Gavin Aung Than’s newest book, Creature Clinic, is a clever and funny hospital drama packed with mythological creatures and fairytale references. When an injured human arrives at the creature clinic, trainee doctor Kara Orc decides to treat him even though it’s against clinic rules and the wishes of her mother, Dr Orc. After Kara helps heal the human, he in turn offers emotional support to some of her patients. He teaches a unicorn to use relaxation techniques, to endure the pain of her horn being straightened after an accident. The human also helps a Griffin find the courage to fly again after a wing transplant.

Gavin Aung Than created Zen Pencils in 2012, which is a series of creative, inspirational cartoons that were first published as webcomics, then books. He is also the author of the Super Sidekicks graphic novels. Creature Clinic draws from both of these works; it’s an exciting, accomplished tale for young readers with great characters and plenty of inspiration embedded into the story. This full-colour graphic novel has many positive wellbeing themes: it celebrates kindness and doing the right thing, and is highly recommended for ages 8+.