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Cassandra: Animal Psychic #1
Cassandra prend son envol
Cassandra a un don. Elle peut communiquer par la pensée avec les animaux, c est la communication intuitive. Alors que sa mère est sur le point de se remarier et qu elle ne s entend pas vraiment avec sa future demi-s ur Juliette, Cassandra apprend que sa meilleure amie Sophie, va partir vivre en Angleterre, nouvelle qu elle supporte mal, se sentant abandonnée. Elle décide en parallèle de ses problèmes personnels, de mettre son don à profit, accompagnée par sa chienne Miss Dolly, en aidant Dimitri, un petit garçon de 5 ans à retrouver son chat disparu.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published August 30, 2017
44 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
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May 3, 2019I'm not giving this one a star rating because, while I actually didn't enjoy it very much, I think a kid would. I usually enjoy MG stories despite them being very young, but Cassandra Steps Out just didn't click well with me, from the formatting of the panels to the story itself. The art is very cute, though, and an animal psychic main character? I can see that going over really well with kids!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 4, 2019
Charming illustrations, paired with a slightly disjointed story for a younger audience, 8-10, maybe?) of the exuberant and kind Cassandra, animal psychic.
June 30, 2019
I'm currently conflicted on how I feel about Cassandra Steps Out. :/ On one hand, it was pretty cute and a quick read with clear beautiful graphics. All I could think of while reading it was how much I used to love the Doctor Dolittle movies with Eddie Murphy and Kyla Pratt.
But I also had some problems with it; starting at the beginning with how the parents are pushing 14 year old girl to date someone 3 years older than her. 😒😒 And the mature themes of kidnapping and scheming for money??? Why was that necessary? Kids will enter the real world and eventually watch Law and Order SVU so they will learn those horrors soon enough. 😔
I have no idea who the target audience is but I won't be recommending it to anyone. 🤷🏼♀️
***Thank you to Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group (Graphic Universe ™) for the opportunity to review.***
But I also had some problems with it; starting at the beginning with how the parents are pushing 14 year old girl to date someone 3 years older than her. 😒😒 And the mature themes of kidnapping and scheming for money??? Why was that necessary? Kids will enter the real world and eventually watch Law and Order SVU so they will learn those horrors soon enough. 😔
I have no idea who the target audience is but I won't be recommending it to anyone. 🤷🏼♀️
***Thank you to Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group (Graphic Universe ™) for the opportunity to review.***
July 8, 2019
Helene Carnac’s illustrations are bold, bright and eye-catching. Isabelle Bottier’s story has drama in the life of teens and animals which should make this a popular graphic novel. Unfortunately, the story also has two families with couples living together, a little boy who sneaks out of his house, and a live-in girlfriend who steals from her boyfriend in order to have the money to leave him. None of those story elements need to be on the shelves of my libraries serving 4th and 5th graders. Thanks for the dARC, NetGalley.
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September 7, 2019Well, the artwork is adorable, but the story doesn't trust its readers to understand anything. I feel like this is geared toward middle-grade, but it would fit better for an even younger crowd (like 5 or 6). I attribute much of that to the translation from French to English, but who really knows.
This isn't Dora the Explorer everything doesn't have to be spelled out. Kids aren't stupid. Give me a chance to figure something out, Cassandra! ;__; I know showing and not telling is hard (...it really is from a writer's standpoint. infodumps are easier than slowly letting info flow through a story), but this volume reeks of too much telling.
Loose Example:
"We're don't have to be friends, Cassandra."
Cassandra: Oh no!
"I don't like you because you're stealing my dad away from me!"
Cassandra: "Great! She didn't like me because she was afraid her dad wouldn't have time for her anymore :)
In addition, the story's pacing is fast enough to break your neck from one revelation to the next until the conclusion.
Also, bye, Cassandra! If you gotta run to get your momma to prove your animal-psychic credibility, then this ain't the job for you.
I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
Honestly, I think the right audience will love this book, but it's obvious this wasn't for me. No rating because I would give it a 1-star. Let's see if the next book is better.
This isn't Dora the Explorer everything doesn't have to be spelled out. Kids aren't stupid. Give me a chance to figure something out, Cassandra! ;__; I know showing and not telling is hard (...it really is from a writer's standpoint. infodumps are easier than slowly letting info flow through a story), but this volume reeks of too much telling.
Loose Example:
"We're don't have to be friends, Cassandra."
