Bookish Agatha lives in a pastoral village where a silky-furred black dog lurks in the shadows.The dog's slitted yellow eyes follow Agatha as she moves through the peaceful pastel tones and rounded edges of her everyday world; the illustrations evoke a Victorian English village. Agatha tutors a brown-skinned boy named Peter Garcia, helps her parents with the upkeep of their modest cottage, and fends off unwelcome advances from shop owner's son Claude. All the while, she dreams of studying astronomy but despairs of the barriers she faces. Agatha steps into a trap laid by the dog, who transforms into the Lady of the Hills (a dapper, pallid woman with the dog's yellow eyes and flowing black locks), who claims that Agatha owes her a favor. Despite Agatha's sweet developing romance with Heather Garcia, Peter's blond cousin, she's still enchanted by the Lady, who pulls her into magical adventures that are by turns dreamy and upsetting. While Agatha loves the Lady's starlit dance party in a stone circle, she abhors the consequence she metes out in response to Claude's persistent attentions. When the Lady's antics affect Heather, Agatha must take the initiative. Agatha's curiosity makes her an engaging hero, and the tale's events unfold at a satisfying pace. The story tempers genuine fear and horror with lighthearted gentleness. Agatha is biracial, with a white father and a brown-skinned, black-haired mother.An enchanting spin on the proverbial cautionary tale of Faerie. (character sketches) (Graphic fantasy. 9-14)

Gr 3–7 —Prepare to be whisked away to a world of wonder, with a touch of darkness and folklore. Small-town girl Agatha craves astronomy studies, but a mysterious Lady with a wolfish gaze magically forces her into guarding a mystical plant. Agatha juggles a creepy minion, a pig-boy admirer, and a newfound friend with a thirst for knowledge. Can she break free from the Lady's magic and reach the university with her new friend, or will the darkness drag her back? The story is reminiscent of classic fairy tales, but with a refreshing twist and enchanting characters. Aldridge's signature watercolor style is simply stunning. The characters and settings burst with life, and readers can practically feel the mist clinging to the mysterious hills. The artwork is so captivating, anyone could get lost in it for hours, even without the story. Agatha's journey is one of growth and self-discovery, making this a truly empowering read. VERDICT Whether readers are longtime fans of Aldridge or simply seeking a captivating graphic novel with stunning visuals, a touch of darkness, and a hopeful message, this deserves a prominent place on all bookshelves.—Allia Nisa