Doug TenNapel is a 56-year-old American writer, cartoonist, and animator whose works have been converted to video games and animated television programs. For instance, TenNapel is best known for his video game character, Earthworm Jim, who became famous in animated video game series (2005-2007). TenNapel has written several fantasy graphical novels including They Called Him Evil (1991), Black Cherry (2007), Bald Island (2011), and Cardboard (2012), among others.
The Cardboard (2012) is a standalone and adventurous novel for teens, which is about the significance of a family. Despite coming from a low-income family, Cam has a strong bond with his father and they support each other in whatever they do. Cam understands that his father is a widower and does not have money to buy him a birthday gift. However, the father uses the little money he has to purchase cardboard, which they use to build a boxer as a birthday gift. The boxer comes to life, and they name it Bill and make it part of the family. Neighbors become curious about Bill and Marcus steals Bill. Marcus creates monsters of cardboard. The monsters start to terrorize the villagers but Bill and Mikes manage to bring everything under control.
After its publication in August 2012, Cardboard received several positive reviews. According to the Readerpants, Cardboard is an exceptional graphic novel that features real-life situations ranging from poverty, joblessness, bullying, and grief. The American Library Association comments state that Cardboard is a sensational seamless novel that blends action and philosophy to paint a true picture of life. According to SLJ School Library Journal, TenNapel ‘s Cardboard is a kinetic artwork never been seen before.