Cassandra: Oh no!
"I don't like you because you're stealing my dad away from me!"
Cassandra: "Great! She didn't like me because she was afraid her dad wouldn't have time for her anymore :)
In addition, the story's pacing is fast enough to break your neck from one revelation to the next until the conclusion.
Also, bye, Cassandra! If you gotta run to get your momma to prove your animal-psychic credibility, then this ain't the job for you.
I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
Honestly, I think the right audience will love this book, but it's obvious this wasn't for me. No rating because I would give it a 1-star. Let's see if the next book is better.
May 4, 2019
This is a really cute little book about believing in yourself and how to deal with a lot of changes. Cassandra is a animal psychic but no one other than her BFF and her mom know about her powers. Cassandra is fine just being able to commune with animals and help them feel better until she comes across Dimitri and his dad in the park one day. Their cat Titus has gone missing! At first Cassandra doesn't want to reveal her powers to them but she can't help wanting to help find Titus. She gets caught up in the mystery of where Titus has gone to all while dealing with a lot of changes at home.
I thought that this was a great book with a lot of fantastic lessons in it. Cassandra had to deal with a lot of changes in her life and had to learn how to handle them in a nice way. She also learns a lot about believing in herself and sticking up for herself as well. The artwork was very cute as well and drawn very nicely. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it for a younger audience or anyone that is interested in animals!
I thought that this was a great book with a lot of fantastic lessons in it. Cassandra had to deal with a lot of changes in her life and had to learn how to handle them in a nice way. She also learns a lot about believing in herself and sticking up for herself as well. The artwork was very cute as well and drawn very nicely. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it for a younger audience or anyone that is interested in animals!
May 4, 2019
This is an odd sort of book. It starts out looking like a typical middle-grade story of blended families, and tension because of that, but then you see that Cassandra has a physic ability to talk to animals, and know how they're feeling, and if there are other animals that might be in distress.
It is kind of a cool trick, and she tried to keep it a secret, but finds that the animals need her, so has to use them whether she wants to or now.
The illustrations are gorgeous.
And because it is translated from the French, they have no problems with kids running around in the city and in the country.
I think that kids will enjoy this story.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
It is kind of a cool trick, and she tried to keep it a secret, but finds that the animals need her, so has to use them whether she wants to or now.
The illustrations are gorgeous.
And because it is translated from the French, they have no problems with kids running around in the city and in the country.
I think that kids will enjoy this story.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 6, 2019
We follow Cassandra as she faces some big changes in her life. She's not only on the task of using her animal psychic gift to help find a lost kitty named Titus, she's also dealing with the fact that her best friend is moving away as well as big changes at home with her mom's new boyfriend and his daughter who can't stand Cassandra are happening.
Cassandra is no doubt not feeling her best and even feels her dog Miss Dolly can't make her feel any better.
This is a great story for young and old on change and facing life events and how even though changes seem bad, it might not be as bad as it seems.
I enjoyed the message of the story and I enjoyed the illustrations that brought the story to life.
I do have to say that, my Cassandra is a sassy little thing, but I liked her.
Cassandra is no doubt not feeling her best and even feels her dog Miss Dolly can't make her feel any better.
This is a great story for young and old on change and facing life events and how even though changes seem bad, it might not be as bad as it seems.
I enjoyed the message of the story and I enjoyed the illustrations that brought the story to life.
I do have to say that, my Cassandra is a sassy little thing, but I liked her.
July 17, 2019
I was given a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was absolutely the cutest graphic novel! First of all, I adored the art style and all the beautiful colors.
Secondly, the story was so heartwarming in many different ways. Seeing Cassandra’s interactions with the animals was great, and then seeing a blended family come together in the second part of the storyline was really nice as well. I am really excited for the rest of the series. My only complaint is that I wish it had been a tad longer and that it had gone a bit deeper with the character development and storyline. However, I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it for a cute, fun, and lighthearted read!
This was absolutely the cutest graphic novel! First of all, I adored the art style and all the beautiful colors.
Secondly, the story was so heartwarming in many different ways. Seeing Cassandra’s interactions with the animals was great, and then seeing a blended family come together in the second part of the storyline was really nice as well. I am really excited for the rest of the series. My only complaint is that I wish it had been a tad longer and that it had gone a bit deeper with the character development and storyline. However, I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it for a cute, fun, and lighthearted read!
