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Small Magics
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26A young girl uncovers the small magics of her aunts' island home, where dogs talk and the wind blows your way if you say "please," in this stunning middle grade graphic novel from the Geisel Honor creator of Tiger vs. Nightmare. Perfect for fans of
The Moth Keeper.
It’s the last summer before Sara’s family moves and she has to start over at a new school. The last summer before everything changes. But instead of spending it with the friends she’ll be leaving behind, Sara is sent to stay with her aunts on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere, miles and miles away from any other kids.
At least it’s a magical island.
The moment Sara steps foot on its shores, she begins to discover the small magics that make life there an endlessly surprising adventure. From talking animals to trees with minds of their own, this island is full of impossible, incredible things. And with her aunts’ two dogs as her eager (and very chatty) guides, Sara is ready to discover them all.
Celebrate the sweetness of summer, the joy of new friendships, and the hidden wonders of the world with Small Magics.
It’s the last summer before Sara’s family moves and she has to start over at a new school. The last summer before everything changes. But instead of spending it with the friends she’ll be leaving behind, Sara is sent to stay with her aunts on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere, miles and miles away from any other kids.
At least it’s a magical island.
The moment Sara steps foot on its shores, she begins to discover the small magics that make life there an endlessly surprising adventure. From talking animals to trees with minds of their own, this island is full of impossible, incredible things. And with her aunts’ two dogs as her eager (and very chatty) guides, Sara is ready to discover them all.
Celebrate the sweetness of summer, the joy of new friendships, and the hidden wonders of the world with Small Magics.
- GenresGraphic Novels
256 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 22, 2026
19 people want to read
About the author
Emily Tetri
4 books14 followersEmily Tetri is a Design and Color Supervisor, Background Painter and Visual Development Artist.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sara had plans, but her family had other plans, so instead of what she wanted to do with her summer vacation, she ended up on an island with her aunts on an island where everything can talk, from the two dogs, to the frog, to the chickens in the coop.
Once Sara accepts this, she realizes that hanging out with the two dogs is just as much fun as hanging out with people, and there is so much they can teacher her, along with the chicken and the frog and the island itself.
This is such a sweet book. I went into it sort of sceptical. How can you have a story about a girl and talking dogs, frogs and chickens? You’d be amazed. As Sara gets into the rhythm of the days, so does the reader.
There is a lot to learn from a sentient island. And sometimes it is simple as listening to the frog tell you where the best bugs are.
Thanks to First Second and Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book isn’t coming out until the 22nd of September 2026, but it is well wroth the wait. I look forward to reading other things that Emily Tetri writes.
Once Sara accepts this, she realizes that hanging out with the two dogs is just as much fun as hanging out with people, and there is so much they can teacher her, along with the chicken and the frog and the island itself.
This is such a sweet book. I went into it sort of sceptical. How can you have a story about a girl and talking dogs, frogs and chickens? You’d be amazed. As Sara gets into the rhythm of the days, so does the reader.
There is a lot to learn from a sentient island. And sometimes it is simple as listening to the frog tell you where the best bugs are.
Thanks to First Second and Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book isn’t coming out until the 22nd of September 2026, but it is well wroth the wait. I look forward to reading other things that Emily Tetri writes.
March 6, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for advanced access in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastical, whimsical-yet-grounded graphic novel. In this story, our main character, a young girl named Sara finds herself a few months away from moving with her family to a new city and leaving her friends and school behind. Instead of spending her last summer there with friends, she’s sent off (kindly, it’s not an evil parent thing) to stay with her aunts on a tiny island. There, she discovers a kind of magic that changes her outlook on what’s possible.
The magic is subtle and beautiful—nature sort of talks back. The aunts’ dogs chat with Sara. She hears birds and chickens and even the wind talk. Islands move and the tree roots, connected to all, tell her things.
This story is all about Sara’s exploration of her new surroundings; the story is full of small adventures on the island (and across other islands).
