While I am 55/45 with the story of The Magical Yet, the illustrations are at a 99.9999999% awesome (why not 100? Well, nothing is perfect.) The modern idea and surreal, color blasting realistic
illustrations makes this a new book for all ages. Kids will appreciate the flow of the story and the adults can appreciate the overall theme and the art.
Angela DiTerlizzi’s story of a young child having trouble riding their bike, wanting to give up and trying again is an established theme. However, this time DiTerlizzi created a story that is lyrical and feels fresh. It might be a bit modern in the feeling (a little too “happy” and “you can do it”) but that is just a plot point that will most likely endear you to the character and the surrounding actions.
I am assuming Lorena Alvarez was inspired by their heritage when creating the artwork for this picture book. Everything is lush, bold, bright, popping off the page. They, at once, compliment the story and have a life of their own. One needs to
read the end pages as well as the text and the “inside” illustrations. There is an interesting piece of the story that starts and ends there. The ending has a similar twist to it as well.
While this book is hard to “age pinpoint” I would say it really could go for all ages but is best for the five to eight range. The theme could go older, but the picture book format could turn those readers off. I would like to see this character’s story in a beginning chapter book format. It might be tricky, but that would help allow the theme to go to an older targeted age group that needs it just as much as the younger crowd.