June 15, 2022
Very cute story about a pet psychic that learns about herself along the way!
April 22, 2024
4/5
This was super cuuute!! I would have eaten this up as a kid. I may even read more of this series because, why not? 🥰
This was super cuuute!! I would have eaten this up as a kid. I may even read more of this series because, why not? 🥰
May 10, 2019
I received a digital copy of this through NetGalley to review:
I give this a 3.5/5 stars. It was really cute. Some really beautiful illustrations.
This is geared toward younger audiences, and I definitely felt that. I liked the cute "pet detective" spin. I like the main character and her psychic powers. The mystery was easy and fun and I truly enjoyed the family aspects thrown in as well.
I didn't like the mystery's ending. The reveal was fun, but I wished for a happier ending. This graphic novel is also in your face about its message/theme. First with her friend moving away and then the missing cat. I think that if this graphic novel is geared toward older kids like 8-12 years old then the message can be subtler.
I'm sure the main character will develop and evolve as the series progresses, but I wished she stuck to her feelings more. She's mad at a boy and then two pages later asks for help. It happened a couple of times and I just wished she held her guns and was noticed how it was effecting people rather than apologizing immediately. I'm glad she can recognize her feelings, but it's not always realistic.
Overall I recommend this for any children that love animals. I think it could be a great way for kids to help recognize their feelings since the main character is so open about hers. It was a cute first installment and I can see the potential for better plot lines and character development down the line.
I give this a 3.5/5 stars. It was really cute. Some really beautiful illustrations.
This is geared toward younger audiences, and I definitely felt that. I liked the cute "pet detective" spin. I like the main character and her psychic powers. The mystery was easy and fun and I truly enjoyed the family aspects thrown in as well.
I didn't like the mystery's ending. The reveal was fun, but I wished for a happier ending. This graphic novel is also in your face about its message/theme. First with her friend moving away and then the missing cat. I think that if this graphic novel is geared toward older kids like 8-12 years old then the message can be subtler.
I'm sure the main character will develop and evolve as the series progresses, but I wished she stuck to her feelings more. She's mad at a boy and then two pages later asks for help. It happened a couple of times and I just wished she held her guns and was noticed how it was effecting people rather than apologizing immediately. I'm glad she can recognize her feelings, but it's not always realistic.
Overall I recommend this for any children that love animals. I think it could be a great way for kids to help recognize their feelings since the main character is so open about hers. It was a cute first installment and I can see the potential for better plot lines and character development down the line.
January 6, 2020
The main character is diverse and her mother but that is about it. Maybe that will be a addressed later on in the series.
I am not certain what age this is for. Some parts seemed young then other parts seems for older kids. There was a lot going on at once. It presented more as chaos than drama. Friend is moving away, she doesn't get along with new step sister, a new friend comes, step sister wants more attention from the father, pet goes missing, why pet is gone, a ransom letter is sent, and why the ransom letter was sent.
I am not certain what age this is for. Some parts seemed young then other parts seems for older kids. There was a lot going on at once. It presented more as chaos than drama. Friend is moving away, she doesn't get along with new step sister, a new friend comes, step sister wants more attention from the father, pet goes missing, why pet is gone, a ransom letter is sent, and why the ransom letter was sent.
November 5, 2019
Loved the idea of this story, but I felt the comic panels didn't always make sense or wrap up a situation. For the audience this would appeal to, it contained adult themes of a woman trying to steal money so she could leave her boyfriend and live comfortably. Disappointed!
July 16, 2021
Okay, I mostly only read this one because the character's name is Cassandra, and the nickname Cass is pretty darn cool, if I do say so myself.
Anyway, this is one of the few sad times I give a book anything other than 5 stars, so I feel the need to at least mention why.
I've read many children's/middle-grade stories that transcend ages and are enjoyable on many levels, but I'm unsure how this one would be enjoyed by any age. By that I mean, I still am unclear as to who the target audience is. The plot is simply messy--fun and childish one minute, mature and convoluted the next--as if the author had so many ideas, but not enough pages to deliver them. Which is a shame, but the whole thing just flies past, without getting in depth with any one thing, not even the lives and personalities of the 'main' characters.
As a comic illustration student myself, I do have complaints about the art side too. The art style is perfect, adorable really, so I have 0 issues with it. It's one of the few things that I enjoyed!
