Skip to Main Content (Press Enter) Toggle side nav

Inkling

By Kenneth Oppel
Illustrated by Sydney Smith

By Kenneth Oppel
Illustrated by Sydney Smith

By Kenneth Oppel
Illustrated by Sydney Smith

By Kenneth Oppel
Illustrated by Sydney Smith

By Kenneth Oppel
Illustrated by Sydney Smith

By Kenneth Oppel
Illustrated by Sydney Smith

By Kenneth Oppel
Read by Robbie Daymond

By Kenneth Oppel
Read by Robbie Daymond

Best Seller
Paperback $7.99

Mar 10, 2020 | ISBN 9781524772840 | Middle Grade (8-12) *This format is not eligible to earn points towards the Reader Rewards program

Hardcover $17.99

Nov 06, 2018 | ISBN 9781524772819 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Ebook $6.99

Nov 06, 2018 | ISBN 9781524772833 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Audiobook Download $18.00

Nov 06, 2018 | 367 Minutes | Middle Grade (8-12)

All Formats
+
    Inkling by Kenneth Oppel
    Paperback $7.99
    Mar 10, 2020 | ISBN 9781524772840
    *This format is not eligible to earn points towards the Reader Rewards program

    Also available from:

    See All Formats (3) +

    Paperback
    –

    • Paperback $7.99

      Mar 10, 2020 | ISBN 9781524772840 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Also available from:

      *This format is not eligible to earn points towards the Reader Rewards program

    Hardcover
    +

    • Hardcover $17.99

      Nov 06, 2018 | ISBN 9781524772819 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Also available from:

    Ebook
    +

    • Ebook

      Nov 06, 2018 | ISBN 9781524772833 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Available from:

    Audio
    +

    • Audiobook Download

      Nov 06, 2018 | ISBN 9780525587392 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      367 Minutes

      Available from:

    Buy the Audiobook Download:

    About Inkling

    “Astonishing”—The New York Times Book Review

    A brilliantly funny, highly illustrated story about how a little ink splot changes a family forever. Perfect for those who love Hoot, Holes, or Frindle!

    The Rylance family is stuck. Dad’s got writer’s block. Ethan promised to illustrate a group project at school–even though he can’t draw. Sarah’s still pining for a puppy. And they all miss Mom.

    Enter Inkling. Inkling begins life in Mr. Rylance’s sketchbook. But one night the ink of his drawings runs together–and then leaps off the page! This small burst of creativity is about to change everything.

    Ethan finds him first. Inkling has absorbed a couple chapters of his math book–not good–and the story he’s supposed to be illustrating for school–also not good. But Inkling’s also started drawing the pictures to go with the story–which is amazing! It’s just the help Ethan was looking for! Inkling helps the rest of the family too–for Sarah he’s a puppy. And for Dad he’s a spark of ideas for a new graphic novel. It’s exactly what they all want.

    It’s not until Inkling goes missing that this family has to face the larger questions of what they–and Inkling–truly need.

    • A New York Times Notable Book
    • A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year — top ten selection
    • “A true-to-life family, some can’t-put-it-down excitement, a few deep questions, and more than a little bit of magic. This book is everything, and I loved every page.” —Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medalist for When You Reach Me

    About Inkling

    “Astonishing”—The New York Times Book Review

    A brilliantly funny, highly illustrated story about how a little ink splot changes a family forever. Perfect for those who love Hoot, Holes, or Frindle!

    The Rylance family is stuck. Dad’s got writer’s block. Ethan promised to illustrate a group project at school–even though he can’t draw. Sarah’s still pining for a puppy. And they all miss Mom.

    Enter Inkling. Inkling begins life in Mr. Rylance’s sketchbook. But one night the ink of his drawings runs together–and then leaps off the page! This small burst of creativity is about to change everything.

    Ethan finds him first. Inkling has absorbed a couple chapters of his math book–not good–and the story he’s supposed to be illustrating for school–also not good. But Inkling’s also started drawing the pictures to go with the story–which is amazing! It’s just the help Ethan was looking for! Inkling helps the rest of the family too–for Sarah he’s a puppy. And for Dad he’s a spark of ideas for a new graphic novel. It’s exactly what they all want.

    It’s not until Inkling goes missing that this family has to face the larger questions of what they–and Inkling–truly need.

    • A New York Times Notable Book
    • A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year — top ten selection
    • “A true-to-life family, some can’t-put-it-down excitement, a few deep questions, and more than a little bit of magic. This book is everything, and I loved every page.” —Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medalist for When You Reach Me

    About Inkling

    “Astonishing”—The New York Times Book Review

    A brilliantly funny, highly illustrated story about how a little ink splot changes a family forever. Perfect for those who love Hoot, Holes, or Frindle!

    The Rylance family is stuck. Dad’s got writer’s block. Ethan promised to illustrate a group project at school–even though he can’t draw. Sarah’s still pining for a puppy. And they all miss Mom.

    Enter Inkling. Inkling begins life in Mr. Rylance’s sketchbook. But one night the ink of his drawings runs together–and then leaps off the page! This small burst of creativity is about to change everything.

