FIVE MAGIC ROOMS

An ordinary play date turns into an extraordinary sensory adventure in this graphic early reader.

An excited Mina visits friend Pie for the first time and quickly learns that Pie’s big house is full of surprises. First, Pie explains, “We always wear costumes at my house,” showing off a red-and-black cape. When Mina can’t decide on a costume, Pie’s mother (who wears pink cat ears) selects a tiara. The Sun Room is lush with plants, including cacti to both touch and not touch; the Crystal Room sparkles; the Quilt Room, for making crafts, is a treasure of textures; floating iridescent bubbles fill the Bubble Room (aka the bathroom); and the Perfumery has so many smells that Mina is overwhelmed. The children go outside to walk the maze and rest in a storage shed that is “warm…dark…and safe.” When Mina remarks, “My house is boring,” Pie helps Mina see that what Mina thinks is familiar is pretty special too. As a last sensory experience, Mina bravely tries the outdoor lunch, replete with foods unfamiliar to Mina (but possibly quite familiar to readers). Knetzger’s candy-colored panels overflow with whimsy; readers may be as relieved as Mina for the respite in the shed. The faux hand-lettered, adjective-rich text features short sentences but little repetition, suiting it for somewhat experienced readers. Mina has very light brown skin; Pie and Pie’s mom are extremely pale. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An engaging friendship story full of imaginative details for young explorers.