This was very cute and sweet! I highly recommend this story for anyone looking for Studio Ghibli vibes.

I have to say I definitely didn't love it as much as I loved Mooncakes by this author, but I'm still very happy I read it. I especially enjoyed the way it challenged adults being too hard on kids (or downright verbally abusive) and how it highlighted the importance of adults respecting and apologizing to children instead of sweeping their mistakes under the rug.

I do want to clarify one thing: I'm seeing a lot of people shelve this as a queer title, but there is no on-page or implied queer rep at all. I know that many people use Goodreads' shelving while making recommendations lists, library and bookstore displays, etc., and I think it's important that expectations are clearly set. ♥ Of course, this is still a gorgeous story with some very lovely representation inspired by Chinese mythology - it's simply not also a queer MG story.

✨ Representation: the story - and, presumably, characters - are inspired by Chinese mythology, according to the author's note

✨ Content warnings for: verbal abuse, a brief flashback to physical abuse

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