What do you think?
Rate this book
California, the Magic Island
Queen Calafia, the main character of a sixteenth-century Spanish romance about an island overflowing with gold and populated by Amazon-like women, is incensed when she hears that we have adopted her name for our state. Being the good and reasonable queen that she is, she’s willing to hear from twenty-six animals about why California is worthy of her name. But if she decides it isn’t, she’ll launch an army of goddesses riding griffins to wreak her vengeance! Each animal characterizes California in a key cultural object or historical event: for example, the swordfish describes the tomols of the Chumash people, while the gull tells Calafia about the Gold Rush. Large, intricate illustrations display a wealth of research into every subject, rendered with the highest level of artistic skill. California, the Magic Island is a delightful exploration of what makes California worthy of its regal name.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
175 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 13, 2023
Historical nonfiction meets fantasy in this imaginative children’s book. Written in alphabetical form, the pages are filled with beautiful illustrations of California’s history, all described from an animal’s point of view while speaking to their Queen. I believe that every avid reader, no matter their age, should not be embarrassed or afraid to delve into children’s books and let their imaginations roam. It’s so nice to take a break from the darkness of the world, and the stresses that come with adulthood to harness your inner child. This book was too cute! 🥰
~~~~~
- Summary of the fiction side of the story -
On a magic island called California, no men or outsiders are allowed. The goddess-like women are stronger, more beautiful, and more skillful than humans. The women are resourceful in many ways: they are hunters, craftsmen, and trainers of griffin, a creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. The island is a natural fortress that flourishes with a large variety of useful plants and fruit trees that grow in abundance, along with many other types of creatures aside from the griffin. The island’s only metal is gold, and pearls wash up on its shores, both of which are used to make the armor and accessories.
Adventurers who have heard the islands stories have tried time and time again to find it, but with failed efforts because it is protected by Queen Calafia’s magic. One day, Calafia’s lieutenant and bodyguard, Liota, brings upsetting news of another island that dares call itself California. In a fit of rage and fury, Queen Calafia orders Liota to send five hundred of her warriors mounted on griffins to destroy them.
Then, the queen has a sudden change of heart and orders against the attack. Instead, she summons twenty-six wild creature of the island to appear before her, and gives those who are willing to speak for their homeland a chance to share their stories. Each animal was escorted by Liota to the foot of Calafia’s throne to describe their ‘California’.
~~~~~
- Summary of the fiction side of the story -
On a magic island called California, no men or outsiders are allowed. The goddess-like women are stronger, more beautiful, and more skillful than humans. The women are resourceful in many ways: they are hunters, craftsmen, and trainers of griffin, a creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. The island is a natural fortress that flourishes with a large variety of useful plants and fruit trees that grow in abundance, along with many other types of creatures aside from the griffin. The island’s only metal is gold, and pearls wash up on its shores, both of which are used to make the armor and accessories.
Adventurers who have heard the islands stories have tried time and time again to find it, but with failed efforts because it is protected by Queen Calafia’s magic. One day, Calafia’s lieutenant and bodyguard, Liota, brings upsetting news of another island that dares call itself California. In a fit of rage and fury, Queen Calafia orders Liota to send five hundred of her warriors mounted on griffins to destroy them.
Then, the queen has a sudden change of heart and orders against the attack. Instead, she summons twenty-six wild creature of the island to appear before her, and gives those who are willing to speak for their homeland a chance to share their stories. Each animal was escorted by Liota to the foot of Calafia’s throne to describe their ‘California’.
April 20, 2017
(actual rating 4.5) This was a beautiful book with amazing illustrations! California is portrayed as an island full of wonder. Alphabetically we are told the history of California through people and events. For example, A is for Alta California and the explorers who landed here. B is for the monarch butterfly and its endurance and perseverance. Each page has gorgeous pictures with information that gives children great history lessons. At the end of the book is a recap on each of the historical comments. A great book for elementary level classrooms.
December 13, 2020
This book is amazing and every child living in California (or living in other places but wanting to know about California) should have a copy.
April 16, 2016
California, The Magic Island tells a story about how California might have got its name. Queen Calafia is the ruler of an island that is overflowing with gold and populated by women...when trying to decide what to name the island the Queen decides to listen to 26 animals as they explain why the name, California, perfectly fits the state.
I loved how each animal had a unique and personal story that showed their attachment to the state and gave valid reason for the naming of the state. I also enjoyed how the author intertwined fantasy and magic into each story. There are historical references throughout the entire book so this book will be great for school-age kids to read and have both facts and fiction to enjoy the book.
Overall this is a very informative and yet fascinating story that is perfect for children and has enough magic and fantasy in it to keep their attention while they are learning about the state of California.
I loved how each animal had a unique and personal story that showed their attachment to the state and gave valid reason for the naming of the state. I also enjoyed how the author intertwined fantasy and magic into each story. There are historical references throughout the entire book so this book will be great for school-age kids to read and have both facts and fiction to enjoy the book.
Overall this is a very informative and yet fascinating story that is perfect for children and has enough magic and fantasy in it to keep their attention while they are learning about the state of California.
May 16, 2016
This is a fantasy adventure for Children that will take them on a magical adventure of maybe how California got its name. It is beautifully illustrated and has a magical adventure for each letter of the alphabet too. Not only is the story an adventure but does incorporate facts to go along with the fiction. This book is geared for children ages 8 to 12, but I am sure will be enjoyed by teens too.
As the grandmother of 10 grandchildren, I am sure that California, The Magic Island will be enjoyed by them for many years.
I won a hardcopy of California, The Magic Island in a Goodreads giveaway.
As the grandmother of 10 grandchildren, I am sure that California, The Magic Island will be enjoyed by them for many years.
I won a hardcopy of California, The Magic Island in a Goodreads giveaway.
April 13, 2016
Queen Calafia is a bit unset that her name was adapted to name California, but before she does anything she listens to 26 animal (A-Z) explain why the name is fitting for the state. Each animal, in turn, shares something relevant the to the state such as an object or event that has occurred. Drenched in both historical relevance and mystical elements California and the Magic Island is a great book of fables that any reader is sure to love! The illustrations are stunning an really capture the time, mystical features and essence of the book. 4 stars
March 31, 2017
Interesting that animals are speaking about what they love about "their" California.
May 1, 2017
In California, the Magic Island, Queen Calafia (also known as Califia, if anyone else drinks their almond milk--haha) who rules the mythical island of California. She hears about the state of California and sends her griffin army to bring twenty-six creatures to tell her all about the other California and whether or not they/we are worthy of her name. Each of the stories have a title corresponding to the letters of the alphabet. It felt a little bit all over the place (California alphabet book with mythical content mixed with nonfiction), and the stories were hit or miss. Plus, after each story, Queen Calafia would make a comment, like "I am learning that things in your land aren't always what they appear to be." It got a bit annoying and repetitive, and didn't add to anything.
However, the illustrations are stellar. I loved those and I think it's at least worth a skim. I really like the borders with poppies and other native California treasures.
Ages 5-9
However, the illustrations are stellar. I loved those and I think it's at least worth a skim. I really like the borders with poppies and other native California treasures.
Ages 5-9
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews