Review by Booklist Review
Wisteria is a garden sprite in a neighborhood where, once upon a time, sprites were responsible for tending to the plants. Now, though, humans cultivate the neighborhood's gardens, and the sprites mostly laze about enjoying nature. Wisteria, however, is eager to do something, so she secretly helps a hapless gardener. This pleasant, warm comic has barely a whisper of drama--Wisteria is worried her friends won't want to help the gardener--but the lack of tension doesn't matter, because the artwork here is stunning. With a cinematic perspective, Whitt and Abrego depict the sprites as charmingly tiny against the towering plants and trees, which are rendered with precise botanical detail in dense, captivating backgrounds. The sprites themselves gently resemble the plants they're named for--Wisteria, for instance, has a fluffy mane of purple hair--and they're refreshingly varied in body size and shape. Everything appears in a glowing, sun-kissed palette that only serves to bolster the lush, appealing atmosphere. Though not much happens in the plot, readers will have plenty to pore over on these simply gorgeous pages.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"With an array of mysterious, wondrous powers," sprites were once "the sole keepers of the flora that they relied on," Abrego and Whitt explain in the prologue to this graphic novel. Now that humans manage their own gardens, though, there's little for sprites to do. With a froth of hair and ruffled clothing, pink-skinned, flowerlike Wisteria is new to the local group, which represents an assortment of body types and fanciful skin tones. When the others mention a neglected garden, Wisteria checks it out, longing to make its plants bloom. As she learns that gardening must happen "one step at a time," glittering spangles signal her powers awakening. Then, in an awkward moment, Wisteria is found by the young, tan-skinned human gardener struggling with the space. Ought she cooperate with the human or the other sprites, or keep all the fun for herself? In their first outing, a conflict-free, flower-forward hybrid of heroic origins and finding one's roots, Abrego and Whitt's sophisticated panel artwork employs an offbeat palette of tangerines, pinks, and purples and a riot of flower motifs that keeps striking images coming. Ages 13--up. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4 Up--Once upon a time, sprites used ancestral wisdom to nurture all plant life--until humans began to dominate the landscape. The good-spirited sprites lost their purpose but gained an appreciation for the human gardeners' yields. When Wisteria, who has magenta skin and wavy purple hair, arrives in Sylvan Trace, her fellow sprites fill her in on the best gardens to visit. Feeling shy, Wisteria finds herself in a barren garden, spying on Elena, a frustrated young gardener. Wisteria's secret attempts to revive the youth's morning glory result in a spectacular bloom that delights Elena. Thrilled, Wisteria continues experimenting with plant magic under the guise of darkness. When Elena learns of Wisteria's existence, what happens next will change the relationship between sprites and humans forever. Based on an original one-page comic, this short but sweet, flora-filled fantasy emphasizes kindness and teamwork. Readers will enjoy the story's blossoming friendships as well as the transformation of Elena's garden. Varied panel shapes add visual interest, immersing readers in key moments. Warm, retro-vibe colors imbue this tale of magical realism with whimsy, and the book has an anime flavor, with exaggerated facial expressions. Wisteria and the other sprites also possess unique character elements (hair, skin tone, attire) that mirror the plant they are each named after--an understated but charming touch. Elena is brown-skinned, while the sprites' skin tones are in a variety of vibrant hues. VERDICT Positive and uplifting, this magical read will delight lovers of fairies and plants alike. Hand this one to those who loved K. O'Neill's The Tea Dragon Society.--Pearl Derlaga, York County P.L., VA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A sprite nurtures both confidence and community as she embraces magic. Sprites once looked after and nurtured all plant life. Once humans appeared in this corner of suburbia, taking on landscaping duties, the sprites stepped back, but they still revel in the glories of gardens. New to the neighborhood of Sylvan Trace, sprite Wisteria quickly gets an introduction to the best backyards. Although the sprite crew is welcoming, she can't help but feel a little left out and decides to do some of her own exploring. Stumbling upon a notoriously poorly maintained garden on Meadowgreen Drive, Wisteria uses her magic to help it along, finding delight both in her work and in the child resident's joy. In a sense, young human Elena--who meets Wisteria in the now flourishing garden--is new as well. She's been trying her best to rescue the garden her overworked mom has neglected. Both sprite and gardener recognize that they're better off working together. This gentle story is full of charm and is an affirming tale of teamwork, initiative, and determination. The detailed linework in combination with the retro color palette of pinks, oranges, purples, and greens create an expressive tone that supports the narrative. Wonderfully emotive faces charmingly convey character and lush surroundings, and interesting angles capture the awe of nature. The cast of sprites and humans displays a wide range of physical appearances. A feel-good fantasy of flowering friendship. (design notes) (Graphic fantasy. 10-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
