The moment I saw this cover, I knew I had to take a peek. The pink reminds of bubble gum and promises over the top girliness, especially when combined with the title. It's the first of a, so far, two book series, and this one was already released in 2024. It's for the middle grade audience, so I'm betting it will be packed with adventure and humor...and an awkward character who is giving her best but can't seem to get things just right? At least, that slightly strained smile on her face is making me think she doesn't have things nearly under as much control as she should have.
But I'm simply ready to lean back and have some fun. So, let's see if this book delivers that!
MAGICAL SWEET GULA
by Joanes Park
Illustrated by Jessica Leman
Difference Engine
Middle Grade Fantasy / Graphic Novel
184 pages
Gula Gulali is a magical girl with the power to turn the things around her into cakes and sweets! But she is a Magi living in the non-magical realm of Terra, where her bright pink hair and pointed ears make her stick out like a sore thumb in the regular school she attends.
When another young Magi joins Gula’s school, his weird behaviour draws far too much attention to the Magi who are already facing prejudice from Terrans. Now, Gula has to navigate friendships, suspicious schoolmates, and a series of magical mishaps — all while the success of a school drama production is at stake! Will she find acceptance and belonging, or will she have to give up her magic to fit in?
When another young Magi joins Gula’s school, his weird behaviour draws far too much attention to the Magi who are already facing prejudice from Terrans. Now, Gula has to navigate friendships, suspicious schoolmates, and a series of magical mishaps — all while the success of a school drama production is at stake! Will she find acceptance and belonging, or will she have to give up her magic to fit in?
MY TIDBITS
Sweet and simple, these pages drawn in with a girl full of heart and adorable magic, while a bit of chaos and blunder dances on the side.
Gula Gulali is a magi living in the Terran world (human). Magic isn't a secret, but magi normally stay in the magical world. Unfortunately, Gula can't seem to find friends and is always the odd one out. Add that, lately, especially one girl in the class is out to get her and life has become very difficult to steer. It doesn't help that Gula's magic sometimes has a mind of its own, and every time she tries to help someone, it ends with a little mishap. Nothing terrible, since all she can do is turn things into desserts, but her classmates seem to misunderstand her. Still, she has a plan to find friends and even joins the school play to prove she is friend worthy. But then, disaster strikes and her mother agrees to let the prince of the magi come and live with them for awhile, so he can experience the Terran world. To say that all of Gula's efforts are about to fall apart is an understatement.
This popping-pink read flows with adorable magic and a wish that almost every middle grader has—to fit in. Gula is a bundle of goodness as she always uses her magic to help those around her. While she almost always pulls this off, no one seems to notice her good intentions and instead, believes her sweet messes are, actually, her way of causing trouble. It's silly, innocent fun which lets humor flow, while carrying a bittersweet sadness that grows and grows. It's easy to understand why Gula is upset, and her plan to fix things, while clearly a little off, is as innocent as can be. She's a lovely character with a huge heart, who simply makes mistakes.
The magic adds a cheerful, fantastical touch...and who wouldn't love to be able to turn things into treats? While there is a magi world and fantasy aspects, the Terran twist adds familiarity to let readers sink into each scene. The bully is mean enough that she's easy to dislike but stays realistic enough to give the tale roots. The magic is present but doesn't overtake the main plot as Gula tries not to use her abilities, and the prince has his locked away. Instead, the tale carries a clear message of being yourself and lets this goodness flow.
The illustrations are enjoyable and light, while letting each moment come across with the emotions needed to let readers sink in. The text balances with the imagery and fits the age group nicely. It's a quick read, which will draw even reluctant readers in. As said, this isn't a difficult weave on the plot end, and that's one of the plus points about this book. It's meaningful, light, and fun to put a smile on the face.
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