
Reach for this book when your child is starting to feel too big for their childhood bedroom and is beginning to crave independence, mystery, and a world of their own making. It is a surreal, atmospheric exploration of the transition from the structured safety of home to the wild, sometimes frightening territory of the growing imagination. Through the journey of three sisters who venture into a strange forest to find a hidden queen, the story captures the bittersweet shift toward growing up. While the illustrations are dark and gothic, the core of the book celebrates the bravery required to explore the unknown. It is perfect for children aged 5 to 9 who appreciate sophisticated art and stories that respect their capacity for wonder and complexity.
The book deals with the 'death' of childhood innocence in a purely metaphorical, secular way. There is a sense of peril as they venture into the dark, but it is psychological rather than physical. The resolution is empowering and realistic, suggesting that while they return home, they are forever changed.
An artistic, introspective 7 or 8-year-old who has started to outgrow 'baby' books and is looking for something that acknowledges the weird, dark, and wonderful feelings of being on the cusp of older childhood.
Parents should preview the artwork: it is beautiful but leans into the gothic and grotesque. The 'monsters' are weird rather than violent, but highly sensitive children might find the distorted proportions unsettling. It is best read together to discuss the dream-like logic. A parent might choose this after hearing their child complain of being 'bored' with everything they used to love, or after noticing their child seeking out more 'scary' or complex media.
A 5-year-old will see a literal fairy tale about sisters in the woods. A 9-year-old will recognize the internal metaphors for freedom, the changing relationship between siblings, and the desire to define oneself.
Júlia Sardà's singular illustrative style sets this apart. It feels like a modern classic in the vein of Maurice Sendak, refusing to patronize children with bright colors or simple resolutions.
Franca, the eldest sister, feels a pull toward the unknown. She convinces her younger sisters, Carmela and Tomasina, to sneak out and follow her into the woods to find 'The Queen.' Their journey is a surrealist odyssey through shifting landscapes, encountering strange creatures and unsettling transformations, eventually leading to a cave where they discover the 'queen' is a reflection of their own budding identities and the power of their imaginations.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review