Mihi Ever After

September 26, 2022
Keller (Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone) leans into the power of fairy tales, friendship, and self-acceptance via this quickly paced fantasy. In Massachusetts, Korean American princess fan Mihi Whan Park feels “like a princess, like someone important, someone who mattered, someone who belonged,” but a close friend’s hurtful comment disparaging princess play as “babyish and kind of annoying” leaves her wondering if she will ever be good enough for a fairy tale life. An unexpected portal in the school librarian’s refrigerator allows Mihi and two new friends—Reese, who is Black, and cued-white Savannah—into a magical world peopled with characters from popular European nursery rhymes and fairy tales. At first, the girls are ready for adventure and thrilled about the potential of becoming royalty, but various setbacks soon show the world’s grimmer realities, including restrictive rules for princesshood. And when she and her friends don’t agree on how to react, Mihi must decide whether to prioritize her dreams of princesshood or her hopes for friendship. Familiar elements combine with vivid storytelling and cartoon renderings by Rodríguez (Bella’s Recipe for Success) to underline themes of adventure and self-discovery. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Faye Bender, Book Group.

April 15, 2023
Three friends face one giant problem. Since narrowly escaping many dangers in Mihi Ever After (2022), Korean American Mihi Whan Park has been afraid to admit her secret to besties Reese and Savannah: She misses the Rainbow Realm and its magic. When Genevieve, Mihi's former best friend and current archnemesis, is near tears due to punishment for a fight they got into at school, Mihi impulsively tells her about the Rainbow Realm in an attempt to cheer her up. Soon after, Genevieve disappears--and Mihi discovers her backpack near the portal. Mihi, Reese, and Savannah decide they ought to rescue Genevieve even though "she's rude and a little spoiled and she doesn't seem to care about other people's feelings." They are surprised to find the Rainbow Realm in dire straits thanks to a large beanstalk and a giant who has been stealing the rain. The action-packed plot maintains a brisk pace as the trio meet with familiar characters, friendly and otherwise, and learn that Genevieve has gone searching for the giant's gold. Using a spell, the three girls disguise themselves and sneak into the giant's ball. Even though they are captured, with a bit of magic and ingenuity, they are able to save the day. Keller deftly explores both perseverance and the evolving nature of friendships that sometimes need to end. Readers would benefit from familiarity with the first book. The ending paves the way for another adventure. Final art not seen. A high-interest fantasy romp. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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