Lucy & Andy Neanderthal by Jeffrey Brown | Rating: ★★★☆☆  

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.  

As someone who is looking further into graphic novels and children's books for my best friends young daughter, it goes without saying how thrilled I was to see a galley of Jeffrey Brown's release Lucy & Andy Neanderthal waiting for me when I got home. In fact, I daresay I've gotten spoiled when it comes to the kids books I've received this year alone. 

Don't let the reviews scolding the so-called accuracy (or lack thereof) when it comes down to the nature of the characters names. This is a children's book and it should be thought of as such and not taken seriously. I mean, come on, don't get so picky about historical accuracy--this is a humorous book targeted at children. Sorry. I'm getting a bit testy because I find it so utterly silly to go into entertainment with a mindset along those lines. I'm serious. Lucy & Andy Neanderthal isn't something I would personally pick up again but it's the perfect read for your children (or your friends children, in my case) to round up their summer or say hello to the autumn at last.


You can't go wrong with the silliness of this book and you can't go wrong with art work featured in it. Speaking of the art, I'm actually really interested in seeing what the published version looks like and instead of giving my friend's daughter the galley, I'm going to go out and purchase a finished copy for her. As a note: she is already excited for it based on the cover, which I shared with her via picture already.


While historical accuracy isn't its strong suit (hello, fiction!) there is still a quality to it that will spark an interest in the reader and provide a few truths in its details. Which is totally fun and awesome and a good start for learning and conversation. This may not be a history book but it certainly has an element to it beyond the goofiness that just may give its reader an itch for knowledge on its topic. Not to sound like a broken record, but don't lose yourself in the fact that this is targeted at a younger crowd.

(Surely, this will be a hit at schools!) 

Overall Lucy & Andy Neanderthal is a fun adventure that will appeal to most kids under the age of, I'd say, 14.