the edges of our own. But dragons also live among us. These Slumberers have been human for so long they have forgotten their true selves — until something awakens the dragon within… Twelve-year-old Alex Evans is about to wake up. Ever since her father’s death, Alex’s overprotective mother has smothered her with unbreakable rules and unspoken fears. Feeling trapped, Alex’s frustration has become too big to hide away. Burning inside, she erupts into a fierce, fiery roar… A new school and a new life await Alex on the legendary island of Skralla, one of the last surviving dragon havens. There, she will train alongside other young dragons who are wild, untamed, and — unlike Alex — skilled at transforming and embracing their dragons within. As dark factions begin to rise, Alex finds herself in a race to unlock her long-dormant power before Drak Midna, the greatest dragon of all, rises again to wage war against the human world.” Minor thing perhaps, but check out that dragon scale decoration on the pages. This is something else!

image c. 2026 Penguin Random House

Save the Dragons — And More

Jan 24th, 2026
by rodney.
No comments yet

Recently at a book store (remember those?) we came across the Impossible Creatures series of young adult fantasy novels, written by Katherine Rundell. The first book is called (appropriately) Impossible Creatures. “The day that Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever. It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago — a cluster of un-mapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years, until now. And it’s the day he met Mal — a girl on the run, in desperate need of his help. Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying. They consult sphinxes, battle kraken, and negotiate with dragons. But the closer they get to the dark truth of what’s happening, the clearer it becomes: No one else can fix this. If the Archipelago is to be saved, Mal and Christopher will have to do it themselves.” And don’t forget to check out the second book in the series, The Poisoned King.

image c. 2026 Penguin Random House

Small Ears, Big Heart, Big Dreams

Jan 11th, 2026
by rodney.
No comments yet

Here’s a new non-human fantasy novel written and illustrated by Academy Award-winning animator (Incredibles 2) and director (Piper) Alan Barillaro: “When Bunns is born with small but perfectly functional rabbit ears, the warren is abuzz with auguries. Surely such short ears spell bad luck for the community. Sheltered in her family’s burrow, Bunns listens to the rhythm of her mother’s heartbeat — Thump, thump, thump — a song of home and belonging. Her father explains that unlike a rabbit’s words or thumping feet, a heartsong cannot lie. But the unknown world of the meadow, the sounds and smells above, call to Bunns. When at last she’s ready to brave the staring and whispering of neighbors who fear her because she’s different, and the disapproving elders who threaten to banish her family, she finds a world beyond the warren where myths and riddles, magic voyages, and important new friends await. Can the ‘bad omen bunny’ follow her own heartsong to a destiny — a wish — meant just for her?” Bunns Rabbit is available now from Penguin Random House.

image c. 2025 Penguin Random House

Bearing Witness

Jan 2nd, 2026
by rodney.
No comments yet

The great and mighty Katherine Applegate (author of The One and Only Ivan — and many more furry books) returns with a new fantasy called Pocket Bear, illustrated by Charles Santoso. We’ll let the publisher explain: “Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his ‘becoming: The glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm. Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as ‘The Cat Burglar’, have seen it all, and then some. An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket Bear reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.” Published last year, this new book is available in hardcover from MacMillan Publishers. (Happy New Year, y’all!)

image c. 2026 MacMillan Publishers

Wolves and Art

Dec 30th, 2025
by rodney.
No comments yet

We came across this book while Christmas shopping! And it’s really unique… “Part epic picture book, part graphic novel, The Five Wolves defies genres. With intricate ink work and meticulous hand-lettering, Peter McCarty has crafted a dazzling reading experience. The Five Wolves is an entrancing journey and a testament to the power of art and artists. Across oceans, through fields, and down tunnels, five daring wolves traverse the planet in search of wonders to draw and paint. All the while, a disembodied narrator spins the tale of their absurdist adventure and asks big questions. What is art? And who does it belong to?” Find out more (and see a preview) over at MacMillan Publishers. [Have a happy and safe New Year, everyone, and all the best in 2026 — Ye Ed-Otter.]

image c. 2025 MacMillan Publishers

Brave, Loyal, and Determined

Dec 25th, 2025
by rodney.
No comments yet

While out shopping for books this holiday season, we came across I Am Rebel, a new young adult fantasy novel by Ross Montgomery. “Rebel is a good dog. He loves his simple, perfect life on the farm with his owner, Tom—until one day, when the war comes too close. Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the king’s men, but Rebel knows that war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save his beloved human. How can he bring Tom home before it’s too late?” Check it out over at the publisher’s web site, in hardcover and trade paperback. (Bright Blessings and Happy Holidays from us to you, everyone!)

image c. 2025 Candlewick Press

Gumshoes and Gowns

Dec 13th, 2025
by rodney.
No comments yet

At Lightbox Expo this year we met Kyky Yang, an animation artist and designer from Taiwan who’s living in Los Angeles now. She’s become well-known for her black & white “lesbian furry” web comic Detective Alice — and now, she’s self-published her first collection of it as a paperback graphic novel. Follow the adventures of British cat detective Alice and her maid Amaryllis. Visit the official web site — or check out the intro video on YouTube.

image c. 2025 by Kyky Yang

Sonova Spider

Dec 5th, 2025
by rodney.
No comments yet

At the Lightbox Expo this year we met Greg Anderson-Elysee and learned about his graphic novel series, Is’Nana the Were-Spider. “Accidentally breaking a barrier between our world and theirs (called “The Mother Kingdom”), Is’nana, the son of Anansi (The West African God of Spiders) accepts the responsibility for releasing creatures of horror into our world, villains who want nothing more but to cause chaos and mayhem to achieve their own diabolical or selfish goals. With guidance from his father, Is’nana not only strives to live up to his father’s name but to also reach his own potential while he seeks to discover his individuality and place in the world.” Lots of animal-based gods and demons to be found here, all rendered in a dynamic painting style by artists Walter Ostlie and Lee Milewski. Find out more (and see all the issues) at the Webway Comics site.

image c. 2025 Webway Comics

Ant-y Free’s

Oct 2nd, 2025
by rodney.
No comments yet

As we have noted before, Jay Hosler is a biology professor with a special interest in bugs — or more precisely, insects. And they like to channel that interest into writing and illustrating full-color graphic novels for young readers — like their most recent creation, Ant Story. “Meet Rubi, a tiny ant with a big personality and an even bigger love for stories. Who knew the small world of her colony could be full of unexpected friendships, epic adventures, and death-defying escapes? Follow Rubi on the journey of a lifetime as she uncovers the mystery and wonder of one of the world’s tiniest, mightiest insects.” Look for it now from Harper Collins.

image c. 2025 Harper Collins Publishers

← Earlier Posts