Tuck Everlasting Graphic Novel Adaptation Gets Massive 120,000 Print Run
Here we go, book nerds and graphic novel aficionados! The beloved children’s classic Tuck Everlasting is getting a glorious glow-up with a brand-new graphic novel adaptation, and the publisher is betting big on it. How big, you ask? A 120,000-copy print run is big. Clearly, they’re expecting this one to fly off the shelves faster than a kid sneaking out of the house to find an immortal spring.
Why Tuck Everlasting Still Hits Hard
First published in 1975, Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting is no stranger to reinvention. From movies (remember Alexis Bledel’s wistful turn in 2002?) to a Broadway musical, the story has proven timeless. And why wouldn’t it? It grapples with Big Feelings™ like mortality, friendship, and the bittersweet beauty of fleeting moments—in other words, perfect fodder for a graphic novel.
The new adaptation, brought to visual life by illustrator and adapter K. Woodman-Maynard, promises to honor Babbitt’s original prose while offering something fresh. Think watercolors that feel as immersive as the lush woods Winnie Foster roams through. This is not your average “shiny, over-polished” adaptation. It’s textured, soulful, and looks poised to hook a new generation of readers (while pleasing a bunch of nostalgic ones).
What Makes This Graphic Novel a Must-Have?
You’re probably wondering, “Okay, but what makes this graphic novel special?” Well, sit down with your latte, and I’ll tell you:
1. Commemorating 50 Years of Impact
2025 marks five decades since Tuck Everlasting first tugged at our heartstrings, which makes this release perfectly timed. What better way to celebrate its legacy than by pairing Natalie Babbitt’s rich storytelling with stunning visual art?
2. K. Woodman-Maynard’s Gorgeous Artwork
Woodman-Maynard is bringing Winnie, the Tucks, and the mysterious spring to life in watercolor. We’re not talking slapdash sketches either. Over 1,400 hours of intricate work went into crafting these pages, and it shows. You can almost feel the sticky summer air and hear the crunching leaves underfoot as you flip through it.
3. Higher Stakes, Same Heart
The story follows Winnie Foster, a headstrong 10-year-old who stumbles upon the Tucks, a family blessed (or cursed) with immortality thanks to a magical spring on her family’s land. Secrets are revealed, moral dilemmas abound, and there’s even a sinister stranger who wants in on the action. The graphic adaptation promises to capture all of this with precision and heart.
4. Perfect for Fans New and Old
Whether you read the book as a kid, watched one of the movies, or are completely new to the story, this graphic novel is designed to enchant readers of all ages. It’s also a sneaky way to get kids hooked on reading without them even noticing.
The Big Bet on a 120,000 Print Run
Now, about that eye-popping print run. For reference, standard first-run numbers for graphic novels rarely hit such lofty heights. The publisher, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, isn’t just testing the waters here. They’re cannonballing in and making ripples.
This confidence makes sense, though:
- Source Material With Legacy: Selling over 10 million copies, the original novel has earned its place as a modern classic.
- Starred Industry Reviews: Publications like Kirkus and School Library Journal are already singing the adaptation’s praises. (A “must-purchase” endorsement doesn’t come lightly.)
- Universal Themes: A story about life, love, and the inevitability of death is basically the literary equivalent of avocado toast. Always popular.
Why You Should Care About It (Yes, You)
If you’re a book lover, this one is a no-brainer. If you’re a parent or teacher, it’s a chance to introduce kids to a timeless story in a format they’ll actually enjoy. And if you’re, I don’t know, just a human who occasionally likes things that are good, pick up a copy. You won’t regret it.
The hardcover retails for $22.99, while the paperback is $14.99—not bad for a book destined to become a coffee table staple or a go-to gift for the lit nerd in your life.
Where To Pre-Order Tuck Everlasting
Planning to grab a copy? (Or maybe three? No judgment.) Here’s where to lock in your pre-order:
- Amazon (affiliate link)
- Bookshop.org (Support your local bookshop!)
- Barnes & Noble
And if you’re feeling fancy, you can snag a signed copy through Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minnesota. Personalized message? Yes, please.
Final Thoughts
The Tuck Everlasting graphic novel isn’t just a book. It’s an event. It’s for anyone who’s wondered about the allure (or curse?) of eternal life. It’s for those who cherish stories about what makes life worth living, even when it’s fleeting.
Come September 2, 2025, get yourself a copy. Trust me, this one will stay with you far longer than your average read. Something about Tuck Everlasting, no matter what form it takes, has a knack for doing that.
