GOAT MAGIC

After Princess Alyannu ji Helnassa and goatherd Trill Tenuto cross paths, neither the girls nor their kingdom of Capeya will ever be the same.

Following an attack while she was traveling with her mother, Alya discovers that she’s been placed under a curse: At sunrise, she turns into a black goat, and at sundown, she returns to her human body. Alya is drugged and abducted but manages to escape from her captors. By good fortune, Trill’s magic power is the ability to communicate with goats. Alya, in her goat form, hides from her assailants among Trill’s herd. The girls get off to a rocky start—sheltered Alya has some high-handed ways that make Trill bristle—but ultimately, Trill agrees to help the princess. The girls must move quickly, however: Aunt-U, a friend of Trill’s mother whom they seek out for help, informs them that if they don’t destroy the talisman used to place the curse within a month, Alya will remain a goat forever. This fantasy story reads like a classic fairy tale and explores themes of trust in oneself and greater awareness of others. The friendship and love that blossom between Alya and Trill feel natural and endearing. The cartoonlike illustrations employ warm colors that match the tone of the story. Wheeler’s worldbuilding emerges organically from interactions between the characters, sustaining a fast pace and avoiding lengthy explanations. Alya has tan skin, and Trill has medium-brown skin.

Thrilling, sweet, and so much fun.