Preet and Valissa are partners, living in a village shaped by magic. But while Preet’s own shifting and shaping magic is strong, librarian Valissa has none. When a mysterious mist harms a child visiting the library, however, Valissa is the one who volunteers to go seek its source. The child was her responsibility, and she knows that Preet’s magic is needed to protect the villagers who remain.
While Valissa is away, however, Preet violates the village’s sacred law against planting a child-bearing seed alone and raising the child without the support of another parent. Preet and the child, Lue, are banished. They must make their way through strange lands even as Valissa also seeks a way through the wilderness and back to Preet. Will they find each other? Will Valissa be able to accept Preet’s breaking of tradition? And will their village welcome them home?
A gentle story (with some slightly spooky elements) of personal and societal change. The softly curved, limited-palette drawings tell much of the tale. Valissa has medium-brown skin and dark hair; Preet has light tan skin and blonde hair.
Fans of K. O’Neill (The Tea Dragon Society; The Moth Keeper) and Molly Knox Ostertag (The Witch Boy) may find this story to their liking as well.
