I LOVED this book and it might end up being one of my top books from the year. It is sweet without being cloying, funny without being slapstick, charming without being insincere. The journey that Linus goes on throughout the book, while predictable, was utterly adorable. He is a main character that you will want to cheer on. But the real highlight of the book are the children themselves. I won't spoil by going into any description of these children, but each one feels so real and unique. They will make you want to reach through the book and adopt each and every one of them.

Klune never ceases to amaze with writing that easily switches from humorous scenes to pithy statements of social commentary. While the story may take place in a magical world, the commentary he includes very easily applies to our society. He tackles a theme of prejudice easily, using his story as a larger metaphor for accepting people who might be a little different from the norms set out by society.

I wish I could make everyone read this book, because I truly believe that there is something for everyone in this story. I challenge you NOT to fall in love with Lucy, Phee, Chauncy, Sid, Talia, Theodore, Arthur, and Linus. This book is truly adorable.

All the stars

TW: prejudice; insinuations of dark deeds