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The Shelterlings
A group of magical misfit animals learns to appreciate their seemingly useless powers—and themselves—when they work together to thwart a villain’s attempt to steal their magic. Holly, a grey squirrel, and her animal friends have accepted that they will never be wizards’ familiars. Though they are each magical, their powers are so offbeat—Holly herself can conjure pastries (and only pastries)—that no professional magic-worker would choose any of them as a companion for noble quests. So instead of going on adventures, they languish at the Shelter for Rejected Familiars, where they are known as “shelterlings.” When an old friend appears with a plan for curing the shelterlings’ defective magic, everyone is on board to help him locate and retrieve the ingredients for a powerful spell. But when they learn that his offer is not what it seems, Holly and the shelterlings must fight to defend their magic, discovering in the process that their unorthodox skills may just be what is needed to save the day.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2022
64 people are currently reading
2758 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beth Durst
44 books7,194 followersSarah Beth Durst is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty-five books for adults, teens, and kids, including cozy fantasy The Spellshop. She's been awarded an American Library Association Alex Award, as well as a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Several of her books have been optioned for film/television, including Drink Slay Love, which was made into a TV movie and was a question on Jeopardy! She lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. Visit her at sarahbethdurst.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
October 1, 2022
I read this book out loud with my 9-year-old, and it was just perfect for that - a really gentle fantasy full of kindness and with a lovely message about learning to appreciate your own personal quirks rather than being ashamed of them.
June 18, 2022
I always forget how much I love Sarah Beth Durst's storytelling until I see a new release from her. The Shelterings is one of those books that is filled with adventure, kindness, and friendship. It is a thrilling read about misfit animals who are told they aren't good enough alone, but together they are magical. The story centers around Holly, a squirrel with a huge heart. She climbs the mountain to drink from the Moon Pool to gain magical powers, but when her gift is revealed, the magicians laugh at her and dismiss her. She has the gift of conjuring pastries which makes her a failure at being a familiar. She then joins the Shelter for Rejected Familiars and finds that the other animals with assorted powers all become her new family and friends.
The story starts off with daily routines and Holly keeping the peace and encouraging the others to explore their talent. In the course of the tale, the animals all develop their miscellaneous gifts into useful magic that becomes even stronger when they all work together. Of course, there is a conflict that turns into a battle to retain and be thankful for what they have when Charlie the Beaver comes back and spins a story that he alone can fix their broken magic. When Holly realizes that she has almost made a fatal mistake, she has to rally the other animals to fight for their magical lives. Yep, super vague but I don't want to give away the plot.
All of the magical animals have something to offer in this battle of good versus evil. The story made me smile in so many places and there were parts that are so exciting because of the twists and turns, I can't wait to recommend this to middle-grade readers I know.
The story starts off with daily routines and Holly keeping the peace and encouraging the others to explore their talent. In the course of the tale, the animals all develop their miscellaneous gifts into useful magic that becomes even stronger when they all work together. Of course, there is a conflict that turns into a battle to retain and be thankful for what they have when Charlie the Beaver comes back and spins a story that he alone can fix their broken magic. When Holly realizes that she has almost made a fatal mistake, she has to rally the other animals to fight for their magical lives. Yep, super vague but I don't want to give away the plot.
All of the magical animals have something to offer in this battle of good versus evil. The story made me smile in so many places and there were parts that are so exciting because of the twists and turns, I can't wait to recommend this to middle-grade readers I know.
February 16, 2022
A group of magical misfit animals learns to appreciate their seemingly useless powers—and themselves—when they work together to thwart a villain’s attempt to steal their magic.
Holly, a grey squirrel, and her animal friends have accepted that they will never be wizards’ familiars. Though they are each magical, their powers are so offbeat—Holly herself can conjure pastries (and only pastries)—that no professional magic-worker would choose any of them as a companion for noble quests. So instead of going on adventures, they languish at the Shelter for Rejected Familiars, where they are known as “shelterlings.”
When an old friend appears with a plan for curing the shelterlings’ defective magic, everyone is on board to help him locate and retrieve the ingredients for a powerful spell. But when they learn that his offer is not what it seems, Holly and the shelterlings must fight to defend their magic, discovering in the process that their unorthodox skills may just be what is needed to save the day.
I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK!
It had magic, underdogs, animals, TALKING ANIMALS, friendship, adventure, heroics, good vs evil!!! Wow!!!! I just loved the world of the Shelterlings that Durst created and I never wanted to leave. I want my own Shelterling… where do I sign up!
This story was just filled with good feels and warmth and all bubbled down to a fantastic message that it is okay to be different, everyone is special, there is a place for you and when you find it you will find where you belong!!!! Be still my beating heart!
Holly, a grey squirrel, and her animal friends have accepted that they will never be wizards’ familiars. Though they are each magical, their powers are so offbeat—Holly herself can conjure pastries (and only pastries)—that no professional magic-worker would choose any of them as a companion for noble quests. So instead of going on adventures, they languish at the Shelter for Rejected Familiars, where they are known as “shelterlings.”
When an old friend appears with a plan for curing the shelterlings’ defective magic, everyone is on board to help him locate and retrieve the ingredients for a powerful spell. But when they learn that his offer is not what it seems, Holly and the shelterlings must fight to defend their magic, discovering in the process that their unorthodox skills may just be what is needed to save the day.
I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK!
It had magic, underdogs, animals, TALKING ANIMALS, friendship, adventure, heroics, good vs evil!!! Wow!!!! I just loved the world of the Shelterlings that Durst created and I never wanted to leave. I want my own Shelterling… where do I sign up!
This story was just filled with good feels and warmth and all bubbled down to a fantastic message that it is okay to be different, everyone is special, there is a place for you and when you find it you will find where you belong!!!! Be still my beating heart!
December 26, 2021
The Shelterlings is my all time favorite book by Sarah Beth Durst, and she has written some amazing one. I like it even more than The Stone Girl's Story and Spark. The Shelterlings are misfit familiars that have been rejected by their wizards for having "useless" powers. The main character is a squirrel named Holly that can conjure pastries. Wouldn't I love to have that magical power but her wizard didn't think it was useful so she ended up at the shelter for rejected familiars where she makes herself useful taking care of all the other animals there. Now her mentor has returned with a spell to change the defective magic and needs the Shelterlings help to do it. But, is he really trying to help them or just himself? Middle grade readers will love this book. It has great characters, humor, friendships, and a wonderful message. It would also make a fantastic read aloud. I highly recommend it!
May 28, 2022
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.
What a fun collection of magical misfit animals! I think books with animal main characters can be such a great way to start a discussion with students because the lessons learned feel less personal, and so kids can really talk about them...and then translate them to their own life.
I would be interested in a sequel to this book with more quests for this group of animals.
"Choices. It's always about choices: what kind of creature you choose to be...She'd always tried to choose to be kind."
What a fun collection of magical misfit animals! I think books with animal main characters can be such a great way to start a discussion with students because the lessons learned feel less personal, and so kids can really talk about them...and then translate them to their own life.
I would be interested in a sequel to this book with more quests for this group of animals.
"Choices. It's always about choices: what kind of creature you choose to be...She'd always tried to choose to be kind."
October 1, 2025
A group of magical animals whose seemingly useless powers have disqualified them to become familiars or necessary companions for valiant endeavours. For example, main character Holly, a grey squirrel, can conjure only pastries.
But these same misfits become critical to thwarting a villain when they all come together, and use their various powers and skills together. They find camaraderie, support, friendship, and strength.
I enjoyed this, but at the same time, wasn't as captured by the narrative as I'd hoped, which is strange, as I've generally enjoyed all the other books I've read by this author.
But these same misfits become critical to thwarting a villain when they all come together, and use their various powers and skills together. They find camaraderie, support, friendship, and strength.
I enjoyed this, but at the same time, wasn't as captured by the narrative as I'd hoped, which is strange, as I've generally enjoyed all the other books I've read by this author.
June 5, 2022
This was an exciting and entertaining middle grade fantasy. Holly, a gray squirrel, is one of a group of magical misfits whose unusual magical abilities make them unsuitable to work as wizard's companions. Holly and her best friend Gus, an owl who can turn to stone, are just a couple of the residents of the Shelter for Rejected Familiars.
All of the animals traveled to the magic pool in the hopes of becoming a wizard's familiar and going on adventures and doing heroic deeds. Holly and the others are disappointed and distressed to be rejected. But Holly is an optimistic sort of squirrel who is making the best of her new home. She's made friends with the other residents and is helping them perfect their magical abilities. Holly, herself, can conjure up pastries - muffins, croissants, and other baked treats. There's a turtle with super speed but slow reactions who keeps crashing into things. There's a gecko who can inflate like a balloon and float. There's a cow who makes prophecies - which are always wrong.
When a new resident comes, Holly tries to make her feel at home. Periwinkle is a lemur who finds lost things. Unfortunately, the thing's owners don't always agree that the things were lost and call her a thief. Despite her prickly personality, Holly wants to befriend her and help her fit in.
Then Charlie, a beaver whose magical talent is manifesting cut flowers, comes back to the house and asks the familiars to help him find some magical ingredients that he says will help all of the with their magic. He wants to recast the original spell on the magic pool. The familiars are excited to help Charlie.
Holly gets involved in a number of the quests and her courage, ingenuity and friendliness makes them successful. But she begins to think that Charlie might have an ulterior motive that he isn't sharing with the rest of the familiars.
While I'm not usually a fan of talking animals, I did enjoy this story. I really liked Holly's character. She was such a wonderful person with integrity and curiosity and a quiet heroism. Middle grade fantasy fans will find much to enjoy in this engaging story.
