What feeds our creativity and what makes art truly our own and not just a copy? Inkling by Kenneth Oppel is a fantastic middle grade novel that explores these questions and more through a magical story about a kid who finds living ink. This book will encourage your creative kids, especially if they aren’t feeling confident about their art.
The Story
When a blob of ink pulls itself out of Ethan’s dad’s sketchbook, everything changes. Ethan believes Inkling, as he calls the blob who quickly learns to write, is the perfect solution to his class graphic novel project. That’s because Ethan has always been ashamed that he can’t draw when his dad is a well-known graphic novelist. And Inkling is amazing. The more books and art he “eats”, the better art he produces. But things get complicated as more people find out about Inkling and want what he can do, including Ethan’s dad, who has had writer’s block since the death of his wife. Characters must grapple not only with right and wrong but with what it truly means to create.
What I loved
- Sibling relationship–Ethan’s relationship with his little sister Sarah may be one of my favorites in middle grade literature. Sarah is eight and has downs syndrome. Ethan’s interactions with her are full of patience and appreciation for who she is. I love positive sibling relationships, and this one knocks it out of the park.
- Feeding creativity–At first Inkling mimics whatever he’s been reading. This is a delightful part of the story as we hear him mimic The BFG or Anne of Green Gables. But later, as Inkling consumes wider variety and better art, his own ability to create grows. I love the subtle reminder that the media we consume matters.
- Audiobook–The audiobook version is fantastic!
Parents should know
Ethan’s dad is experiencing depression, even years after his wife’s passing. In one chapter, he fails to get out of bed. Ethan is sometimes critical of his dad’s parenting failures, especially when he has to pick up the slack. Ethan and his dad both struggle with wanting to “cheat” by using Inkling to do their creative work for them. Ethan makes the right moral choice, while his dad perhaps never does.
Looking for more?
If you’d like to see more books like this, check out my Beyond Narnia Booklist!
You’ll also love my art-themed middle grade fantasy novel series, The Restorationists.
