3.5 Stars ( )

A psychedelic surrealist story about how it can be scary and confusing to watch someone grow up before you, particularly your older sibling. A modern folktale with spellbinding illustrations. So much like the Russian fairytales I grew up with.

The story itself is surprisingly sophisticated for the age group it's written for, it's almost like an age-appropriate version of Valerie and Her Week of Wonders. Wouldn't change a thing about it. ( )

Un cuento de hadas moderno. Un mundo fantasmagórico, lleno de magia e imaginación, un canto a la libertad y al amor entre hermanas.

Recommended by Betsy Bird (31 Days, 31 Lists)

After a strange feeling and curious dream, Franca leads her two younger sisters, Carmela and Tomasina, into the forest to find a queen in a cave. Well into the journey, Tomasina wants to turn around, and Carmela is torn, but goes with her; Franca returns later, on her own.

Illustrations are reminiscent, stylistically and thematically, of Carson Ellis (Du Iz Tak?), Audrey Niffenegger (Raven Girl), Bethan Woollvin (Bo the Brave) ( )