    Ethan finds him first. Inkling has absorbed a couple chapters of his math book–not good–and the story he’s supposed to be illustrating for school–also not good. But Inkling’s also started drawing the pictures to go with the story–which is amazing! It’s just the help Ethan was looking for! Inkling helps the rest of the family too–for Sarah he’s a puppy. And for Dad he’s a spark of ideas for a new graphic novel. It’s exactly what they all want.

    It’s not until Inkling goes missing that this family has to face the larger questions of what they–and Inkling–truly need.

    • A New York Times Notable Book
    • A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year — top ten selection
    • “A true-to-life family, some can’t-put-it-down excitement, a few deep questions, and more than a little bit of magic. This book is everything, and I loved every page.” —Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medalist for When You Reach Me

    About Inkling

    From the acclaimed author of The Nest, The Boundless, and Airborn comes a brilliantly funny, breakout book about a boy who discovers an ink blot that’s come to life! Perfect for those who love Hoot and Frindle and sure to be a hit with kids everywhere!

    The Rylance family is stuck. Dad’s got writer’s block. Ethan promised to illustrate a group project at school–even though he can’t draw. Sarah’s still pining for a puppy. And they all miss Mom. So much more than they can say.

    Enter Inkling. Inkling begins life in Mr. Rylance’s sketchbook. But one night the ink of his drawings runs together–and then leaps off the page! This small burst of creativity is about to change everything.

    Ethan finds him first. Inkling has absorbed a couple chapters of his math book–not good–and the story he’s supposed to be illustrating for school–also not good. But Inkling’s also started drawing the pictures to go with the story–which is amazing! It’s just the help Ethan was looking for! Inkling helps the rest of the family too–for Sarah he’s a puppy. And for Dad he’s a spark of ideas for a new graphic novel. It’s exactly what they all want.

    It’s not until Inkling goes missing that this family has to face the larger questions of what they–and Inkling–truly need.

    Kenneth Oppel has given us a small masterpiece of middle-grade fiction. Inkling is funny and fizzy and exciting, and brimming with the kind of interesting ideas and dilemmas that kids will love to wrestle with. Get ready. A little ink blot is about to become your new favorite character!

    Read An Excerpt

    Read An Excerpt

    Read An Excerpt

    Read An Excerpt

    Listen to a sample from Inkling

    Also by Kenneth Oppel

    Bloom
    Thrive
    Hatch
    See all books by Kenneth Oppel

    Also by Kenneth Oppel

    Bloom
    Thrive
    Hatch
    See all books by Kenneth Oppel

    Also by Kenneth Oppel

    Bloom
    Thrive
    Hatch
    See all books by Kenneth Oppel

    Also by Kenneth Oppel

    Bloom
    Thrive
    Hatch
    See all books by Kenneth Oppel

    About Kenneth Oppel

    KENNETH OPPEL is one of the most highly regarded authors of middle-grade fiction writing today. Some of his best-known titles are Inkling,The Nest, Airborn, a 2005 Printz Honor Book, and Silverwing. Find him online at www.kennethoppel.ca and @KennethOppel.

    About Kenneth Oppel

    KENNETH OPPEL is one of the most highly regarded authors of middle-grade fiction writing today. Some of his best-known titles are Inkling,The Nest, Airborn, a 2005 Printz Honor Book, and Silverwing. Find him online at www.kennethoppel.ca and @KennethOppel.

    About Kenneth Oppel

    KENNETH OPPEL is one of the most highly regarded authors of middle-grade fiction writing today. Some of his best-known titles are Inkling,The Nest, Airborn, a 2005 Printz Honor Book, and Silverwing. Find him online at www.kennethoppel.ca and @KennethOppel.

    About Kenneth Oppel

    KENNETH OPPEL is one of the most highly regarded authors of middle-grade fiction writing today. Some of his best-known titles are Inkling,The Nest, Airborn, a 2005 Printz Honor Book, and Silverwing. Find him online at www.kennethoppel.ca and @KennethOppel.

    Product Details

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Books | Children’s Picture Books

    Paperback | $7.99
    Published by Yearling
    Mar 10, 2020 | 272 Pages | 5-3/16 x 7-5/8 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9781524772840

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Books | Children’s Picture Books

    Hardcover | $17.99
    Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
    Nov 06, 2018 | 272 Pages | 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9781524772819

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Books | Children’s Picture Books

    Ebook | $6.99
    Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
    Nov 06, 2018 | 272 Pages | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9781524772833

    Category: Audiobooks | Children’s Middle Grade Books | Children’s Picture Books

    Audiobook Download | $18.00
    Published by Listening Library
    Nov 06, 2018 | 367 Minutes | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780525587392

