A vibrant and often stunningly weird middle grade fantasy, brimming with wonder and whimsy. The story follows Bonnie, a curious and brave girl, who stumbles upon a magical fairground and is swept into an alternate realm teeming with enchanted circus performers, magical rides, and mysterious forces. Alongside quirky new friends, she faces dangers and choices that could change her world forever. Scenes like a carousel of animals springing to life for a wild ride—reminiscent of “Mary Poppins”—are delightfully thrilling and richly described.

However, despite the creative worldbuilding and some charming moments, the book includes some troubling elements that may concern parents and educators. There are several dark and unsettling scenes, such as people’s faces being turned into animals against their will, Bonnie being shut inside a haunted “mystery” house with an occult theme, and a scene with an invisible phantom seizing Bonnie from behind and trying to drag her away into a clown-themed Shadowland. Of course, these frightening elements come down to personal taste, and many kids may enjoy the sense of weirdness and danger. Similarly, purple-haired characters, including men with rainbow hair, may appear offensive to some and innocent to others.

Of more concern is Bonnie frequently telling others to “shut up,” a phrase used half-playfully, half-seriously. While an occasional outburst is certainly both natural and understandable, its casual repetition within the story is off-putting. The greatest concern, however, is a scene where Bonnie protests joining an adventure by saying, “My mom would never let me!”—to which an adult character replies, “Who said anything about telling your mom?” This casual dismissal of parental involvement, especially by another adult, is portrayed too lightly. Adding further questionable content is the Great Faire, a female goddess-type being whose pronouns are reverently referred to in capital letters. Ultimately, these aspects undermine the wholesome values of an otherwise imaginative tale, surprisingly from a Christian publisher. Not recommended.

ARC Copy...Found it high imaginative and interesting world and magical mechanics surrounding the the titular Faire including things like "bee charming", were animals and the political social hmmm forming the main problem of the narrative.