ALA Booklist (Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Part of the I Like to Read Comics line, this beginning reader pairs simple sentences with sequential art to help foster visual literacy along with reading comprehension. Here, Mina is visiting her friend Pie's house for the first time, and as he gives her a tour, she finds magic in every space. After costuming up requested of all visitors ey see the Sun Room and its larger-than-life plants; the Crystal Room, home to relics that speak of adventure; the Quilt Room and its craft supplies; the Perfumery; the Bubble Room (bathroom); and best of all, the shed, a safe, quiet place to sit. A cotton-candy color palette and abundant detail add a touch of whimsy without overwhelming the panels, turning Mina's visit into a wondrous sensory experience. Readers new to comics will be well cared for with carefully arranged panels of various types, along with intuitively placed speech and thought bubbles, plus a lesson on being able to see the magic in your home. A cute and colorful comics primer.

Kirkus Reviews

An ordinary play date turns into an extraordinary sensory adventure in this graphic early reader.An excited Mina visits friend Pie for the first time and quickly learns that Pie's big house is full of surprises. First, Pie explains, "We always wear costumes at my house," showing off a red-and-black cape. When Mina can't decide on a costume, Pie's mother (who wears pink cat ears) selects a tiara. The Sun Room is lush with plants, including cacti to both touch and not touch; the Crystal Room sparkles; the Quilt Room, for making crafts, is a treasure of textures; floating iridescent bubbles fill the Bubble Room (aka the bathroom); and the Perfumery has so many smells that Mina is overwhelmed. The children go outside to walk the maze and rest in a storage shed that is "warm…dark…and safe." When Mina remarks, "My house is boring," Pie helps Mina see that what Mina thinks is familiar is pretty special too. As a last sensory experience, Mina bravely tries the outdoor lunch, replete with foods unfamiliar to Mina (but possibly quite familiar to readers). Knetzger's candy-colored panels overflow with whimsy; readers may be as relieved as Mina for the respite in the shed. The faux hand-lettered, adjective-rich text features short sentences but little repetition, suiting it for somewhat experienced readers. Mina has very light brown skin; Pie and Pie's mom are extremely pale. (This book was reviewed digitally.)An engaging friendship story full of imaginative details for young explorers. (Graphic early reader. 5-7)

School Library Journal (Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

PreS-Gr 2 Knetzger tells the story of a magical playdate between two young friends. Mina and Pie explore the many magical rooms in Pie's home, taking in the delightful sights and smells around them. The Sun Room is filled with lush greenery; a mouse Pie has never seen lives in the Small Room. Even the bathroom is far from ordinaryit's filled with bubbles. The duo conclude their visit with lunch in the garden, and though Mina initially believes her boring house can't compare with Pie's home, Pie reassures her that her house is also filled with special things: "You don't notice them because you see them every day." This is an easy and approachable graphic novel for emerging readers, featuring white speech bubbles with clear black text. The evocative sensory language and charming illustrations immerse readers in the ambiance of each room and offer context for challenging vocabulary. Panels vary in size and shape, and their creative placement helps readers intuitively follow the story. Pie and their mom are both white and Mina has light brown skin. VERDICT The fantastical elements of this tale balance well with a sincere message that friends can help us see the beauty and magic in the world. Don't miss this fantastic early reader for younger comic fans.Laken Hottle, Providence Community Lib.