Actual picture of me during this book:

Just kidding. The talking black cat explains what happened in the first book so I don't feel like I am missing out too much. However, having read the second book first, I very much so want to go back and read the first graphic novel. I enjoyed this book and even though I was able to put the pieces together, I still want to see what I've missed.

The Book
Anyway, this book targets ages 8-12 which I can see, though I definitely enjoyed it...and I'm 25! It definitely had a lesson or two to be learned without feeling like an afterschool special. Think "Steven Universe" if you're into that sort of thing. The plot, while simple, was something that even the most hesitant of readers could get into. The drama begins quickly, our main character Moth goes through her own growth journey, and the story ends almost as quickly as it started. I appreciated the willingness of the author to deal with a few difficult subjects like being different in a way that was tasteful and easy to digest for young readers but definitely dealt with issues of racism and conformity. Emma Steinkellner herself went to school for Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and I was thrilled to see how subtly but powerfully her ideals were put into the story.





The Art
Since this was an ARC book, I wasn't able to see the completed colored version yet. However, what I was able to see was such a treat.



I instantly fell in love with the expressions of Moth and her mom Calendula, as well as the dorkiest teacher ever.



I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys modern cartoons with a good story, anyone who likes small towns on the east coast, and anyone who likes feminism and witches.