All of the animals traveled to the magic pool in the hopes of becoming a wizard's familiar and going on adventures and doing heroic deeds. Holly and the others are disappointed and distressed to be rejected. But Holly is an optimistic sort of squirrel who is making the best of her new home. She's made friends with the other residents and is helping them perfect their magical abilities. Holly, herself, can conjure up pastries - muffins, croissants, and other baked treats. There's a turtle with super speed but slow reactions who keeps crashing into things. There's a gecko who can inflate like a balloon and float. There's a cow who makes prophecies - which are always wrong.
When a new resident comes, Holly tries to make her feel at home. Periwinkle is a lemur who finds lost things. Unfortunately, the thing's owners don't always agree that the things were lost and call her a thief. Despite her prickly personality, Holly wants to befriend her and help her fit in.
Then Charlie, a beaver whose magical talent is manifesting cut flowers, comes back to the house and asks the familiars to help him find some magical ingredients that he says will help all of the with their magic. He wants to recast the original spell on the magic pool. The familiars are excited to help Charlie.
Holly gets involved in a number of the quests and her courage, ingenuity and friendliness makes them successful. But she begins to think that Charlie might have an ulterior motive that he isn't sharing with the rest of the familiars.
While I'm not usually a fan of talking animals, I did enjoy this story. I really liked Holly's character. She was such a wonderful person with integrity and curiosity and a quiet heroism. Middle grade fantasy fans will find much to enjoy in this engaging story.
December 5, 2022
What a wonderful and charming story. I want this book to become a staple of children’s sections, and hopefully an animated film, and just have everyone read it because it’s so very good.
Durst has crafted a wonderful protagonist in Holly. I’m a huge sucker for what I consider Hufflepuff protagonists, where they succeed by being kind and bringing out the best in people. Holly is so very easy to root for, and every time she comes up against an epic battle and just calmly talks it out with everyone, it warmed my heart. It truly shows that sometimes all you need is a good outlook on life and a determination to see the best in people (or animals), and that’s as good as any superpower.
The other characters surrounding Holly are also delightful. Durst created a cast of characters that are funny, and sympathetic, and very easy to root for. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to hang out in a big home with all of these animals? I have an especial soft spot for the melodramatic bunny – I see a lot of myself in him!
Another great thing is the small scale of this story in the world. There is obviously a big wide world full of wizards and dragons just outside the pages of this text. But, refreshingly, the world is not at stake. There is no apocalypse looming, there are no rulers going to war. Rather, it’s a tiny little corner of the world, where thirty-odd animals are dealing with a threat to them alone, and trying to find their self-worth. It’s such a nice change from the increasing escalation of stakes one sees in most fantasy these days, and a great palate cleanser in between all the epics.
This book illustrates why Durst is an auto-buy author for me – she does such a good job of creating an imaginative world and a fun story, which imperceptibly empowers readers without ever feeling like an after-school special. Can’t recommend it enough!
Durst has crafted a wonderful protagonist in Holly. I’m a huge sucker for what I consider Hufflepuff protagonists, where they succeed by being kind and bringing out the best in people. Holly is so very easy to root for, and every time she comes up against an epic battle and just calmly talks it out with everyone, it warmed my heart. It truly shows that sometimes all you need is a good outlook on life and a determination to see the best in people (or animals), and that’s as good as any superpower.
The other characters surrounding Holly are also delightful. Durst created a cast of characters that are funny, and sympathetic, and very easy to root for. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to hang out in a big home with all of these animals? I have an especial soft spot for the melodramatic bunny – I see a lot of myself in him!
Another great thing is the small scale of this story in the world. There is obviously a big wide world full of wizards and dragons just outside the pages of this text. But, refreshingly, the world is not at stake. There is no apocalypse looming, there are no rulers going to war. Rather, it’s a tiny little corner of the world, where thirty-odd animals are dealing with a threat to them alone, and trying to find their self-worth. It’s such a nice change from the increasing escalation of stakes one sees in most fantasy these days, and a great palate cleanser in between all the epics.
This book illustrates why Durst is an auto-buy author for me – she does such a good job of creating an imaginative world and a fun story, which imperceptibly empowers readers without ever feeling like an after-school special. Can’t recommend it enough!
January 2, 2023
It's a talking animal book. It's cutesy, feel-good, and likable, but not at all memorable. On the plus side, there's some variety in which animals are included. Besides the expected appearance of a rabbit, squirrel, cat, and the like, there are also less expected creatures including a lemur and an orca. There's a decent variety of action and adventure scenes and some creative and humorous uses of the book's central idea: a group of animals each with a comically unhelpful magic power that happens to come in handy at the right moment.
