The Mighty Bite by Nathan Hale

The Mighty Bite by Nathan Hale. Amulet, 2023. 9781419765537
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4.5
Format: Hardcover graphic novel
Genre: fantasy
What did you like about the book? Bite is a prehistoric creature, a trilobite.  His sidekick is Amber, an ambulocetus, or a walking whale, also prehistoric, as are all the creatures in this book except for the humans.  In the quest to become famous – and rich- the two are inspired by paleo newscaster, Tiffany Timber, to create their own video show but first they need a tablet.  They know who can tell them where to get one: Opabinia the wise (or goofy or both).  Opabinia were very small creatures. But Opabinia is also a trickster, nearly imprisoning Bite and Amber in the depths of the earth.  As the story develops further a contest results between Tiffany, Bite and his cohorts and Opabinia and his. Intricately detailed illustrations, created with Sakura Pigma pens on Strathmore Bristol paper, are in blue, black and white, luminescent and seeming almost alive.
Back matter provides more information on the prehistoric creatures and Nathan Hale’s inspiration for the story.
Anything you did not like about the book?  The super-fierce angry demeanor frequently displayed on Tiffany Timber’s face might frighten/repel younger children.
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers who like very overlooked prehistoric creatures, graphic novels, Nathan Hale humor and a rousing good story will decidedly like this one.
Who should buy this book? Public and elementary school libraries
Where would you shelve it? J graphic novels
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles?  No.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Contributor, Youth Services Book Review
Date of Review:  April 27, 2023