"With magic, romance, political intrigue, cheerworthy protagonists, and lots of cute goats, this warmly illustrated adventure will satisfy middle-grade fantasy lovers." — Booklist , starred review Destinies collide when a village goat herder meets the palace princess in Goat Magic ! 2026 ALA Rainbow Booklist Selection Trill, a spirited goat herder with a unique ability to communicate with her flock, yearns for a life beyond mountain pastures. Her “goat magic” feels common compared to the sorcery taught in the city’s prestigious magic schools, which are off-limits to her. Meanwhile, Princess Alya, known as the “Ordinary Princess” and heir to the kingdom of Capeya, doubts her own royal potential. Their worlds collide when an assassination attempt on the queen leaves Alya cursed to transform into a black goat each sunrise. Seeking refuge in Trill's goat herd, Alya discovers her new friend's hidden talent is her only hope to break the spell. Together, they embark on a perilous journey back to the castle, facing treacherous foes and uncovering a web of betrayal and rebellion. As Alya battles to reclaim her throne and restore order to Capeya, the girls discover a deep connection, their shared experiences forging an unbreakable bond. When Alya comes face to face with the ones who betrayed her, will she have what it takes to take back the crown and rule an unstable kingdom? Will Trill find confidence in her magic and the growing affection she has for her friend? With fast-paced action, enchanting magic, and a budding romance, Goat Magic is a captivating graphic novel perfect for fans of fantasy adventure. "This enchanting graphic novel blends classic fairy tale tropes with timely themes of justice, power, and self-discovery. The warm, richly detailed artwork heightens the magical tone, while the slowly blossoming romance between Trill and Alya adds emotional depth. As they confront dangers, challenge old assumptions, and grow closer, they will have readers rooting for them every step of the way. [...] A compelling, heartfelt fantasy perfect for upper elementary and middle school collections." ― School Library Journal "With magic, romance, political intrigue, cheerworthy protagonists, and lots of cute goats, this warmly illustrated adventure will satisfy middle-grade fantasy lovers." ― Booklist , starred review “A beautiful mix of adventure, romance, intrigue, and a story about deciding who you are and who you want to be.” ― Freak Sugar “Magical and thought-provoking” ― Geek Vibes Nation “This fantasy story reads like a classic fairy tale and explores themes of trust in oneself and greater awareness of others. The friendship and love that blossom between Alya and Trill feel natural and endearing. The cartoonlike illustrations employ warm colors that match the tone of the story. Wheeler’s worldbuilding emerges organically from interactions between the characters, sustaining a fast pace and avoiding lengthy explanations… Thrilling, sweet, and so much fun.” ― Kirkus Reviews Kate Wheeler is a queer, Seattle-born cartoonist who traded Pacific Northwest rain for the charming canals of Amsterdam, where she lives with her partner. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post , NPR , and The Nib , among others. Launch Date: 8/20/25