I am a primary school teacher and, as a comic book fan, have found that comics and graphic novels are a fantastic way to engage reluctant readers. I ran an after school club recently for reluctant year 4 and 5 readers and found Tiffany’s Griffon by Magnolia Porter Siddell and Maddi Gonzalez a very popular read.
The story is about a young girl called Marnie who is a bit of a social outcast and is really into a fantasy series. When she is visited by a fairy from the book series she so loves and tasked with looking after a Griffon egg and rearing the creature she thinks her dreams are coming true. The problem is she gained the egg under false pretenses and is not the Chosen One. Rather, the popular girl at school Tiffany is the intended recipient but Marnie claimed she was Tiffany. And so, as the creature seems to build a bond towards Tiffany, Marnie grows jealous but there are real consequences as the magical kingdom is being destroyed by the evil witch. Can Marnie put aside her small woman syndrome and rightfully place the Griffon and Tiffany together? Well, there's the story!
The story deftly blends human drama with the more fantastical elements well and gently preaches the message of 'Never judge a book by its cover.' The story builds from a cozy Tamagochi 'look after an egg' to a genre-playing Scribblenauts/ Penny Crayon middle to a cracking finale with hints of The Neverending Story.
The false foundational relationship serves as the primary engine for the narrative, moving beyond mere wonder to delve into the practicalities and ethical considerations of Marnie harboring such a unique being. Author, Magnolia Porter Siddell, skillfully navigates the challenges Marnie faces in protecting her discovery while grappling with the implications of its existence on her own life and the wider world. Her character development is a notable strength as she realises that she is not the Chosen One and she has been judging Tiffany all wrong. Tiffany evolves from an individual thrust into an unforeseen circumstance to one who demonstrates remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. Her journey is not merely one of adventure but of significant personal growth, illustrating the weight of her unique guardianship and care for her poorly father and griffon.
Overall, Tiffany's Griffon is a well-crafted and engaging work that will resonate with any reader who appreciate fantasy infused with thoughtful character development and meaningful thematic exploration. It offers a refreshing perspective on the classic mythical encounter, grounding it in relatable human experience.
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