The Adventures of Emma Stein is a brand-new horror-themed book series written by David Caudell and illustrated by Jeremy Richie. The series focuses on Emma Stein, a young girl who happens to be the creation of her professor mother (Professor Shay) and her doctor father (Doctor Dave), as a result of the two being unable to conceive a child naturally. The first book in the series, released on March 13th, 2022, is Emma Stein’s First Day.
Emma Stein’s First Day introduces the character, how she was created, and the town of Grave Acres and details Emma’s first day of school and the challenges she faces with fitting in. Grave Acres is a harmonious home to humans and monsters alike, and the children of both attend school together. As Emma nervously maneuvers through her first school day, she encounters bullies, teachers, and new friends.
The true strength of Emma Stein’s First Day is in its messaging. Many deep topics that younger kids encounter but don’t always understand are addressed. For example, Emma is a bit nervous and self-conscious about her looks, knowing that she’s an amalgamation of different body parts, but she stands up for herself and her new friends in the name of self-love as she speaks out against those who bully people for their looks.
The story does a great job of telling kids that they don’t need to look a certain way to fit in, that skin color doesn’t reflect on what kind of person they are, and that they don’t have to be naturally born into their parents to be equally loved as someone who is. A lot of heart went into the writing, and it shows beautifully. Even the release date carries an emotional connection, as Caudell chose March 13th to honor his father, who passed away on that date, and to also turn the sad memory of the date into the anniversary of an exciting new adventure.
The illustrations are filled with vibrant colors and creative creatures. I particularly loved Mrs. Shellhammer, a slug-like educator who reminded me of so many teachers I had growing up. The artwork captures a certain 1990’s style made popular by shows like Daria and Beavis and Butthead that you don’t typically see much anymore, almost as if it’s a lost art. Emma’s design is slick, clean, and encompasses a cool and confident character within her small details, like different colored eyes, facial scars, and a bat backpack.
Emma Stein’s First Day is now available online at both Barnes and Noble and Amazon for $19.94 USD. Hoodies, mugs, bags, plushies, and more are also available at emmasteinrocks.com. Follow @emmasteinrocks on Instagram for information about more upcoming books in the series, giveaways, and special Emma-related posts.
