This is the charming sequel to the first Nell of Gumbling book. The series takes place in a fairy tale based town, but it’s just normal life for everyone and the focus is more on the power of community and learning positive lessons versus the magical elements. I like this sort of everyday life within a fantasy world, so the setting really works for me, and Emma Steinkellner’s art is perfect. In this volume, Nell is going to do a summer camping course (the Wilderness Forest Adventure) that, if she passes, will exempt her from having to do a boring class during the school year. Nell gets put in the same group as her closest friends and she is very excited to have an adventure and spend time with everyone.
However, her friend Gil, a Thumbkin (like a Borrower) is not his normal cheerful self and Nell’s efforts to lift his spirits backfire. Everyone seems to be getting crushes on each other and Nell is afraid this will split up the group long-term. The whole straight forward plan she had to have a super fun time is falling apart, and things get worse when Gil wishes that they all knew what it was like to be as tiny as him. They all shrink down to his size in the enchanted forest and have to work together to try to finish the course and get back to their normal sizes.
The themes here about self-acceptance, working through your fears, how to properly communicate, and independence, were all conveyed very well. Nothing here was explicit or too scary, but it never felt pandering or too juvenile. This hits the sweet spot for middle grade fantasy. I enjoyed this and hope there are more to come in the series!
