Sayonara Magic Vol. 2 by Burakkuberi

I'm ready for a some humor and fun, and today's read should include tons of both. This is the second in the Sayonara Magic series, which came out in 2021 and is now being translated into English. I did not read the first volume in this graphic novel series and am curious what these pages hold. It must be good, since it's been doing so well in the world so far.

Before I babble anymore, let's take a look!

SAYONARA MAGIC #2

Family Charms

by Burakkuberi

Illustrated by Kumanakris

translated by Dana Guterman Levy

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Chapter Book Fantasy

240 pages

ages 8 to 10

COMING MAY 13th!!!

The Tanaka triplets are back with more magic, more mischief, and even more family chaos than before! This second illustrated chapter book in the Sayonara Magic series blends a beautiful black-and-white manga art style with engaging, easy-to-read text that’s perfect for young readers.

Rendered in a gorgeous, manga-esque art style and with engaging prose, readers will love reading about how Hiro, Akira, and Naoki work together to use their magic and get out of all sorts of chaos (even if it's of their own making . . . ).

In this book, the triplets must avoid a magical inspector, try to save a family wedding from supernatural creatures, and figure out a way to get home after they've been accidentally sent back in time!

Perfect for anime and manga enthusiasts, authors Burakkuberi and Kumanakris expertly blend comics with traditional prose, making the Sayonara Magic series the perfect bridge books for young, emerging, and English as Second Language (ESL) readers. 

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Unexpected situations hit with every turn as these siblings let their magic slip and weave a spell when they really shouldn't.

This is the second book in the series, and although I didn't read the first, it wasn't a problem to sink right in. It surrounds three triplets, who are magic wielders and, therefore, should be enrolled in the magical school, since normal people don't know magic exists. But they can't bring it across themselves to leave their best friend to battle every-day high school alone (she is a normal kid). Which means that they have to keep their magic close...although they do let it slip. After all, they are kids. When the magical inspector pops in to make sure they have everything under control, his timing couldn't be worse. Now, the siblings have to find a way to hide their mischief or leave their best friend behind. But even if they solve that problem, something even more difficult is about to hit them.

While I thought this read would swing heavily in the manga-style direction, it doesn't. Much of the book is written as a usual chapter book. The illustrations are a mix between a single scenes (like in picture books but with manga art style) and a manga-styled layout on one page every so often...usually then, when it helps the atmosphere most. This creates a fun balance between book and visual action, which is sure to delight even more reluctant readers.

There are two stories in this read, each taking up about half of the book. The first one surrounds a magic inspector, who wants to make sure they are following the 'rules' (which they are and aren't), and the second involves time travel and a very sticky situation. Both tales pack action and adventure, keeping the pace high the entire way through. These siblings are kind and fun to be with, but they also are a bit chaotic and have their own personality barbs, which cause all sorts of trouble. The siblings are, in other words, very normal kids, but when magic is thrown in, what would normally be simple issues can get out of hand quickly. And in humorous and exciting ways. It's exactly this mix, which creates a fun, grabbing read.

This is an enjoyable read and packed with humor and action, which is sure to delight more than just 'magic' fans.

And here they are...

Amèlia Mora, better known as Burakkuberi, is a screenwriter and author from Barcelona, Spain. She was a finalist for the Edebé Award for Children's Literature and has published 16 children's books.

Ana C. Sánchez, aka Kumanakris, is a comic artist and illustrator from Madrid, Spain.

Dana Guterman Levy is a youth group leader, writer, reader, and volunteer at the Boston Public Library, originally from México City, México. She is currently studying writing, literature, and publishing at Emerson College in Boston, MA.