Illustrated stories bereft of dialogue have a long literary history and one that’s been celebrated though the work of such contemporary artists as Andy Runton (the Owly series) and Shaun Tan (The Arrival). Owl Girl, Asheville-area writer Jerald Pope’s second wordless novel and 12th book overall, also carries on this tradition over 78 pages of self-described “atmospheric colored pencil” drawings. The fairy tale for readers of all ages centers on a little girl who gets lost in the woods, is rescued and raised by a family of owls, and begins to yearn for human connection that’s at the core of her being. Pope will reveal how to read from a wordless novel at Owl Girl’s book launch on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. at Malaprop’s. Free to attend. malaprops.com. Image by Pope, courtesy of the author
Smart Bets: Jerald Pope

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