    Inspired by Your Browsing History

    Buy other books like Inkling

    ‹ ›
    Pages & Co.: The Bookwanderers
    Pages & Co.: The Bookwanderers
    Anna James
    Dragons in a Bag
    Dragons in a Bag
    Zetta Elliott
    The Last Kids on Earth: June's Wild Flight
    The Last Kids on Earth: June’s Wild Flight
    Max Brallier
    Real Pigeons Fight Crime (Book 1)
    Real Pigeons Fight Crime (Book 1)
    Andrew McDonald
    When You Reach Me
    When You Reach Me
    Rebecca Stead
    Because of Mr. Terupt
    Because of Mr. Terupt
    Rob Buyea
    The Hero Next Door
    The Hero Next Door
    Scat
    Scat
    Carl Hiaasen
    Song for a Whale
    Song for a Whale
    Lynne Kelly
    Lemons
    Lemons
    Melissa Savage
    The Runaway Princess
    The Runaway Princess
    Johan Troïanowski
    The Science of Breakable Things
    The Science of Breakable Things
    Tae Keller
    100 Cupboards (100 Cupboards Book 1)
    100 Cupboards (100 Cupboards Book 1)
    N. D. Wilson
    Shouting at the Rain
    Shouting at the Rain
    Lynda Mullaly Hunt
    The Line Tender
    The Line Tender
    Kate Allen
    Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins
    Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins
    Lincoln Peirce
    The Elephant's Girl
    The Elephant’s Girl
    Celesta Rimington
    The Smartest Kid in the Universe
    The Smartest Kid in the Universe
    Chris Grabenstein
    Savvy
    Savvy
    Ingrid Law
    Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library Movie Tie-In Edition
    Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Movie Tie-In Edition
    Chris Grabenstein
    Squirm
    Squirm
    Carl Hiaasen
    The Halloween Tree
    The Halloween Tree
    Ray Bradbury
    Nightmares!
    Nightmares!
    Kirsten Miller and Jason Segel
    Fish in a Tree
    Fish in a Tree
    Lynda Mullaly Hunt
    Saving Mr. Terupt
    Saving Mr. Terupt
    Rob Buyea
    The Friendship War
    The Friendship War
    Andrew Clements
    Minecraft: The Mountain
    Minecraft: The Mountain
    Max Brooks
    The Indian in the Cupboard
    The Indian in the Cupboard
    Lynne Reid Banks
    Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
    Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
    Roald Dahl
    The London Eye Mystery
    The London Eye Mystery
    Siobhan Dowd
    When You Trap a Tiger
    When You Trap a Tiger
    Tae Keller
    The Last Kids on Earth and the Skeleton Road
    The Last Kids on Earth and the Skeleton Road
    Max Brallier

    Praise

    Praise for INKLING!

    “Astonishing.”–The New York Times Book Review
    “This masterful novel is funny, sad, and profound all at once. Kenneth Oppel has created many unusual protagonists during his stellar career, but his inventiveness reaches a whole new level with Inkling, an inkblot that is fully and vividly alive.” —Quill and Quire, Starred

    “Inkling is at turns hilarious, when he mimics the language of the books he reads, and poignant, when he wonders about his identity and purpose. The undercurrent of loss and grief, not to mention questions of agency and personhood, give the story weight, but do not weigh it down. Smith’s energetic and expressive ink drawings are the perfect complement and contribute to the storytelling in playful ways. Oppel’s latest is
    serious fun.” —Booklist

    “A unique story about the creative process and the journey through grief.” —SLJ

    “Sweet and funny.” —Kirkus Reviews

    “Inkling is so clever and intriguing that it deserves a bookshelf all to itself. Once you’re done reading, you’ll want to keep a very close eye on it.” —Carl Hiaasen, Newbery Honor Winner for Hoot

    “Inkling’s evolving abilities model a realistic creative arc—the creature mimics its most recent literary meal (“I’M UTTERLY ENRAPTURED” follows a stint with L.M. Montgomery) until it eventually discovers its own voice—even as the other characters work through grief and find their own stories.”—Publishers Weekly

    “An enjoyable read for budding young artists.” —The Bulletin

    Awards

    Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award NOMINEE 2019

    Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award NOMINEE 2022

    Kansas William Allen White Children’s Book Award NOMINEE 2020

    Maine Student Book Award NOMINEE 2019

    Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award NOMINEE 2019

    Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Master List NOMINEE 2019

    New Mexico Land of Enchantment Book Award NOMINEE 2020

    Rhode Island Children’s Book Award NOMINEE 2021

    Rhode Island Children’s Book Master List NOMINEE 2021

    Utah Children’s Book Award NOMINEE 2021

    Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children’s and Teens SELECTION 2019

    Florida Sunshine State Book Master List SELECTION

    Junior Library Guild Selection SELECTION

    New York Times Notable Book SELECTION

    Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Master List SELECTION 2021

    Minnesota Maud Heart Lovelace Award AWARD

    Parents’ Choice Recommended RECOMMENDED

    Be the first to know!
    More from Kenneth Oppel and book picks sent right to your inbox
    More from Kenneth Oppel and book picks sent right to your inbox
    By clicking SIGN UP, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
    Dismiss
    Thanks!
    Something awesome is on its way.
    Back to Top

    Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

    Raise kids who love to read

    Brightly

    Raise kids who love to read
    An online magazine for today’s home cook

    TASTE

    An online magazine for today’s home cook
    The eBooks you want at the lowest prices

    LitFlash

    The eBooks you want at the lowest prices
    Read it first. Pass it on!

    Read it Forward

    Read it first. Pass it on!