However, the scene transitions were, simply put, horrendous. One panel she's ready for bed, the next she is sitting by an open window that shows daylight outside. Given that she's wearing pajamas in both illustrations, it's confusing as to whether this is the next day or, as side by side panels would imply, the next few minutes. This is just an example, but each scene just changes like that, with no establishing shot or narration or clever transition to show that we've moved to a different time or location. Very disorienting and disorganized!
The characters change their minds one minute to the next, contradicting themselves and leaving me feeling clueless as to who they really are. There were some strange choices in plot, and overall I found this graphic novel rather messy.
I feel so mean writing this--this book deserves to exist! It's fine for what it is, but the topics mentioned within and jumpiness of the story would hold me back from recommending it to anyone of any age range.
Anyway, this is one of the few sad times I give a book anything other than 5 stars, so I feel the need to at least mention why.
I've read many children's/middle-grade stories that transcend ages and are enjoyable on many levels, but I'm unsure how this one would be enjoyed by any age. By that I mean, I still am unclear as to who the target audience is. The plot is simply messy--fun and childish one minute, mature and convoluted the next--as if the author had so many ideas, but not enough pages to deliver them. Which is a shame, but the whole thing just flies past, without getting in depth with any one thing, not even the lives and personalities of the 'main' characters.
As a comic illustration student myself, I do have complaints about the art side too. The art style is perfect, adorable really, so I have 0 issues with it. It's one of the few things that I enjoyed!
However, the scene transitions were, simply put, horrendous. One panel she's ready for bed, the next she is sitting by an open window that shows daylight outside. Given that she's wearing pajamas in both illustrations, it's confusing as to whether this is the next day or, as side by side panels would imply, the next few minutes. This is just an example, but each scene just changes like that, with no establishing shot or narration or clever transition to show that we've moved to a different time or location. Very disorienting and disorganized!
The characters change their minds one minute to the next, contradicting themselves and leaving me feeling clueless as to who they really are. There were some strange choices in plot, and overall I found this graphic novel rather messy.
I feel so mean writing this--this book deserves to exist! It's fine for what it is, but the topics mentioned within and jumpiness of the story would hold me back from recommending it to anyone of any age range.
June 27, 2025
📚 Cassandra: Animal Psychic (Books 1 & 2) by Isabelle Bottier
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🐾 Middle Grade Graphic Novel
🎨 Illustrated by Hélène Canac
Cassandra can talk to animals, and she’s finally ready to stop hiding it.
This two-book series is a fun, heartfelt journey of a girl discovering her own voice in more ways than one. From helping pets reunite with their people to facing tough changes at home and school, Cassandra’s story balances magical abilities with real-life emotions. There are life lessons packed in, but they flow well with the plot, and the illustrations are wonderfully emotive, captivating, and cute. I think there's so much here that juvenile readers (and even older) will love.
Book 1, "Cassandra Steps Out," sets the stage with a missing cat mystery and lots of big feelings: losing her best friend to a move, adjusting to her mom’s new relationship, and dealing with a not-so-friendly potential stepsister. Cassandra’s connection with animals is special, but it’s her emotional honesty and resilience that make her shine. I loved the lessons she was learning in this book (adjusting to change), and the way she handles her big emotions, tough feelings, and even life stressors was very inspiring to me.
Book 2, "Out on a Limb," continues the adventure as Cassandra digs deeper into her gift and herself. This one felt a little more confident and layered, with stronger friendships, more risk-taking, and a reminder that even psychics (animal or otherwise) don’t always get it right. But that’s okay. That’s how you grow. It feels like there is development here that could expand the series even more. I guess we'll see! I've really enjoyed these both!
🌟 Why I loved it:
Cassandra is sensitive, brave, and completely relatable
The animal thoughts are both funny and sweet
Gorgeous, expressive illustrations
A great blend of mystery, magic, and emotional growth
Perfect for readers who love animals, graphic novels, and stories about friendship, change, and finding your place, even when life gets a little messy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🐾 Middle Grade Graphic Novel
🎨 Illustrated by Hélène Canac
Cassandra can talk to animals, and she’s finally ready to stop hiding it.
This two-book series is a fun, heartfelt journey of a girl discovering her own voice in more ways than one. From helping pets reunite with their people to facing tough changes at home and school, Cassandra’s story balances magical abilities with real-life emotions. There are life lessons packed in, but they flow well with the plot, and the illustrations are wonderfully emotive, captivating, and cute. I think there's so much here that juvenile readers (and even older) will love.