As the story is told from Sara’s perspective, we see the main character just go with it—yep, this magic is here, it’s real, and I can talk with nature and animals. Cool!
The story is well-written; the sparse words that are used propel the story. As this is a graphic novel, I’ll note the that the art is also well-done. It has a less-detailed approach that I really liked. The galley’s image quality wasn’t totally crisp, but the galley does note that the image quality of the galley is not the same as it’ll be in the final product. As I read this, my 8-year-old daughter kept sneaking glances and asking what was happening in the book. The art really caught her attention.
I left the graphic novel feeling uplifted and happy. It was pleasant to spend time in this world for all the reasons: vibes, story, art, characters, and inclusiveness.
What a fantastical, whimsical-yet-grounded graphic novel. In this story, our main character, a young girl named Sara finds herself a few months away from moving with her family to a new city and leaving her friends and school behind. Instead of spending her last summer there with friends, she’s sent off (kindly, it’s not an evil parent thing) to stay with her aunts on a tiny island. There, she discovers a kind of magic that changes her outlook on what’s possible.
The magic is subtle and beautiful—nature sort of talks back. The aunts’ dogs chat with Sara. She hears birds and chickens and even the wind talk. Islands move and the tree roots, connected to all, tell her things.
This story is all about Sara’s exploration of her new surroundings; the story is full of small adventures on the island (and across other islands).
As the story is told from Sara’s perspective, we see the main character just go with it—yep, this magic is here, it’s real, and I can talk with nature and animals. Cool!
The story is well-written; the sparse words that are used propel the story. As this is a graphic novel, I’ll note the that the art is also well-done. It has a less-detailed approach that I really liked. The galley’s image quality wasn’t totally crisp, but the galley does note that the image quality of the galley is not the same as it’ll be in the final product. As I read this, my 8-year-old daughter kept sneaking glances and asking what was happening in the book. The art really caught her attention.
I left the graphic novel feeling uplifted and happy. It was pleasant to spend time in this world for all the reasons: vibes, story, art, characters, and inclusiveness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This graphic novel was an immediate 5 stars for me because it has talking dogs! No but really I knew so quickly this would be a 5 star read, the art is so amazing, the plot is impactful, and the characters are lovable.
This book explores some very important concepts, especially for younger readers. Specifically, there is an exploration of the process of making friends and how that process doesn’t follow a set of rules, but is different based on different individuals. There is an emphasis put on the ability to make new friends despite change, and that moving schools does not mean a loss of everything you’ve built with current friends.
As a story with fantasy elements, the magical island is wonderful and really allows for character growth of the main character in confidence and capabilities. The growth is shown throughout with improvements in her skills as well as how the main character communicates and represents herself.
Finally, the art is absolutely fantastic. I greatly enjoyed reading this, despite likely being many years older than the target audience, because it was an impactful story with stunning art. There was also humor throughout that I felt appeals to all ages.
I would recommend this graphic novel for anyone, and specifically would be a great book to share with kids who are changing schools or struggling to deal with changes and making friends. This book releases September 22, 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley, First Second Books, and Emily Tetri for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book!
This book explores some very important concepts, especially for younger readers. Specifically, there is an exploration of the process of making friends and how that process doesn’t follow a set of rules, but is different based on different individuals. There is an emphasis put on the ability to make new friends despite change, and that moving schools does not mean a loss of everything you’ve built with current friends.
As a story with fantasy elements, the magical island is wonderful and really allows for character growth of the main character in confidence and capabilities. The growth is shown throughout with improvements in her skills as well as how the main character communicates and represents herself.
Finally, the art is absolutely fantastic. I greatly enjoyed reading this, despite likely being many years older than the target audience, because it was an impactful story with stunning art. There was also humor throughout that I felt appeals to all ages.
