My Trip with Drip

MY TRIP WITH DRIP is a graphic novel about unlikely friends, working together, and illness. A bunny and wolf are both in a hospital when hunters attack. The bunny has a long mediplan, while the wolf stitched himself up after a gunshot wound. The bunny deflects a bullet from the hunters with his IV stand, and the wolf declares that since his life was saved, he now has to help the bunny. They go on a wild trip as the wolf helps with the mediplan for the bunny, meeting various animals and encountering challenging situations along the way.

What I loved: This graphic novel deals with some big and challenging themes using a bit of humor. The bunny is clearly dealing with a big illness that requires a large mediplan, suggesting something chronic or serious. They are also dealing with violence from hunters all along the way. An unlikely friendship has formed between the two, built on respect and looking out for each other.

The illustrations are fantastic throughout with lots of details and great use of color. The themes of the color change with the mood throughout the story, helping to infuse it with emotion and make it reach the heart of the reader. As the two animals deal with challenges both external and internal (from the bunny's illness), they work together and find a way through.

Due to the themes and length of the story, this will work best for mature middle grade readers who can understand and appreciate the nuance as well as the complexity of the story.

Final verdict: MY TRIP WITH DRIP is a touching and engaging graphic novel about illness and friendship that will charm older middle grade readers.

Wolf and Bunny are getting medical care when Bunny saves Wolf’s life, so now Wolf is indebted to Bunny as per the Wolf’s Code. Follow along as these two go on an unforgettable adventure, trying to stay alive while Wolf nurses Bunny back to health. They encounter hunters, frozen mountains, light a cabin on fire, and make some new friends.

What I liked: This book begins by introducing you to Wolf and Bunny, an unlikely duo, and gives you a brief explanation as to how this friendship begins. This book immediately takes you into the adventure as the duo starts dodging bullets from a hunter. The antics that these two get up to after are quite hilarious and things you wouldn’t think of from two wild animals, such as driving getaway vehicles.

Some unexpected animal friends show up throughout the book, and these characters add a splash of humor to the story. There’s a bear who ends up rescuing Wolf and Bunny and helping them get through the winter, and there are some other Wolves who show up for a few scenes. The scenes that the wolves are in try to show Wolf what it would be like to be in a pack with other wolves, but he keeps turning down this option to stick with Bunny. There are several moments throughout the book where Wolf’s loyalty to Bunny is questioned, and these moments are great to ponder on why he sticks with Bunny and the importance of friendship.

This book does a great job at highlighting illness and what that looks like for others. Bunny loses their fur throughout the adventure that they are on and struggles to cope with this. There are also other moments in which Bunny can’t engage in the adventure in the same ways that Wolf can, such as needing to slow down and rest. Wolf does a great job of standing by Bunny’s side throughout this journey and ensuring that Bunny gets their medication.

Final Verdict: My Trip with Drip is a fun and cute story about illness, survival, and friendship. Children will enjoy following along as Bunny and Wolf go on this grand adventure that highlights the friendship they build throughout the book. Adults will enjoy seeing how illness impacts Bunny’s life but that it doesn’t take a toll on the relationship between Bunny and Wolf, and it just strengthens their bond.