There’s something for everyone in this series opener: Arctic animals, magic, pretty gowns, adventure.
Though never referred to as princesses (nor are Freya and Magnus, their crown-wearing parents, called king and queen), Hanna, Magda, and Ida live in a castle in the Nordic-esque island kingdom of Nordovia. In a prologue, their parents go on a quick overnight trip only to be captured by their mother’s evil sister, Veronika, the Shadow Witch, who wishes to usurp Freya’s powers and her role of Keeper of the Lights (the Everchanging Lights, a special magic that protects the island). When their parents don’t arrive home for the girls’ birthday—a special one, as 12 is the age they come into their own magic gifts—the party is canceled and searches are launched. That night, the sisters’ special snow globe comes to life, as their mother uses it to warn them about Veronika and tasks them with retrieving her power, hidden on the island in three orbs. They trade their glittering gowns and velvet dresses for practical gear and, with their magical polar bear cub, set out to retrieve the first. They succeed by using their powers, which they discover along the way. Though the story is heavily front-loaded with exposition, the pacing’s quick. The attractive artwork throughout uses fine, delicate lines and depicts main characters as White, though crowd scenes show diversity. Sequel The Crystal Rose publishes simultaneously.
There’s something for everyone in this series opener: Arctic animals, magic, pretty gowns, adventure. (Fantasy. 7-11)Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5344-4349-5
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2020
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
A classic sibling rivalry tale that still satisfies to the last drop.
In this graphic novel adaptation of Davies’ 2007 book, hurt feelings propel an intense business battle.
Fourth grader Evan can’t stand the thought of his brainy younger sister, Jessie, skipping a grade and joining his class this fall. Intelligent but emotionally immature, Jessie sometimes misses social cues and wishes she could be more like the gregarious Evan. These insecurities set the stage for a contest to see who can raise the most money selling lemonade this summer. Will Jessie’s book smarts beat Evan’s people skills? The beauty of this story lies in how each sibling’s strengths rub off on the other: Evan brushes up on his math, while Jessie tentatively makes a new friend. De la Vega’s polished cartoon artwork creatively translates Davies’ metaphors to a visual medium. When the author compares the “mean words inside Evan…fighting to get out” to bats, illustrations depict the furry animals emerging from beneath his shirt; Jessie’s negative thoughts take the form of a tiny purple creature irritatingly tapping her shoulder. Tender scenes depict flashbacks of the siblings supporting each other through their parents’ divorce. The book has business savvy to match the emotional beats (each chapter opens with an entrepreneurial definition that relates to the plot), and several scenes feature math problems that readers can solve for themselves. Evan and Jessie appear white; both have friends of color.
A classic sibling rivalry tale that still satisfies to the last drop. (business tips) (Graphic fiction. 8-10)Pub Date: April 29, 2025
ISBN: 9780063310407
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025
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