Book 1, "Cassandra Steps Out," sets the stage with a missing cat mystery and lots of big feelings: losing her best friend to a move, adjusting to her mom’s new relationship, and dealing with a not-so-friendly potential stepsister. Cassandra’s connection with animals is special, but it’s her emotional honesty and resilience that make her shine. I loved the lessons she was learning in this book (adjusting to change), and the way she handles her big emotions, tough feelings, and even life stressors was very inspiring to me.
Book 2, "Out on a Limb," continues the adventure as Cassandra digs deeper into her gift and herself. This one felt a little more confident and layered, with stronger friendships, more risk-taking, and a reminder that even psychics (animal or otherwise) don’t always get it right. But that’s okay. That’s how you grow. It feels like there is development here that could expand the series even more. I guess we'll see! I've really enjoyed these both!
🌟 Why I loved it:
Cassandra is sensitive, brave, and completely relatable
The animal thoughts are both funny and sweet
Gorgeous, expressive illustrations
A great blend of mystery, magic, and emotional growth
Perfect for readers who love animals, graphic novels, and stories about friendship, change, and finding your place, even when life gets a little messy.
November 22, 2021
This read was just okay, but to be honest, the most I can genuinely give it is three stars.
Why?
Because the main character. She's not annoying, or mean, or anything like that. She's perfectly fine! But, for the most part.. she's got.. no character. And neither do the people around her really.
I wish that Cassandra had an actual character arc, and that this book had focused on her coming out of her shell and "stepping out" versus trying to juggle that, along with the changes she's going through. The book does genuinely try to balance it out, but to me, it just doesn't work. It's really just TOO much for such a small book! Literally, this book is SO SHORT. And having three conflicts--- Cassandra trying to accept her gift, having to deal with changing family dynamics, AND having to deal with a friend moving is just way too much for a book of this length. If it had been longer, and had more time to focus on these topics (instead of rushing through) it would've been really good. But because it rushed through, it didn't work.
I don't really get to know Cassandra as a character, nor do I get to know the people around her. And to me, when the whole fight between her friend came up, it just came off as so fake. And very forced, because I hadn't gotten the time to know these two friends/ see their dynamic.
That's just me though, the book overall is cute, but not an amazing or good read (at least to me) its' just okay. Also the art style isn't.. my favorite. I can only really give it three stars, because it's not BAD, but it's not.. really good either. With a bit more tweaking, and a little bit more focus on characters, along with relationships, it could've been really great. But because it rushed through all of that, it just doesn't work.
Why?
Because the main character. She's not annoying, or mean, or anything like that. She's perfectly fine! But, for the most part.. she's got.. no character. And neither do the people around her really.
I wish that Cassandra had an actual character arc, and that this book had focused on her coming out of her shell and "stepping out" versus trying to juggle that, along with the changes she's going through. The book does genuinely try to balance it out, but to me, it just doesn't work. It's really just TOO much for such a small book! Literally, this book is SO SHORT. And having three conflicts--- Cassandra trying to accept her gift, having to deal with changing family dynamics, AND having to deal with a friend moving is just way too much for a book of this length. If it had been longer, and had more time to focus on these topics (instead of rushing through) it would've been really good. But because it rushed through, it didn't work.
I don't really get to know Cassandra as a character, nor do I get to know the people around her. And to me, when the whole fight between her friend came up, it just came off as so fake. And very forced, because I hadn't gotten the time to know these two friends/ see their dynamic.
That's just me though, the book overall is cute, but not an amazing or good read (at least to me) its' just okay. Also the art style isn't.. my favorite. I can only really give it three stars, because it's not BAD, but it's not.. really good either. With a bit more tweaking, and a little bit more focus on characters, along with relationships, it could've been really great. But because it rushed through all of that, it just doesn't work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 28, 2022Genre: Childrens Graphic Novel
Bibliography: Bottier, I., Canac Hélène, Drac, & MacTyre, N. (2019). Cassandra Steps Out. Graphic Universe.
Response: Cassandra is a gifted child who has the ability to speak with animals. With the help of dogs, birds, cats, and even horses, she's able to solve a case of a missing cat. While trying to bring the cat back home to her owner, she goes over topics of stepfamilies, strong emotions, and managing friendships. This book does a great job of introducing the concept of graphic novels to younger students, with its vibrant comic book setting and styling. Additionally, the book goes over the hecticness that can come with significant life events and changes, in which those who can relate will find solace in. My only gripe with the novel is that it does feel disjointed with very fast pacing, which can be confusing for inexperienced readers. Because of the accessibility of reading this online, however, I would still recommend to educators.
Bibliography: Bottier, I., Canac Hélène, Drac, & MacTyre, N. (2019). Cassandra Steps Out. Graphic Universe.
Response: Cassandra is a gifted child who has the ability to speak with animals. With the help of dogs, birds, cats, and even horses, she's able to solve a case of a missing cat. While trying to bring the cat back home to her owner, she goes over topics of stepfamilies, strong emotions, and managing friendships. This book does a great job of introducing the concept of graphic novels to younger students, with its vibrant comic book setting and styling. Additionally, the book goes over the hecticness that can come with significant life events and changes, in which those who can relate will find solace in. My only gripe with the novel is that it does feel disjointed with very fast pacing, which can be confusing for inexperienced readers. Because of the accessibility of reading this online, however, I would still recommend to educators.
June 28, 2020
Cassandra is a fourteen-year-old girl, who is dealing with a lot of big changes. Her mom has been seeing more of her boyfriend, Bruno. Her best friend might be moving to England. And she's trying to solve the mystery of a missing cat, but the dad doesn't really believe that she is capable of helping. When everything feels like it's going wrong, will anything go right?
I really liked the illustrations in this graphic novel. They were bright, catchy, and kid friendly. Most of the story was something I feel that kids would be able to relate to, or would be interested in. I did think it was a bit weird that in one part of the story, there was blackmail going on because a lady wanted to leave her boyfriend. I think there could have been a different way to tie in the solving of the mystery. This was a shorter graphic novel, and would make for a fairly quick read. Overall, it was fine.
https://mrsjamis.wixsite.com/misslibr...
I really liked the illustrations in this graphic novel. They were bright, catchy, and kid friendly. Most of the story was something I feel that kids would be able to relate to, or would be interested in. I did think it was a bit weird that in one part of the story, there was blackmail going on because a lady wanted to leave her boyfriend. I think there could have been a different way to tie in the solving of the mystery. This was a shorter graphic novel, and would make for a fairly quick read. Overall, it was fine.
https://mrsjamis.wixsite.com/misslibr...
June 8, 2019
This was a great graphic novel with lessons of learning how to deal with the changes in your life and believing in yourself. Cassandra is an animal psychic and has many changes happening in her life all at once- her best friend moving, revealing her psychic abilities to others, not being able to spend as much time with her mom, and her mom’s new boyfriend and his daughter. I loved watching the story unfold and her journey of self development. Cassandra has a sassy personality and she has a big heart for any animal in need.
The illustrations were nice and bright and really brought the story and characters to life!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley
The illustrations were nice and bright and really brought the story and characters to life!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley
August 2, 2019
I love the idea behind this story and I love the character Cassandra. I almost gave this three stars, but I got to read an ARC and I think the unfinished lettering may have caused me to have a stronger negative reaction than I should have.
I LOVE the art. I LOVE the animals. I feel like the animal psychic part wasn't explored as much as it could have been. Okay, I wanted her to interact with animals more. Hopefully there will be more in the series and more animals!
I also love the tension between her and the daughter of the man her mother is dating. That is such a tough thing (even when I was in my 20s it was tough) and I wish I had read this when I was 13.
I LOVE the art. I LOVE the animals. I feel like the animal psychic part wasn't explored as much as it could have been. Okay, I wanted her to interact with animals more. Hopefully there will be more in the series and more animals!
I also love the tension between her and the daughter of the man her mother is dating. That is such a tough thing (even when I was in my 20s it was tough) and I wish I had read this when I was 13.
August 20, 2019
This book was adorable from the cover to the comic/graphic novel inside we zoomed through it twice and wanted to read it again! This book shows kids to use their imagination, being true to yourself, and having faith in you! I loved that Cassandra's mom know about her powers because in a lot of these stories the parents don't know anything.
This story had some wonderful lessons in it and I think this one would be great for kids of all ages. I know I enjoyed it!!
This is a new author to us but is on our must buy list now!! We can't wait for the next installment. We would recommend this one to kids who love animals, magic, and colorful illustrations.
This story had some wonderful lessons in it and I think this one would be great for kids of all ages. I know I enjoyed it!!
