Amazon had Neil Gaiman's latest work listed in the graphic novel category, so I bought it thinking it was a comic book. Silly me. Gaiman is a gifted storyteller through both novels and comics, but The Graveyard Book falls under the former category. All's well that ends well, though, because Gaiman's latest foray into young adult literature is both a unique and highly enjoyable read. A dozen or so pages of illustrations by Dave McKean help establish mood.
In this new take on Kipling's excellent Jungle Books, Gaiman swaps animals for ghosts while keeping intact the central theme of a displaced boy growing up and finding his place in the world. Nobody Owens (Bod for short) is taken in and protected by the denizens of a local graveyard after some disturbing events in the outside world. Gaiman moves the work along at a good pace while mixing interesting stories and character development among a diverse cast. Despite being named Nobody the main character isn't one you'll forget.
The Graveyard book is both creepy and dark at times, and the villains might be a bit much for younger readers. But the overall tone falls closer to the many good characters who look out for Nobody Owens. It's a story you can care about and that leaves you with something positive to take with you after you've finished.