Illustrated by Lane Smith 4 stars I read this book so many times growing up. It was definitely one of my favorites. I remember being equally horrified and entranced by it. It is probably the book that fostered my lifelong love of fairy tale retellings, specifically stories told from the “villain’s” point of view. Such…
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Illustrated by Sanjay Patel 4 stars A gorgeously illustrated story inspired by Hindu mythology. When Ganesha was young, he loved going out with his friend Mr. Mouse to collect sweets from the temples to snack on. But after breaking his tusk on a Super Jumbo Jawbreaker Laddoo, Ganesha becomes self-conscious. Until he meets Vyasa who…
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by Gabrielle Charbonnet 3 stars A sweet collection of classic Disney stories featuring well-known princesses. Each story is paired with an introduction, a craft, and funny little asides between Mary-Kate and Ashley. The collection includes Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas. I’ve been on…
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Story by Katarina Illustrated by Ryosuke Fuji Translated by Kevin Gifford 4 stars An action-packed volume with cool world building and fun humor. Rakuro (player name Sunraku) loves “trash games”, the more bugs, the better. But when he tries the god-tier Shangri-La Frontier, his whole world changes. Using the skills and experience he’s gained from…
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5 stars An adorably sweet, cozy little adventure. The Skeleton has a wonderful life tending her garden, drinking tea, and enjoying her alone time. Then one day, a black cat shows up and asks to be friends. The Skeleton isn’t so sure, but the Cat is quite convincing. Join them on their day-to-day adventures as…
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Illustrated by Kay Davault 5 stars An engaging chosen-one adventure featuring magic, dragons, and a talking llama. In this early chapter book series, llama caretaker Dak is recruited by his mysterious neighbor Fenn and magical llama Lucy to find the twelve Magic Stones of Ravenwood after they have been stolen. Their first stop is Dragons’…
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by Joey Spiotto 3 stars A cute early graphic novel about a little axolotl experiencing big changes. Max lived contently in Lake Xochimilco… until construction encroached on his home and he was taken to an aquarium for safety. There he starts a new school and works to overcome his nervousness to make new friends. A…
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Illustrated by Sarah Graley 3 stars A fun adventure story with plenty of magic, cat cuteness, and some tasty spells. All Roxy wants is to attend Magic Uni and become the greatest Pizza Witch of all time. But first, she must retrieve the Remarkable Oregano with the help of George, her talking cat companion. Along…
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4 stars Humorous, fantastical, and filled with magic. Isabella Nagg lives a normal, boring life on a little farm, cooking, cleaning, and (barley) tolerating her husband. But when Mr. Nagg brings home a stollen spell book, Isabella’s life becomes anything but ordinary. With the help of a catlike companion, Isabella navigates the magical world while…
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4 stars An empress in exile, a handmaiden sold off by her parents, and a cleric who must unravel their story. At once subtle and forceful, this story explores themes of revenge, resistance, and resilience. Beautifully written. The story unfolds at its own pace, taking its time. Honestly, despite it’s short length, it somehow didn’t…
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