Tabitha—Tabi to her associates—has at all times been enchanted by Sommerland. When she was little, the Sommerland films made her  consider in real love and happily-ever-afters. Then she visited the Sommerland theme park, the place she had a phenomenal second along with her favourite character, Princess Madeline. After that, Tabi turned decided to get a job on the park. She needs to convey others the sort of pleasure that go to introduced her. And ideally, she needs to do it as one of many actors portraying Princess Madeline.

Thus far, so good: Tabi will get into the Sommerland Excessive College Summer time Program. She could also be beginning in a reasonably unglamorous place—slinging chips and cheese at a nacho stand—however auditions for brand spanking new character actors are arising. And within the meantime, she will convey pleasure to park friends proper the place she is.

Tabi’s love for Sommerland is simple. She is enthusiastic about creating magical experiences for friends—and she or he’s good at it. Not each employees member at Sommerland has her enthusiasm, however she meets a cute boy named James who loves bringing pleasure as a lot as she does—and appears to love hanging out with Tabi, too. Now, if she will simply ace her audition, all the pieces can be good. That is Tabi’s likelihood to indicate her data of, and love for, the Sommerland characters. Nobody is aware of Princess Madeline higher than she does. Absolutely the judges will see that.

However character actors are anticipated to, when in costume, look as a lot as attainable like their characters. And Princess Madeline is skinny. All of the Sommerland princesses are. Tabi isn’t. Is that this the top of her childhood dream? Or is there one other path to turning into a princess?

Tabi is exuberant, sort, and hard-working. After failing her first audition as a result of she didn’t notice dancing could be required, she practices dance steps always to be prepared for the subsequent audition. She holds onto her dream even because it turns into clear that solely a sure sort of lady – with a sure sort of physique – has ever been forged as a Sommerland princess. Effectively-intentioned and decided, Tabi is simple to love and to root for. She even manages to win over her jaded, skeptical roommate, who finally ends up serving to Tabi and James with an audacious plan.

Sommerland is clearly a Disney analog: it’s each a film studio and a massively well-liked theme park generally described as “essentially the most magical place on Earth.” It even has its personal variations of Disneyland quirks, like hidden kitties (for the Sommerland mascot, Kitty Smart) as an alternative of Hidden Mickeys (photos of Mickey Mouse hidden round Disneyland). These particulars assist the park really feel lived-in and actual, and can be enjoyable Easter eggs for Disneyland followers.

The artwork is colourful and vibrant, stuffed with whimsical theme park landscapes, fantastical costumes, and all kinds of uniforms and outfits. The characters are simply on the reasonable facet of cartoony, with expressive faces and postures. There may be clear distinction between the brilliant, magical world of the Sommerland park and the extra utilitarian world behind the scenes: worker dorms, costume and uniform storage, actor auditions, and so forth. Nonetheless, even when Tabi is simply in her dorm watching movies, the artwork is vigorous and enjoyable.

It is a charming romp with a goodhearted, sympathetic heroine and a enjoyable and attention-grabbing setting. Hand it to Disney followers and anybody in search of a candy, summery romance.

We May Be Magic
By Marissa Meyer
Artwork by  Joelle Murray
Feiwel and Mates, 2025
ISBN: 9781250379399

Firm Age Score: 12-18

NFNT Age Suggestion: Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16), Tween (10-13)

Character Illustration: African-American, Black,