In this hypnotic, oft-dazzling homage to old-school childrens’ fantasy such as The Phantom Tollbooth, Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland, Valente both embraces and subverts genre tropes. September, a resourceful girl from Nebraska, is whisked away to Fairyland one day. There, she enjoys a series of perilous and whimsical adventures, including questing for magical artifacts and defying a tyrannical ruler. With strange new friends at her side, September sets off to save Fairyland, embracing her own strengths and weaknesses. Complex and beautiful, lyrical and poignant, this tale is an instant classic.