The Scarlet Ship: An Original Graphic Novel

Twelve-year-old Malo and his grandmother board the Scarlet Ship in this beautifully illustrated, full-color graphic novel for young readers. A super fun, high-stakes pirate adventure with the heartfelt themes of identity, courage, and the power of art!

Join Malo, a spirited young artist, on an exhilarating journey as he strives to match the incredible talents of his famous Grandma Zita. For fans of Disney's Encanto, Jennifer Muro's Primer: A Superhero Graphic Novel, Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, and those who are eager to chase their dreams in the face of doubt.

When Malo and his grandmother board a mysterious, floating vessel called the Scarlet Ship, they're not quite sure what to expect. After all, the ship's crew are no ordinary pirates; they specialize in art . . . piracy!

At the helm of the ship is the fearsome Captain Magenta, a ruthless man with a singular goal: to wipe out artistic expression from the world forever.

Armed with brushes, paints, and unwavering courage, Malo and his new friend Cyane must stand against Captain Magenta's tyranny, save Grandma Zita from certain doom, and demonstrate that art possesses the power to inspire, unite, and stand up against oppression.

Brought to life with vibrant, expressive illustrations by renowned French comic artist Léo Verrier, The Scarlet Ship brims with heart, humor, and high-flying adventure. This graphic novel invites readers of all ages to uncover the magic of creativity and the importance of discovering their own artistic voice.

Author: Claire Grimond
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Published: 10/07/2025
Pages: 112
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.10h x 6.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9798881601751
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 09/12/2025 pg. 1

About the Author
Léo Verrier is a director of animated films and a comic book author. His first short film, Dripped, won over 35 awards at festivals (including being a finalist at the Oscars in 2013 and the Tokyo Anime Awards). He went on to direct The Seven Red Hoods and Decibels, co-produced by Arte and Canal+. He also works on series and film projects in New Zealand, France, and Japan. His inspirations range from Hayao Miyazaki to Italo Calvino, with influences from David Lynch and Nicolas de Crécy. Léo Verrier enjoys bringing to life characters with mysterious motives in worlds where the fantastic is always just around the corner. He lives in Paris, France.

Claire Grimond graduated from ENSAD (specializing in illustration) in 2005 and initially pursued a career in the visual arts. In 2007, she was awarded the prestigious Georges Coulon Prize for her sculptures. Alongside her work as a sculptor, she has continued to develop her skills in screenwriting, particularly for animated media. Specializing in transmedia development for animation, she notably designed and scripted the interactive visitor tours for the Lascaux IV site. She lives in Paris, France.

Rebecca Potters is a writer and editor from Glen Ridge, New Jersey and currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rebecca earned her degree in English, communications, and film theory from McGill University. She has a background in the health and wellness space, and has penned four children's books.