Category Archives: Reviews

Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Katy K.

Here is a sweet and exciting fantasy for kids bridging up from early chapter books. Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti. Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. Epic!/Andrews McMeel, 2021. ISBN 978-1524864705. Review copy received from the publisher.   As the story opens, our … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Complex & Compelling Teen Fantasy: Legendborn and Burn

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Katy K.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn and Burn by Patrick Ness are both finalists in the Teen Speculative Fiction category of the Cybils Awards with complex, multilayered, and very compelling narratives. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Blog Tour! THE IN-BETWEEN by Rebecca K.S. Ansari

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Katy K.

I am so excited today to be part of the blog tour for this spooky, twisty brand-new middle grade book, THE IN-BETWEEN by Rebecca K.S. Ansari. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Format, Genre, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Picture Books: Odd Dog Out and Ronan the Librarian

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Katy K.

Here I am belatedly reviewing some picture books that came my way last year, because just because 2020 was rough doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hear about these fun books, both stressing the power of staying true to yourself to … Continue reading →

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Leaving Safety: The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street and Cleo Porter and the Body Electric

Posted on December 22, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of girls – one past, one future – leaving the safety of their homes for the first time, and the adventures that follow. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Girl and the Ghost and The Girl Who Lost Her Shadow

Posted on November 28, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s trying to catch up with my reading, with two stories mixing introspection, action, and dealings with the supernatural. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Katy K.

Loosely defined magic and sharply drawn characters mix to form an atmospheric story of a blended family coming together, with book magic and a giant cat. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Copycat by Wendy McLeod MacKnight

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a school- and family-focused contemporary fantasy for fans of fantasy and realistic fiction. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Apprentice Witches: Kiki’s Delivery Service and Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

Posted on November 14, 2020 by Katy K.

I was fortunate enough to read both a new translation of the classic Japanese fantasy book and a recent book inspired by in the same week. There is lots of charming witchy fun to be had in both of these! Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Stories, Stars, and Grandparents: When You Trap a Tiger and the Magic in Changing Your Stars

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Katy K.

I love it when happy accidents like this happen – two very different books with similar themes popping up back-to-back in my TBR. Here we have two stories involving stories, stars, and close grandparent-grandchild relationships. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments