Aster and the Mixed-Up Magic is a cute and fun graphic novel. However, it is definitely the sequel to Aster and the Accidental Magic. To help you understanding the pieces of this puzzle, you really should read the first book to understand the twists and turns of this section one.
Thom Pico is continuing the misadventures of one gal named Aster. Forced to move to the middle of nowhere for her mother’s work, Aster learns that there is magic in dem darn hills…and dogs and sheep and the seasons are personified. This time, Aster’s position as the personification of Summer must save the world once more from all sorts of troublemakers. While, trying to keep the secret from her mother. In several “chapters” or sections, Aster and her friends (new and old; human and not) and her family (her dad and brother) help her find a way to fix the broken crown of the seasons. They also help her fight off an invasion of “sheep armed to the teeth who are trying to take control of the valley, the village–and perhaps the world!” And there is some “other stuff,” too.
There are silly hidden gems in the illustrations (such as there are a few pop references and just some cool things that happen). Karensac is an illustrator that captures the quirks and unusualness of the world of Aster. They are colorful, but not overwhelming; they are cute without being too cutesy; and they are filled with the right amount of detail without crowding the panels. And after the adventures wrap up, you think you can put down the story of Aster forever (unless you want a reread) but there is an open twist ending that lets you know there is more to come.
Perhaps best for ages 8 to 13. And if you are looking for a treat, it looks like you can find Pico’s works in French and Spanish under Aubepine and Olivia.
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