Journey Through the Waterfall (Magic Gems #1)

by Payal Doshi

Dragon Girls meets Love Puppies in this new chapter book series starring a group of friends who protect animals with magical gemstones!



A little sparkle goes a long way!

Lily the Water Gem helps her family take care of otters who splash around near the lake. When one of the baby otters is injured, Lily rushes to help. It soon becomes clear that the otter needs a special medicine made from flowers that grow beyond a powerful waterfall.

The Gem who goes on the mission to collect the flowers must be brave, strong, and fast-because time is running out. Lily volunteers to make the journey. She'll do anything to save one of her beloved otters!

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens

144 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2026

About the author

Payal Doshi has an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from The New School, New York. Having lived in India, the UK, and US, she noticed a lack of Indian protagonists in global children’s fiction and one day wrote the opening paragraph to what would become Rea and the Blood of the Nectar, her debut middle grade novel. The novel is the recipient of the IPPY Gold Award. Her short story, A Confluence of Fates, can be found in the YA Anthology, My Big, Fat, Desi Wedding published by Page Street in February 2024. When she isn’t writing stories that champion brown joy and celebrate her South Asian heritage, you can find her nose deep in a book with a cup of coffee or daydreaming of fantasy realms to send her characters into. For more information, visit her website, www.payaldoshiauthor.com, or follow her on Instagram @payaldoshiauthor and on Twitter @payaldwrites.

Reviews

[Katie Nix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with my daughter. It was her first chapter book and she was very excited about it. She picked it up at her schools book fair. She enjoyed the story, but I will say there are some rather large words in it for new readers. Regardless, we worked through it and she can’t wait for the next books.

[Heather Kinser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enter the world of Elementis, where a girl names Lily has magical powers that help her protect aquatic life. She’s a special kind of being called a Magic Gem, collecting gems to increase her powers, and taking us on an elemental adventure in this fun fantasy story for beginning chapter-book readers.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of sparkle carries the first book in the Magic Gems series, about mermaid Lily, who must overcome her fears to find a special medicine for an injured baby otter. With a host of magical creatures and adventures galore, the series contains much for young readers to love. A great addition to any early chapter book collection.

[Rohan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey Through the Waterfall is a wonderfully warm and magical adventure that my 8‑year‑old absolutely loves. Lily’s bravery as she sets out to help the injured otter is both exciting and heartwarming, and the story’s focus on kindness, courage, and friendship makes it a joy to read together. The vibrant world and gentle lessons make this a perfect early chapter book that truly sparkles.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note - this review is from my 8-year-old daughter.

This is a short book but I love it so much that it doesn't really matter. You get really nervous for the siren because the otter is sick and they need to get out of the siren trap. And closer to the end they help the otter and the siren because the siren's tail is hurt. It was very easy to read.

[Bri]

At the point in parenthood where I need to start counting the longer chapter books as ones I read on here. 😅🤪

Also this is nothing new and I should be counting all the Magic Tree House books we’ve read (at this point over a year!).

Something about this book tonight just felt more grown. I don’t know, man! I don’t know! She amazes me.

[Lynn Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastical book of magical adventures with a touch of ecosystems and nature for chapter book readers. Follow along as a mermaid named Lily helps an injured otter. The story has themes of kindness and courage, and kids will be excited to know that there are other books in this series.

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming Soon.

[Michelledsandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7 year old was captivated from the dedication to the very last page. She can’t wait for the next books!

[Kerry Aradhya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun new series!

[Sarah Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son won't put this book down! It's pure adventure with lots of magic and fun. If you're child loves animals, they'll love this book!

[Jessica Vitalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect story for young readers who love magical adventures!

[Jen Ickler-Albrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy and I read this together. She said it made her feel braver and to remember to never give up! It just warmed her heart and made it feel full of joy.

[Farhan Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

My niece absolutely loved this book! It’s a must read for kids who enjoy fantasy, friendship and adventure. I would highly recommend it!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super fun book about Water Gem, who must collect special flowers to help save a baby otter. An excellent adventure of magic, adventure, friendship, and cooperation.

[Rupal Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic and adventure .. so perfect for 8 plus ! Be ready to be transported .. a must read

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun-filled chapter book filled with fantasy, animals, adventure, and engaging characters! Highly recommended for readers graduating from early readers!

[Emmeline Forrestal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, magical new world! Love that this is a series!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is sparkling, whimsical, fun! In this book, Lily, a mermaid, confronts her fears to become even more magical.