On the downside, the large number of characters means that there's little time to develop most of them. Dialogue passages tend to be very short and thus don't offer much chance to make anything truly memorable. And the theme of accepting yourself and others as they are, fine though it may be, is presented in a heavy-handed way. (And honestly, isn't that basically the theme of every children's book these days?)
To offer some illustrative examples, one might compare this book to either Watership Down by Richard Adams, or Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. Both of those books take the talking animal motif in a different direction by thinking more seriously about how animals experience life and exploring more penetrating themes throughout the story.
On the downside, the large number of characters means that there's little time to develop most of them. Dialogue passages tend to be very short and thus don't offer much chance to make anything truly memorable. And the theme of accepting yourself and others as they are, fine though it may be, is presented in a heavy-handed way. (And honestly, isn't that basically the theme of every children's book these days?)
To offer some illustrative examples, one might compare this book to either Watership Down by Richard Adams, or Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. Both of those books take the talking animal motif in a different direction by thinking more seriously about how animals experience life and exploring more penetrating themes throughout the story.
June 21, 2022
Shelterlings is a cute, fun, sweet middle grade book about friends bonding together and combining all of their strengths to overcome an adversary. If you love books with found families and characters using their wits to solve problems then this is definitely one to check out.
The story revolves around characters who are animal familiars who weren't given exceptional magical talents and are thus not chosen by a witch/wizard. They are sent to the Shelter for Rejected Familiars where they make their new home their own. I totally love enjoying see how the characters are welcomed and how they find ways to use their not as flashy magical talents to the fullest.
Also, this might be a spoiler but one of my favorite things about Sarah Beth Durst's stories I've read in the middle grade category so far is that adversaries/antagonists/conflicts are not resolved with violence. There's always this air of hope and charm in her stories and I always feel good after finishing them.
Perfect for the age group and if you wanted something sweet, quick to read, and absolutely adorable then this is it!
eArc provided by NetGalley.
The story revolves around characters who are animal familiars who weren't given exceptional magical talents and are thus not chosen by a witch/wizard. They are sent to the Shelter for Rejected Familiars where they make their new home their own. I totally love enjoying see how the characters are welcomed and how they find ways to use their not as flashy magical talents to the fullest.
Also, this might be a spoiler but one of my favorite things about Sarah Beth Durst's stories I've read in the middle grade category so far is that adversaries/antagonists/conflicts are not resolved with violence. There's always this air of hope and charm in her stories and I always feel good after finishing them.
Perfect for the age group and if you wanted something sweet, quick to read, and absolutely adorable then this is it!
eArc provided by NetGalley.
August 9, 2022
The animals in The Shelterlings were rejected by wizards for their "useless" magic. They've all been told they were a mistake and seize the chance to go on quests to find seven magical items so they can change their powers. Honestly, any power would be fun to have. Holly, the squirrel is our narrator and is the most welcoming animal ever even to Periwinkle who keeps things other animals have lost. She changes the game for them all and you warm up to her as you see her through Holly's eyes. I loved how she was voiced in the audiobook. I felt like her personality was brought out fully. I enjoyed all the friendships, powers, and the lesson that is learned. I knew who was going to betray them but I never knew why. Charlie truly became an evil villain. He was powerful in how own right but failed to see it. The Shelterlings had great character explorations, friendships, and adventure. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to young readers who like stories with animals.
February 12, 2025
What do you do when you become a familiar but all the wizards reject you? You go to the Shelter for Rejected Familiars. Welcome to the Shelterlings, with Holly, the squirrel, who can conjure pastries, and her best friend, Gus, the owl, who can turn to stone. When the former head of the shelter comes back and says that he needs help fixing them, how can Holly refuse?
This found family book is so cute and sweet; it perfectly fits Durst's MO of being a warm hug.
This found family book is so cute and sweet; it perfectly fits Durst's MO of being a warm hug.
November 8, 2024
A cute book, with some great characters, and a neat plot that kept me on the edge of my seat (so to speak) as I read it out loud to my daughter. The ending was kinda obvious, but it still satisfied. I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING.
April 30, 2025
I don’t normally read children’s books, but I am a huge fan of the author and a friend recommended that I give this one a try. It is so incredibly, refreshingly cute and sweet. The same heart that Durst pours into her YA and adult novels is more blatant in such a stripped-down form: everything can be fixed with kindness and love. All of the anthropomorphized animals deepen their friendship as they work together to prove to themselves and the world that they are not just broken rejects.
In case you are also wondering if this book might be for you (or your kid(s)), I was hooked by the opening sentence. “As the only squirrel at the shelter for Rejected Familiars, Holly always volunteered for the chores that required an exceptionally fully tail, such as sweeping the porch.”
In case you are also wondering if this book might be for you (or your kid(s)), I was hooked by the opening sentence. “As the only squirrel at the shelter for Rejected Familiars, Holly always volunteered for the chores that required an exceptionally fully tail, such as sweeping the porch.”