I would recommend this graphic novel for anyone, and specifically would be a great book to share with kids who are changing schools or struggling to deal with changes and making friends. This book releases September 22, 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley, First Second Books, and Emily Tetri for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Moving is never easy, especially when you’re a kid. Uprooting your entire life, starting a new school, leaving behind your friends and trying to make new ones… it all just sucks. Sara knows her family has to move across town after the summer is over. She knows she’s going to start at a new school without her friends and she has a plan to meet new ones. But before then, she’ll be spending vacation with her aunts at their new home.
They have the entire island to themselves. Bea and Meg live there alone with their two dogs Sits and Watar. As they cross the fog surrounding her new home away from home, something magical happens: the dogs speak. The island has a special kind of magic. If it likes you, it’ll help you. The animals here can talk, just ask them a question. If you need help, just ask for it. It honestly sounds like paradise.
On the surface, this seems like a sweet story about a girl who gets to talk to animals. But when you look at the context of what she’s going through and what she needs, you see that it’s more about finding new friends in the most unlikely of places. While Sits and Watar do speak in this story, animals can’t talk. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t your friends.
I enjoyed this immensely. I can’t believe it’s a standalone, but it was perfect the exact way it is. I would change nothing!!!
Thank you to FirstSecond and NetGalley for my gifted eARC.
They have the entire island to themselves. Bea and Meg live there alone with their two dogs Sits and Watar. As they cross the fog surrounding her new home away from home, something magical happens: the dogs speak. The island has a special kind of magic. If it likes you, it’ll help you. The animals here can talk, just ask them a question. If you need help, just ask for it. It honestly sounds like paradise.
On the surface, this seems like a sweet story about a girl who gets to talk to animals. But when you look at the context of what she’s going through and what she needs, you see that it’s more about finding new friends in the most unlikely of places. While Sits and Watar do speak in this story, animals can’t talk. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t your friends.
I enjoyed this immensely. I can’t believe it’s a standalone, but it was perfect the exact way it is. I would change nothing!!!
Thank you to FirstSecond and NetGalley for my gifted eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, what a sweet and lovely little story! “Small Magics” follows Sara, who is (begrudgingly) going to stay with her aunts for the summer on a remote island. This fall, she’s going to change schools and have to make new friends, which is… one of the worst things that can happen to a preteen. I moved around a couple times as a kid, and I think the transition would’ve been wayyyy easier if I had a magical island to spend my summer at, which ends up being the case for Sara.
From talking frogs to sentient stones, nature's small magics (ha ha) unfold before her. With her aunts’ chatty dogs, Sits and Whatar (just wait till you read how they earned their names, Sara goes from an unwilling farmhand to an enthusiastic helper and explorer. Watching Sara’s relationship with the dogs grow and develop, along with her aunts’ relationship in the backdrop, made “Small Magics” notably precious. Really such a sweet and cozy read.
The art is nothing to sniff at, either. Incredible character design matches the love and attention evident in the story. Every page is a gift. “Small Magics” would be better suited for a middle-grade reader, but I LOVED it. It’s a short and sweet summer read, with beautiful art. I definitely recommend!! Be sure to catch "Small Magics" this September!
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for the e-ARC!
From talking frogs to sentient stones, nature's small magics (ha ha) unfold before her. With her aunts’ chatty dogs, Sits and Whatar (just wait till you read how they earned their names, Sara goes from an unwilling farmhand to an enthusiastic helper and explorer. Watching Sara’s relationship with the dogs grow and develop, along with her aunts’ relationship in the backdrop, made “Small Magics” notably precious. Really such a sweet and cozy read.
The art is nothing to sniff at, either. Incredible character design matches the love and attention evident in the story. Every page is a gift. “Small Magics” would be better suited for a middle-grade reader, but I LOVED it. It’s a short and sweet summer read, with beautiful art. I definitely recommend!! Be sure to catch "Small Magics" this September!
