Status Updates From Zázračný sumec

Wondering about book length publishing trends in the juvenile market over time. I read a lot of old books (1980s and earlier), and I'm convinced that MG and YA books have gotten chonkier over time. I have the same complaint about them all - they could certainly be pared down, and most are stuffed with filler.
This has enjoyable filler, but I feel it could have been meaner and leaner and really packed a wallop.

Enjoyable. :)

I've given this novel side-eye ever since I read the term "magical realism". I don't enjoy magical realism.
However, I am quickly beginning to suspect that the term "low fantasy" has largely been subsumed by "magical realism" - case in point, I don't think this is magical realism. The world was normal, something cataclysmic happens, weirdness begins. That's low fantasy, isn't it? We started with normal.
Am I right?

Enjoying the no nonsense writing and flippant fmc so far

Sora's relationship with her dad is really precious, I love them together

this feels like one i want to abandon but i shall persist

oggi lo (a) faccio finita. felicia kingsley mi manchi.