A gorgeous modern retelling of Thumbelina! Featuring gorgeous artwork and a great environmental message from the author/illustrator! This is a great read for anyone who loves fairytales, retellings, or just a magical story.

*Thanks Netgalley and Nimbus Publishing for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A beautiful feminist re-imagining on what happened to Wendy after Neverland. When the Darlings returned from Neverland... nothing was the same. Wendy is forced into a mental asylum by her brothers after they forget Neverland but she continues to remember it... and years later... Peter is back and this time he is here to steal her daughter Jane.. and now it is up to Wendy to get her daughter back and finally face the true monster in Neverland.

This is a gorgeous and harsh retelling of Peter Pan. It takes a look at what happens to a woman, particularly in the time period Peter Pan is set in, when no one believes her and how she is silenced through it all. Wendy remembers, and she never forgets. She is forced to endure so much and her rage just simmers over time, and it is brutal. The things she had to endure and the one boy who destroyed her life. Peter Pan is depicted as the villain and you can definitely see it. A boy who never grows up, who never earns anything and takes everything he wants. The consequences of being in Neverland, of having the knowledge of it... Another interesting depiction in this story is the aspect of family and love. Wendy is definitely giving me asexual vibes, while her husband is gay, and we get to see how their relationship is depicted, as per the time period and how that works. This is a story about pain and endurance, about memory, and about knowing something to be true even when everyone else refuses to believe you.

*Thanks Netgalley and Titan Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A princess cursed to not speak, six cranes, and a magical journey that will change their lives. Princess Shiori’anma “Shiori” is the only princess of Kiata and harbors a dangerous secret, she has forbidden magical abilities. When one of the cranes she has brought to life accidentally reveals her secret, suddenly her stepmother has cursed her 6 brothers to turn into cranes and that if Shiori ever speaks of the curse or reveals herself, her brothers will be killed. She is left in a place she does not know, with no money, no ability to speak, and must find her brothers and break their curses. Along the way she meets a dragon and runs into her ex-betrothed. Soon she finds herself enduring task after task in order to find some way to rescue her brothers and break the curse, all the while facing more demons, evil magical wielders, and a dangerous court life. She must find some way to embrace the magic that she has tried to keep a secret and uncover the truth about not only her stepmother, but the magic that is inside her.

This was a magical story mixed with different fairytales and myths from the six cranes story to the girl with the bowl to many more. I absolutely adored the blending of fairytales and the distinct storytelling style that Elizabeth Lim has. I cannot wait to see where the story continues and where Shiori goes next!

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A super sweet story filled with adorable artwork! The perfect short lil read that touches on friendship!

*Thanks Netgalley and Wide Eyed Editions for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A super adorable story filled with cute vintage style artwork. The book is the perfect short read and has a wonderful message about making mistakes and being okay!

*Thanks Netgalley and Wide Eyed Editions for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A delightful story about food and culture! Filled with beautiful artwork and a sensory story telling way that just makes me want to drink a cup of chai! A wonderful read that will have anyone wanting to visit the Chaiwala cart for some chai!

*Thanks Netgalley and Owlkids Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A amazing, hilarious, and emotional story that explores growing up, friendship, accepting your culture, and mental health. The story follows Livy as she starts a new school and must deal with the cultural differences, her crippling anxiety, and surviving middle school. Livy has a shadowy twin that is essentially a manifestation of her anxiety that only Livy can hear, Viola follows Livy around and constantly makes her question everything. Livy is hoping to make new friends, but just as a new kid in school, it’s not always as easy. The story is relatable, funny, and just such a good portrayal of the cultural differences kids go through when starting at a new school and dealing with mental health. I found the story high relatable to my own experiences. The story follows author Rosena Fung’s own early experiences with anxiety and the pressures of growing up as the child of Chinese immigrant parents. It’s a charming and deeply personal story that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

*Thanks Netgalley and Annick Press Ltd. for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Ivy’s life is about to change forever, and it’s going to be because of two boys who suddenly appear. Ivy has been living life day to day, trying just to get by after the tragic event that killed her family. When two very attractive boys appear, suddenly she is taken in by them and told that they are angels and she is apparently the psychic that would help them get back to heaven. Now she has new powers she has to learn and a group of angels to help... and a huge crush on their leader Devlin that she has to try and keep under wraps... but they both can’t seem to keep away from one another. With a war on the way and a traitor amongst them, Ivy and Devlin will have to try and sort out their feelings for one another and try and win. On top of that, there’s the mysterious question of who Ivy’s real father is and where the god of the underworld has gone? The story is pretty fast and the whole angels vs angels was interesting, and throwing in Hades was another interesting way to build the story.

*Thanks Netgalley and Jade Church for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A super sweet and cute halloween themed story! Delightful and quirky following a pumpkin that is perky rather than scary, and his journey of trying to be chosen this Halloween!

*Thanks Netgalley and DK for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK! This has become one of my new favorite books! I loved reading it so much and discovering new words and what they mean especially in the sense of sorrow. As someone who deals with depression, finding words to name certain feelings really was an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to discover new words, meanings, and feelings.

*Thanks Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*