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for the e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 stars
Sara is on the cusp of big changes, and when her parents have to go away and she must go stay with her aunts in their truly fascinating space, she's hyperfocused on the many struggles and challenges ahead. Fortunately, she's going to get the opportunity to work through those fears in some pretty, well, magical ways during this visit.
Two words, Everyone: talking animals.
I'd like to just end the review there because I know that some of you are like me and that's enough. I'll further entice you by adding that two of those talking animals are the family dogs. Dreams really do come true!
Sara spends her adventure decentering herself and her fears by having experiences in nature and learning that she can try something super new in a different place and with different players and come out okay. So many young readers will benefit from the messaging, but EVERY reader can benefit from the joy of these talking animals and Sara's aunts, who are a kick.
This is my first experience with this author, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the whimsy here!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Sara is on the cusp of big changes, and when her parents have to go away and she must go stay with her aunts in their truly fascinating space, she's hyperfocused on the many struggles and challenges ahead. Fortunately, she's going to get the opportunity to work through those fears in some pretty, well, magical ways during this visit.
Two words, Everyone: talking animals.
I'd like to just end the review there because I know that some of you are like me and that's enough. I'll further entice you by adding that two of those talking animals are the family dogs. Dreams really do come true!
Sara spends her adventure decentering herself and her fears by having experiences in nature and learning that she can try something super new in a different place and with different players and come out okay. So many young readers will benefit from the messaging, but EVERY reader can benefit from the joy of these talking animals and Sara's aunts, who are a kick.
This is my first experience with this author, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the whimsy here!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Small Magics was unexpected! I went into the story expecting a heavy on the fantasy but this is more of a ~magical realism~ moment wrapped into a graphic novel sized package. The story follows main character Sara, who is going to be visiting her aunts for the summer, the last summer holiday until Sara and her family move to a new town. This sets our scene, Sara who is on the cusp of big change, is a little hesitant to visit her aunt and spend the summer away from her friends.
When Sara does arrive to be picked up by her aunt, she discovers that the small island they live on has more going on than the eye can see. "Small magics" exist all over the island, causing strange and miraculous effects on the animals. As Sara learns about the small magics and spends time on the island, she also grows and learns about friendship and nature and balance. It's a fun story with a rather small set of characters but I was locked in for the whole ride. I really enjoyed the friendships that Sara made on the island, and the illustrations were sweet and heartwarming. I would recommend this to middle grade/ school age readers, especially those preparing or experience the transition of moving!
4/5 stars! Thanks to netgalley for this arc!
When Sara does arrive to be picked up by her aunt, she discovers that the small island they live on has more going on than the eye can see. "Small magics" exist all over the island, causing strange and miraculous effects on the animals. As Sara learns about the small magics and spends time on the island, she also grows and learns about friendship and nature and balance. It's a fun story with a rather small set of characters but I was locked in for the whole ride. I really enjoyed the friendships that Sara made on the island, and the illustrations were sweet and heartwarming. I would recommend this to middle grade/ school age readers, especially those preparing or experience the transition of moving!
4/5 stars! Thanks to netgalley for this arc!
Read
March 7, 2026A cozy fantasy middle grade graphic novel. Sara is introduced in the middle of what could be a difficult transition: a move, a new school in the fall, and a summer spent away from her parents. In many middle grade stories, this premise might lean toward angst, but Tetri instead has Sara respond with mild discomfort and very little fuss.
Like many cozy fantasies, the book features familiar elements (in this case, talking animals and a mystical island), and it’s also full of small quests like chores and picnics. The magical world is charming, and the story offers little explanation for how the magic works.
My child audience was engaged, surprised, and delighted by the magical realism, especially the way magic blends seamlessly into Sara’s everyday life. It’s a comforting read for an afternoon or evening, though it may not leave a lasting impression.
Thanks to First Second and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.
Like many cozy fantasies, the book features familiar elements (in this case, talking animals and a mystical island), and it’s also full of small quests like chores and picnics. The magical world is charming, and the story offers little explanation for how the magic works.
