Bera the One-Headed Troll by Eric Orchard

5 stars A reluctant hero, a lost baby, and a witch who will do anything to find them. I loved everything about this. Wonderful artwork with a perfect blend of weird, sweet, spooky, and beautiful. Bera is a pumpkin farmer who lives on an island with her loyal owl friend, Winslowe. After rescuing a human…

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The Wishing Spell (The Land of Stories #1) (Audiobook)

by Chris Colfer 3 stars Twins Alex and Conner are having a hard time adjusting to life after the death of their father. When their grandmother gives Alex her book of fairy tales, the siblings are transported inside into the Land of Stories. Now the two must search for the items of the Wishing Spell…

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Shuna’s Journey by Hayao Miyazaki

Translated by Alex Dudok de Wit 3 stars A standalone tale loosely based on the Tibetan folktale, “The Prince Who Turned into a Dog”. This book is all Miyazaki. Stunning settings, a strong woman with agency and determination, fascinating creatures, rich backgrounds, and intentional ambiguity. Slow-paced story that puts more emphasis on the visuals than…

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The Legend of Grimm’s Woods (Hocus & Poucs #1)

by Manuro Illustrated by Gorobei Translated by Mélanie Strang-Hardy 3.5 stars A fun adventure that puts you in charge of where to go next. Follow either Hocus or Pocus as they explore Grimm’s Woods in search of missing children. Along the way, you’ll collect stars, answer riddles, play games, and keep your magical creature fed…

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Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks 4 stars Pumpkin spice and everything nice. It’s Deja and Josie’s last autumn working at the Patch and they each have a mission. Josie to finally talk to the Fudge Girl and Deja to eat all her favorite foods at the Patch one last time. While the night doesn’t go…

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Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter

5 stars Action, adventure, mystery, drama, humor, and a bit of adorable romance. This Dungeons-and-Dragons-style book has it all! Enter the fantasy world of an unnamed kingdom and join a group of friends on their quest to discover the truth behind an odd plant. This book was so much fun. Filled with supportive friendships, action…

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Lost Legends of Nothing (Nothing #2)

by Alejandra Green and Fanny Rodriguez 4 stars Another fun adventure into the world of Nothing. This one starts out the same as the first. Nathan wakes up in a strange place. But this time, he’s on a mission. He must reunite with his friends, find the truth about Lerina, and stop Stryx. With Nothing…

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Fantastic Tales of Nothing (Nothing #1)

by Alejandra Green and Franny Rodriguez 3 stars Enter a fantastic world featuring humans, shape-shifting volkens, and mysterious fae. Nothing is quite as it seems in the magical world of Nothing. Strange things are happening to Nathan. After a chance meeting with a mysterious new friend, Haven, the duo must avoid a pair of volken…

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