Not gonna lie, I was worried there for a while! This book kept the tension, but it was also chock full of tender moments, embracing diversity, potential, and protective power. The final race had me cheering, the ending had me happy crying. The magic elements were wound so effortlessly into the story the author and artist wanted to tell. Highly recommend. Do NOT miss the scrap book moments at the end, tucked after the important creator's notes.