Not everything needs to be spelled out on a page. Don’t assume your readers are stupid and can’t understand some subtlety and context - the weirdest thing is that this wasn’t even worked into the speech like you would expect but genuinely written as the narration of the book. Aimed at people in their mid-20s but written like it’s an 8-12 age range (which is fine, for a kids book).

Also I’m sorry but unironically using “lady garden” at least twice, and a constant use of the word “bestie”.

a quick and easy read but definitely not one I adored.