June 22, 2022
Utterly delightful!
October 2, 2022
4.5
This was a very cute book. Even if the plot was quite predictable to me, this book shared many great values and I'm sure a younger public would enjoy it very much!
This was a very cute book. Even if the plot was quite predictable to me, this book shared many great values and I'm sure a younger public would enjoy it very much!
March 14, 2024
Very cute tale about accepting who you are and the gifts you've been given. And also the power of friendship. Should be on every middle grade readers list!
November 29, 2024
Very much for younger readers. The plot was sweet and the lessons felt very prominent
December 24, 2025
This had no right to be as cute as it was. I’d like a Holly squirrel!
June 20, 2024
So cute! A story about rejected Familiars (animals who get weird magic and don’t bond with a wizard) who band together to go on adventures and become a family. I wasn’t sure where it was going at first, but the second half was particularly lovely.
May 25, 2022
ARC provided by Clarion Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was such a wonderful book that I absolutely adored from the first page. I loved all of the characters and the adventure hooked me from the start. This will be an excellent book to hand any kid who love animals, adventure and magic.
Holly is a squirrel who wanted adventure and magic, but the wizards didn’t want her or her ability to summon pastries. What is wrong with these wizards? She ends up at the home for rejected familiars where she finds friendship with the other rejected animals. But soon Holly is finding out that she doesn’t need the wizards acceptance to be useful and to have adventures. The story is told from Holly’s point of view, but all of the animals have a part to play in this book.
I adored many of the animals that live with Holly, most notably Gus, the owl and Holly’s best friend. He is an owl of many talents, not just his magical ability to turn into a statue. He was also brave and funny and I just loved him. I also loved Periwinkle, the lemur who could find lost things, although she had trouble giving them back to their owners. Zaphyr the turtle who was faster and stronger than your average turtle. And finally Clover, a cow who told backwards prophecies. All of the animals where delightful and I loved reading about their different magical abilities.
The adventures that Holly and her friends, go on are quite fascinating and will keep you interested in the story. The writing style is also very engaging and at times funny. The descriptions of the places they go are well done and easily make you feel like you are right there, but hopefully there will be a map included in the final book as the layout of the land was a bit confusing.
I really hope that this is the start of series. I would very much enjoy continuing to read about these wonderful animals and their exciting adventures. It was fun to watch them all grow and learn to believe in themselves and their talents.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
This was such a wonderful book that I absolutely adored from the first page. I loved all of the characters and the adventure hooked me from the start. This will be an excellent book to hand any kid who love animals, adventure and magic.
Holly is a squirrel who wanted adventure and magic, but the wizards didn’t want her or her ability to summon pastries. What is wrong with these wizards? She ends up at the home for rejected familiars where she finds friendship with the other rejected animals. But soon Holly is finding out that she doesn’t need the wizards acceptance to be useful and to have adventures. The story is told from Holly’s point of view, but all of the animals have a part to play in this book.
I adored many of the animals that live with Holly, most notably Gus, the owl and Holly’s best friend. He is an owl of many talents, not just his magical ability to turn into a statue. He was also brave and funny and I just loved him. I also loved Periwinkle, the lemur who could find lost things, although she had trouble giving them back to their owners. Zaphyr the turtle who was faster and stronger than your average turtle. And finally Clover, a cow who told backwards prophecies. All of the animals where delightful and I loved reading about their different magical abilities.
The adventures that Holly and her friends, go on are quite fascinating and will keep you interested in the story. The writing style is also very engaging and at times funny. The descriptions of the places they go are well done and easily make you feel like you are right there, but hopefully there will be a map included in the final book as the layout of the land was a bit confusing.
I really hope that this is the start of series. I would very much enjoy continuing to read about these wonderful animals and their exciting adventures. It was fun to watch them all grow and learn to believe in themselves and their talents.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
April 13, 2024
The Shelterlings by Sarah Beth Durst.
Quick synopsis : In a world of magic, all witches and wizards have a familiar. But what happens to the familiars who aren't good enough?
Brief opinion : A story young readers would probably love, but adult readers might not enjoy nearly as much.
Plot : Set in a world of magic, if a normal animal wants more in life, they can travel to a magic spring and drink the water. That grants them a magical power, then a wizard or witch could pick them as a partner.
The problem is, what if the magic power granted isn't "good enough"? Then the familiar is sent to a "shelter" (a house and barn on a large piece of land) to live out the rest of their life with the other "mistakes".
Holly the squirrel was granted the magic power of creating pastries out of thin air. Any pastry, any kind or size or flavor, she can create it with a thought. But the wizards consider that a useless power, so she was sent to the shelter.
(That was my biggest issue with the book. Holly could summon pastries. There was a fox who could summon candy. The wizards considered them failures/mistakes. Is there no hunger in this world? Was no wizard/witch smart enough to partner with Holly and open the most successful bakery on the planet?)
So anyway, at the shelter Holly works to try to settle all the other "failures" in, to make them all friends/family. Then an old friend returned...but he was no longer a friend.
Charlie the beaver has a plot to steal all magic of the other failure familiars, so most of the book was about stopping him.
In the end, all the animals learn that they're not failures, they're valuable, they just need to learn how to use their quirky magic in creative ways.
Writing/editing : Both were fine. There was one amusing mis-word though. Charlie the beaver was angry about something. "His teeth exposed and gums curled." Imagine being angry to the point your gums curled!
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : My biggest issues with this book were ones younger readers wouldn't notice, so take them with a grain of salt. Though, speaking of salt, I loved this line. Holly the squirrel goes to the ocean for the first time:
The seawater, she thought, tasted like soup made by someone who didn't know how to make soup.
Anyway, my biggest issue with the book was that the "useless" magic was anything but. Like Clover the cow could predict the future, but she always got it wrong, her predictions were always the exact opposite of what would happen. That's useful!
"Hey, Clover, is it going to snow today?"
"Yes, it will snow."
So you know it won't.
Also, it was never covered what the carnivores of shelter ate, though all animals ate a lot of soup. (They all ate the same soup though.)
I did like the hints we got about how flawed wizards could be.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️⭐️, 3 stars. I was bored at a number of points and skimmed now and then. I think young kids (the book's target audience) would like it a lot though.
Quick synopsis : In a world of magic, all witches and wizards have a familiar. But what happens to the familiars who aren't good enough?
Brief opinion : A story young readers would probably love, but adult readers might not enjoy nearly as much.
Plot : Set in a world of magic, if a normal animal wants more in life, they can travel to a magic spring and drink the water. That grants them a magical power, then a wizard or witch could pick them as a partner.
The problem is, what if the magic power granted isn't "good enough"? Then the familiar is sent to a "shelter" (a house and barn on a large piece of land) to live out the rest of their life with the other "mistakes".
Holly the squirrel was granted the magic power of creating pastries out of thin air. Any pastry, any kind or size or flavor, she can create it with a thought. But the wizards consider that a useless power, so she was sent to the shelter.
(That was my biggest issue with the book. Holly could summon pastries. There was a fox who could summon candy. The wizards considered them failures/mistakes. Is there no hunger in this world? Was no wizard/witch smart enough to partner with Holly and open the most successful bakery on the planet?)
So anyway, at the shelter Holly works to try to settle all the other "failures" in, to make them all friends/family. Then an old friend returned...but he was no longer a friend.
Charlie the beaver has a plot to steal all magic of the other failure familiars, so most of the book was about stopping him.
In the end, all the animals learn that they're not failures, they're valuable, they just need to learn how to use their quirky magic in creative ways.
Writing/editing : Both were fine. There was one amusing mis-word though. Charlie the beaver was angry about something. "His teeth exposed and gums curled." Imagine being angry to the point your gums curled!
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : My biggest issues with this book were ones younger readers wouldn't notice, so take them with a grain of salt. Though, speaking of salt, I loved this line. Holly the squirrel goes to the ocean for the first time:
The seawater, she thought, tasted like soup made by someone who didn't know how to make soup.
Anyway, my biggest issue with the book was that the "useless" magic was anything but. Like Clover the cow could predict the future, but she always got it wrong, her predictions were always the exact opposite of what would happen. That's useful!
"Hey, Clover, is it going to snow today?"
"Yes, it will snow."
So you know it won't.
Also, it was never covered what the carnivores of shelter ate, though all animals ate a lot of soup. (They all ate the same soup though.)
I did like the hints we got about how flawed wizards could be.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️⭐️, 3 stars. I was bored at a number of points and skimmed now and then. I think young kids (the book's target audience) would like it a lot though.
February 20, 2023
High on a mountain is a special pool of magical water. If you drink from it, you become a magical creature and can then be a wizard's familiar. Holly the squirrel made the trip to the Moon Mirror a few years ago, but when she went to get tested to be a wizard's familiar, they laughed at her magical ability to produce pastries and do nothing else. She was sent to the home for Shelterlings where she now lives with Gus, an owl who can turn to stone, Clover, a cow who consistently makes wrong predictions for the future, Zepher, a turtle who can go super fast but can't steer, and many others. Holly now loves her life at the Shelterling house with her friends. She is busily preparing for a new Shelterling to arrive, but this new arrival, Periwinkle the lemur, is a bit extra prickly. And then the former head of the Shelterlings, Charlie, reappears with news he's uncovered a way for them to fix the Moon Mirror so they all will have full magic. They just need to collect 7 rare magical items. Soon everyone is off on quests to find the items. But Holly feels like something isn't quite right.
Sarah Beth Durst's middle grade fantasy books always have the perfect blend of feel good story, enchanting magic, and the right touch of adventure to keep things moving without getting overly tense. And this one has a beautiful message of self-acceptance woven into it. There's a splendid variety of critters and personalities among the animals at the Shelterling house. Holly is a delightful character with a warm heart who relentlessly looks for the positives; she gets realistically tired and annoyed at times, but she takes a deep breath and tries to see things from the other's perspective. Gus is a noble and loyal friend, and other character provide a good dose of comic relief. Overall, another fun fantasy adventure.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. There are some dangerous situations and some magical fights, but no one is hurt (they are hurling pastries and flowers at each other).
Sarah Beth Durst's middle grade fantasy books always have the perfect blend of feel good story, enchanting magic, and the right touch of adventure to keep things moving without getting overly tense. And this one has a beautiful message of self-acceptance woven into it. There's a splendid variety of critters and personalities among the animals at the Shelterling house. Holly is a delightful character with a warm heart who relentlessly looks for the positives; she gets realistically tired and annoyed at times, but she takes a deep breath and tries to see things from the other's perspective. Gus is a noble and loyal friend, and other character provide a good dose of comic relief. Overall, another fun fantasy adventure.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. There are some dangerous situations and some magical fights, but no one is hurt (they are hurling pastries and flowers at each other).
June 6, 2022
The Shelterings is a novel centered around talking animals with magic, those who have been granted magic from the unique pond. Some are given powers that are deemed valid and are paired with a wizard as a familiar. Others' magic is considered nonbeneficial, so they live in a shelter for rejected familiars. My favorite character is holly, a squirrel who can conjure pastries.
The Shelterings emphasizes the critical lesson of accepting that we are unique; nothing makes anyone more special. They know how amazing your talents are and how useful they are to how the world can become a better place. The story is simple and easy to follow and holds important truths all middle-graders will need to hear and hold dear.
We all struggle with choices about what kind of human/creature you choose to be, choices about your actions with others, and choices about who to trust and believe. The Shelterings would be a great discussion book for a classroom as the themes are honest discussion stepping stones. Sarah beth durst hits it out of the park with another remarkable middle-grade novel.
The Shelterings emphasizes the critical lesson of accepting that we are unique; nothing makes anyone more special. They know how amazing your talents are and how useful they are to how the world can become a better place. The story is simple and easy to follow and holds important truths all middle-graders will need to hear and hold dear.
We all struggle with choices about what kind of human/creature you choose to be, choices about your actions with others, and choices about who to trust and believe. The Shelterings would be a great discussion book for a classroom as the themes are honest discussion stepping stones. Sarah beth durst hits it out of the park with another remarkable middle-grade novel.
July 20, 2022
This is a stand-alone (so far, at least) story for elementary students or perhaps some middle schoolers - decidedly juvenile rather than YA. Nothing smacks of romance.
It tells a charming tale of animals whose powers are not considered up to the level needed for a familiar and who are sent to a home where there are others of their ilk. Unsurprisingly, there is more than a little wishful thinking, if onlys, and dreams of making things different so they could be like the famous familiars they'd all dreamt of being.
It has a flavor of the Island of Misfit Toys to it or perhaps the Sidekick Academy of Sky High, but it is a sweeter tail than either of those.
We follow the adventures of Holly, whose superpower is making pastries appear, as she works to make everything all right for everybody - and learns of possible perils of that approach.
I enjoyed it, which was no surprise - Sarah Beth Durst is a reliable story teller. Should there be a sequel down the road, rest assured I will be reading that, too!
It tells a charming tale of animals whose powers are not considered up to the level needed for a familiar and who are sent to a home where there are others of their ilk. Unsurprisingly, there is more than a little wishful thinking, if onlys, and dreams of making things different so they could be like the famous familiars they'd all dreamt of being.
It has a flavor of the Island of Misfit Toys to it or perhaps the Sidekick Academy of Sky High, but it is a sweeter tail than either of those.
We follow the adventures of Holly, whose superpower is making pastries appear, as she works to make everything all right for everybody - and learns of possible perils of that approach.
I enjoyed it, which was no surprise - Sarah Beth Durst is a reliable story teller. Should there be a sequel down the road, rest assured I will be reading that, too!
May 12, 2024
Middle grade is a genre that I enjoy reading, and this book was no exception. The cover was attractive enough for me to take a second glance and decided it needed to be on my shelf (can you spot the dragon in the background)?
Shelterlings is the story of what some might call misfit critters. Those animals that didn’t quite make the bar in the wizarding world and are sent to a, for lack of better word, a group home. Embarking on a quest that could solve their problems, these critters with special abilities ban together with one common goal.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the variety of animals, the quirky personalities, the fun and often time dangerous adventures as well as the teamwork that played throughout. A great read that highlights teamwork, friendship and forgiveness. I recommend this fun book for kids but enjoyable for adults, like me.
This book was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge.
Shelterlings is the story of what some might call misfit critters. Those animals that didn’t quite make the bar in the wizarding world and are sent to a, for lack of better word, a group home. Embarking on a quest that could solve their problems, these critters with special abilities ban together with one common goal.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the variety of animals, the quirky personalities, the fun and often time dangerous adventures as well as the teamwork that played throughout. A great read that highlights teamwork, friendship and forgiveness. I recommend this fun book for kids but enjoyable for adults, like me.
This book was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge.
June 8, 2022
The Shelterings by Sarah Beth Durst
An admitted fan, I was not surprised to like this book. Durst reveals her love of talking animals. I, too, am fond of anthropomorphism. It can be found in my own books. This book provides some serious lessons on self-acceptance and acceptance of others.
Holly is a squirrel whose self-image was severely damaged when she supped from the magic pool and found her resultant magic skill was not well regarded by a wizard’s council. Relegated to a home for rejects, Holly tries to make all who arrive feel better about themselves.
The story is written at a very young adult or mid to late elementary school age. However, it provides lessons that would well serve any age.
The magic skills of the wayward home rejects are amusing. The story has very mild conflict and should be suitable for any age child.
I recommend the book.
An admitted fan, I was not surprised to like this book. Durst reveals her love of talking animals. I, too, am fond of anthropomorphism. It can be found in my own books. This book provides some serious lessons on self-acceptance and acceptance of others.
Holly is a squirrel whose self-image was severely damaged when she supped from the magic pool and found her resultant magic skill was not well regarded by a wizard’s council. Relegated to a home for rejects, Holly tries to make all who arrive feel better about themselves.
The story is written at a very young adult or mid to late elementary school age. However, it provides lessons that would well serve any age.
The magic skills of the wayward home rejects are amusing. The story has very mild conflict and should be suitable for any age child.
I recommend the book.
August 16, 2023
Listened to this over many long car rides with the kids, and they loved it. The only caveat I have is that the MC is a squirrel, who with another important character, a lemur, both have very high pitched voices in the audiobook. I found it annoying at first, but it grew on me eventually.
The story itself is wonderful - a lovely middle grade found family story about a group of rejected wizard familiars called Shelterlings. The characters are so unique and personable, each with their own very quirky magical powers that lend themselves to many funny moments. (For example, Holly the squirrel can only ) The Shelterlings must come to terms with who they are and work together to complete a set of quests and then defeat a foe that will threaten their newfound sense of purpose and community.
The story itself is wonderful - a lovely middle grade found family story about a group of rejected wizard familiars called Shelterlings. The characters are so unique and personable, each with their own very quirky magical powers that lend themselves to many funny moments. (For example, Holly the squirrel can only ) The Shelterlings must come to terms with who they are and work together to complete a set of quests and then defeat a foe that will threaten their newfound sense of purpose and community.
February 23, 2024
Holly, a gray squirrel, is one of the rejected animals who live in the Shelter for Rejected Familiars. The rejected have unusual magical abilities and are considered useless.
Holly can conjure pastries. She is a kind soul, optimistic, and friend to all. Zephyr is a really fast turtle who reacts too slowly. Gus, the owl, can turn into stone. There are others you will love getting to know.
When they get the opportunity to fix their “defects” they set out to find the items they need for the powerful spell. But maybe they are perfect just the way they are.
A lovely message in a touching and delightful story for middle grade readers, and older.
If you’re skeptical about a book that has talking animals- so was I, but this book asked me to put that aside and come along for the adventure. I am so glad I did.
Holly can conjure pastries. She is a kind soul, optimistic, and friend to all. Zephyr is a really fast turtle who reacts too slowly. Gus, the owl, can turn into stone. There are others you will love getting to know.
When they get the opportunity to fix their “defects” they set out to find the items they need for the powerful spell. But maybe they are perfect just the way they are.
A lovely message in a touching and delightful story for middle grade readers, and older.
If you’re skeptical about a book that has talking animals- so was I, but this book asked me to put that aside and come along for the adventure. I am so glad I did.
September 17, 2025
This book was my first foray into Sarah Beth Durst’s works outside of the Spellshop Universe and it definitely had the same magic to it. Being aimed at younger readers there were a few moments which felt a bit juvenile to me and took me out of the story for a moment - but that’s no surprise; I’m 24 not 8-12! 😂 And despite that it was still a big ol’ 5 star read for me. The main message was that everyone is valuable and worthy and worthwhile exactly as they are, even if they’ve been told otherwise. This message absolutely spoke to my soul and particularly resonated with me and some of my own struggles. The talking animals with their adorable, hilarious, quirky powers were soooo charming and cozy and exactly the type of book I would have gobbled up as a kid (and also and adult, clearly). Loved it and am definitely planning to read more by Sarah Beth Durst!!
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