My child audience was engaged, surprised, and delighted by the magical realism, especially the way magic blends seamlessly into Sara’s everyday life. It’s a comforting read for an afternoon or evening, though it may not leave a lasting impression.
Thanks to First Second and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was DELIGHTFUL. Light, airy, and completely full of heart. The art style is reminiscent of Lilo and Stitch; maybe if a graphic novel were made of colorized, sketched illustrations. The characters and backgrounds are vibrant and expressive. The story is absolutely charming. My favorite panel was when Sara, Wits, and Whatar explore Driftwood Island. The art and storytelling are just as magical as the world Emily Tetri created.
I can’t wait to add this to my class library. It’s a simple story about a kid wanting to fit in… but it holds deeper meaning that will resonate with middle grade readers hopefully long after they finish it.
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this ARC!
I can’t wait to add this to my class library. It’s a simple story about a kid wanting to fit in… but it holds deeper meaning that will resonate with middle grade readers hopefully long after they finish it.
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.
This was a beautiful little graphic novel. Sara is nervous to move and is setting big goals for herself on the making new friends front, since she'll be changing school. A summer on a magical island with her aunts and some unexpected new friends changes all of that. I read this in two sittings, and the art is just gorgeous. The characters are so loveable, and I can't wait to recommend this to kids at the library in November.
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a beautiful little graphic novel. Sara is nervous to move and is setting big goals for herself on the making new friends front, since she'll be changing school. A summer on a magical island with her aunts and some unexpected new friends changes all of that. I read this in two sittings, and the art is just gorgeous. The characters are so loveable, and I can't wait to recommend this to kids at the library in November.
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was absolutely adorable!!! I loved the art so much and the premise was so new and interesting!
I thought the characters and dynamics were super realistic! I also felt that Sara was a very realistic and relatable main character! Her list of how to make friends was so understandable and her fears felt very human. Honestly my only complaint is that we don't get more of Sara on the island!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I thought the characters and dynamics were super realistic! I also felt that Sara was a very realistic and relatable main character! Her list of how to make friends was so understandable and her fears felt very human. Honestly my only complaint is that we don't get more of Sara on the island!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance reader ebook in exchange for a review. #Netgalley
This middle grade graphic novel was adorable. The art style was whimsical and fantastic. The characters were loveable and well-rounded. I loved that there was diversity that didn't seem forced. The island that Sara visits looks so fantastic. I would love to live there! Especially with the talking animals! This was a quick read that kept me entertained and I think the target audience would absolutely love it.
This middle grade graphic novel was adorable. The art style was whimsical and fantastic. The characters were loveable and well-rounded. I loved that there was diversity that didn't seem forced. The island that Sara visits looks so fantastic. I would love to live there! Especially with the talking animals! This was a quick read that kept me entertained and I think the target audience would absolutely love it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I rated this 4/5 because the art is very beautiful. I loved the characters—they were super sweet. My only complaint was that there wasn’t much of a climax or anything that really pushed the plot along. It felt more like a feel-good story, which is just fine, but I was expecting more. Still, I’d recommend it for a cozy summer night!
4/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
4/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 21, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
Beautiful illustrations! As a kid running around the woods I dreamed of my pets and the forest creatures around me talking to me. I would have loved this story as a kid! The story is both whimsical and heartwarming. I do wish the themes of “facing your fear” or “nature’s all connected” was a bit stronger, but overall it was a fun read.
**3.5 stars
Beautiful illustrations! As a kid running around the woods I dreamed of my pets and the forest creatures around me talking to me. I would have loved this story as a kid! The story is both whimsical and heartwarming. I do wish the themes of “facing your fear” or “nature’s all connected” was a bit stronger, but overall it was a fun read.
**3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an electronic ARC from First Second Books through NetGalley.
Full review coming within one month of publication date.
Full review coming within one month of publication date.
March 25, 2026
Love this one but wanted more of an ending. Loved 90%
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews