What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 22, 2026
6 people want to read
About the author
Emily Tetri
4 books13 followersEmily Tetri is a Design and Color Supervisor, Background Painter and Visual Development Artist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews