Jellaby Series by Kean Soo

Quiet, brilliant Portia has just moved to a new neighborhood with her mom. Adjusting to life without a father is hard enough, but school is boring and her classmates are standoffish -- and even Portia's mom is strangely distant. But things start looking up when Portia mounts a late-night excursion into the woods behind her house and discovers a shy, sweet-natured purple monster... moreQuiet, brilliant Portia has just moved to a new neighborhood with her mom. Adjusting to life without a father is hard enough, but school is boring and her classmates are standoffish -- and even Portia's mom is strangely distant. But things start looking up when Portia mounts a late-night excursion into the woods behind her house and discovers a shy, sweet-natured purple monster. Life with Jellaby is a lot more exciting, but Portia's purple friend has secrets of his own; secrets that may even lead to the mystery of Portia's father's disappearance! less

The second book of this award-winning graphic novel series. Ten-year-old Portia Bennett and her friend Jason continue their journey through the city of Toronto. They're one step closer to finding the home of their lost friend, a sweet, silent creature named Jellaby. Unfortunately, dangers await, including a tentacled monster with a taste for children. To succeed in her quest--and save her friends--Portia must step up and kick some monster butt.