FLORA & ULYSSES

This heartwarming and hilarious novel tells the extraordinary story of a cynical girl and a squirrel with superpowers, brought together by a tragic vacuum cleaner accident. Kate DiCamillo masterfully blends everyday family struggles with the utterly fantastic, creating a tale where comic book-style heroism meets real-world emotional depth. The narrative explores themes of friendship, unexpected bravery, and finding light in dark places through rich character development and witty dialogue. Young readers will be immediately drawn into this imaginative world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

What makes this story truly special is how it balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional weight, particularly in its portrayal of a child navigating parental separation and rediscovering hope. The book's unique format, which incorporates brief graphic novel sequences, adds visual appeal while advancing the plot in creative ways. Children who appreciate character-driven stories with humor and heart will find themselves completely invested in Flora's journey from self-proclaimed cynic to believer in the impossible. This celebration of friendship and resilience leaves readers with a lasting sense of wonder about the magic that might be hiding in their own backyards.