- Graphic Novels
- Ages 8–12
- Fantasy
Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa
Book 1 in Squalo & MageView the full series
A vivid middle-grade fantasy graphic novel steeped in Filipino folklore, in which a girl and her shark best friend set out to find the guardian of the sea and save their world from the wrath of the Bakunawa. A thrilling, mythic duology opener.
- Best for8–12
- FormatGraphic
- Length240 pp
- Read aloud~1 hr55 min
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The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Conversational
Tone
- Adventurous
- Exciting
- Whimsical
- Bittersweet
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
After losing her father in an attack by the evil Tikbalang, Mage and her best friend Squalo — a shark — set off on an important quest far from home to honour her father's last wish: find the Bakunawa, the guardian of the sea. But the Tikbalang was only one servant of Ventrolio, the nightmare maker, who is hunting Mage at any cost. Their journey carries them across the world of Mundo, facing monsters and possessed minions drawn from Filipino mythology, until they hear of an enraged bakunawa who would rather sink ships and summon storms than help sailors. Can Mage and Squalo uncover the truth before the Bakunawa unleashes her fury and plunges all of Mundo into chaos? Kara Bodegón-Hikino's debut is a fantastical, big-hearted adventure that wears its Filipino folklore proudly while giving newcomers all the clues they need to follow along. Rich, expressive artwork and a brave, grieving heroine make this a standout opener to a duology — perfect for readers who love mythic quests and creature-packed graphic novels.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
A graphic novel for 8–12s reading independently, with fast, image-driven storytelling that suits reluctant readers. The father's death and monster peril mean it best suits children ready for a mythic adventure with real stakes rather than a purely gentle one.
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- Best fit · 8–12
- Read aloud · 8–11
- Independent · 8–12
Prose load
Light
Visual support
Very high
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Patchy
Works well for
- Gift-buying
- Reluctant readers
Preview before sharing if a child is sensitive to: death of parent, grief.
Bedtime suitability
2 / 5 · Better outside bedtime
Sensitive-child
3 / 5 · Mostly fine
Graphic intensity
2 / 5 · Mild
Best for
- Filipino folklore
- Mythic quest
- Graphic novel
- Monsters and creatures
Avoid if
- Wants gentle bedtime
- Sensitive to parental loss
Particularly good for children who are…
- Bereavement
- Mixed race or dual heritage family
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
Mage has a shark for a best friend and a whole world of Filipino myth-creatures to survive — from the shape-shifting Tikbalang to the storm-summoning Bakunawa. The quest is fast and full of danger, and the bond between Mage and Squalo gives it real heart.
- Going on a quest
- Adventure and freedom
- Talking to animals
- Surviving danger
Why parents love it
A fantastical adventure that celebrates Filipino mythology while staying easy to follow for readers new to it. The artwork is expressive and full of creatures, and beneath the monster-battling runs a tender story about a girl carrying grief and keeping a promise to her father.
- Beautiful illustrations
- Cultural representation
- Conversation starter
About the author & illustrator
Kara Bodegón-Hikino.
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