ALA Booklist (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

Two separate but linked adventures introduce Aster, who isn't pleased when her family moves from the city to the mountains. Forced to drop her video games and explore the valley, she literally stumbles upon a magical being known as the Trickster Rapscallion, who offers her three wishes. Of course, the wishes don't go quite as planned, and Aster must scramble to rectify her mistakes and prevent a coming catastrophe. The second adventure sees her contending with the fox spirit of autumn after a magical mishap causes the mountain d time itself fall out of balance. Fast-paced action and adventure make for a winning combination when joined with Karensac's charming character design and bold pastel colors. As the story expands, so too does its world, as Aster is aided by a series of lovable side characters, including a talking dog, a mysterious old shepherd woman, and a trio of Chestnut Knights ny, cloaked warriors who steal the show. A joyous middle-grade romp for fans of Ben Hatke.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Transplanted from a city to a small countryside town, Aster, 10, anticipates weeks of loneliness and boredom. But while exploring a nearby mountain, she encounters a strange old woman with a herd of woolly dogs who offers Aster one of her own: Buzz, whose presence ensures that -the mountain will always look after you.- The two stumble into adventure when they find a clearing inhabited by a mischievous spirit who grants Aster three wishes. Her first, being able to speak with Buzz, results in unexpected comic chaos that embroils Aster in an escalating series of reality-distorting magical escapades. In a second story, Aster must aid seasonal guardians in a transition of power. Friendly, accessible cartooning from Karensac lights up Pico-s whimsical world, endowing the offbeat characters and adorable creatures with a look simultaneously idiosyncratic and familiar. Aster-s confidence, impulsiveness, and quick thinking combine to create a strong and sympathetic heroine, and the supporting cast, including Buzz and a trio of diminutive chestnut knights, fills out the world with memorable personalities. Spirited adventure and an oddball sense of humor make this a promising start to a series that will be perfect for fans of the Hilda comics. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7 A move to the mountains results in adventure beyond a young girl's wildest dreams. A strange species of gigantic birds that reproduce on a 15-year cycle is gearing up for a migrationalways a destructive event. To help guide the birds, Aster's scientist mother is building a robot. Her work takes the family to the mountains, and young Aster is initially distraught when her life is uprooted. But as she explores the countryside, she finds magic and mischief, befriends a seasonal deity, acquires a pet dog, outwits a trickster, and has the adventure of a lifetime. Aster learns to cope with the unexpected and finds solidarity with her family and new friends. The conclusion hints that more fun awaits in future volumes. Featuring simple lines and appealingly bizarre creatures, the art will entice readers. The Alps-inspired landscapes and characters are colored with muted Photoshopped blocks of color, with panels that let the busy narrative flow. At times the style turns anime-like to convey extreme moments. VERDICT Those who love Luke Pearson's "Hilda" series will eagerly jump on board the Aster bandwagon.Nancy McKay, Byron Public Library, IL