This is a new author to us but is on our must buy list now!! We can't wait for the next installment. We would recommend this one to kids who love animals, magic, and colorful illustrations.
June 5, 2019
Beautifully illustrated and written, Cassandra Steps Out gives children relatable characters and experiences. Cassandra has the ability to communicate telepathically with animals but keeps her gift secret until a little boy with a missing cat inspires her to use her gifts to help others. On top of her missing cat investigation, Cassandra has a friend who is moving away and new changes to her family life are leaving Cassandra feeling lonely and unsettled. Lovely story about friendships, family, and the challenges of growing up.
July 15, 2019
I received a digital copy of this through NetGalley to review:
3.5 Stars. This is an adorable story that will appeal to kids who like a good mystery -- younger readers who aren't ready for Nancy Drew Diaries might like this. The art is bright and engaging, and Cassandra is a fun character, but also encounters struggles of childhood (her mom's boyfriend changing her family, her best friend moving away). There were a couple of times I wished for less text, because I felt the art adequately portrayed the emotion expressed in the text, but given the intended audience, I think it still works.
3.5 Stars. This is an adorable story that will appeal to kids who like a good mystery -- younger readers who aren't ready for Nancy Drew Diaries might like this. The art is bright and engaging, and Cassandra is a fun character, but also encounters struggles of childhood (her mom's boyfriend changing her family, her best friend moving away). There were a couple of times I wished for less text, because I felt the art adequately portrayed the emotion expressed in the text, but given the intended audience, I think it still works.
December 12, 2020
Like a lot of reviewers, I feel like the story was just okay, and while I can usually suspend my disbelief for many books about witches and the supernatural, I feel like this one might be toeing the line of truth vs. fiction. I also felt like there were some elements about the story that were jarringly out of place for a title aimed at kids (the big one is the resolution to the main story, so I won't mention it here) and it feels very out of place.
I gave it two stars because I didn't outright hate it, but it I really only finished it because it was a quick read.
I gave it two stars because I didn't outright hate it, but it I really only finished it because it was a quick read.
January 28, 2021
A quick, cute read with a POC girl main character (though that never comes up in the story). Give this to fans of Dr Doolittle and other animal fans, as Cassandra is an animal psychic who wants to use her powers for good. She's also dealing with lots of changes in her life, from her mom moving in with her boyfriend (and his child), and her BFF moving away. The scheme she discovers about blackmailing for a missing cat is a bit odd. Also, she is very self-aware about her problems and feelings, which is good but not particularly believable that she would spell out so much.
December 4, 2021
11/28/2021 ~ A graphic novel for elementary students with a Black character! Short with an interesting plot and adequate character development. The end is a tiny bit didactic & over-explained, but I think my students will enjoy this. One of those fantasy/paranormal books that reads more like realistic fiction with a twist (Cassandra can visualize what animals are thinking.)
I do wish the format were more in line with the "chapter book" shape that the most graphic novels use. I will be adding this book to my elementary library.
I do wish the format were more in line with the "chapter book" shape that the most graphic novels use. I will be adding this book to my elementary library.
July 15, 2019
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Cassie is a young teen with the ability to communicate with animals. Animals are able to show her visual images of what they are thinking and vice versa. She's kept her ability a secret until she's inspired to use her powers to help others. Sincere and confident, Cassie is a sweet main character with a love for animals that young readers will identify with.
September 27, 2019
YES to this book. Just YES.
I can't wait to add this adorable series to my middle grade GN shelf.
The characters feel fully fleshed out already. It's as if I can see their full personalities just off the edge of the page. The art is clear and crisp, and the animal rescues have just enough tension and mystery for the upper elementary and lower middle school set to feel satisfied by.
Love love.
I can't wait to add this adorable series to my middle grade GN shelf.
The characters feel fully fleshed out already. It's as if I can see their full personalities just off the edge of the page. The art is clear and crisp, and the animal rescues have just enough tension and mystery for the upper elementary and lower middle school set to feel satisfied by.
Love love.
July 6, 2020
Lovely illustrations and an enjoyable story! The illustrations are really amazingly done and have vibrant colors. I love how Cassandra can talk to animals. She has wonderful connection to the animals that she uses to help others. It's a cute story and I like how it also dealt with a diverse family, not the typical mom and dad and child. Each child was from the spouse's first marriage/relationship. I like how it dealt with change too. Great book for kids!
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