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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In a world of princesses and castles, what happens when a princess sees the world differently? In Dijana Fiorentino’s Belky’s Magical Adventure, readers meet a princess named Belky. She’s a brave, kind royal who also happens to have autism. She has a special way of connecting with animals and can remember almost anything, like words (conversations), colors, and even music. When a spell threatens the enchanted forest, it’s up to Belky to help. Because of her autism, she sometimes has trouble expressing herself in a way that others can easily understand, so helping will be tricky. With support from her royal family and some magical friends—a unicorn and a dragon—Belky learns that being unique is something to be proud of. So, what happens when a princess sees the world differently? She changes it with one kind, magical moment at a time.
As an educator and someone who cares deeply about autism inclusion, I absolutely loved that Belky’s Magical Adventure by Dijana Fiorentino has a main character with autism. In general, it’s so important for children to read stories that have characters like them. I’m sure seeing someone in a story who’s like them, that highlights their strengths, will make someone who’s neurodivergent feel good. I also felt the story wove Belky’s connection with animals, imagination, and attention to detail into an authentic and empowering, yet magical adventure. Kids will also be drawn to the enchanted forest, and Belky’s friends—the unicorn and the dragon—add even more warmth and wonder to the story. The vibrant illustrations bring an additional layer of charm and whimsy, an essential part of any great fantasy tale. This book is a great conversation starter about empathy, difference, and self-acceptance. It’s a beautiful blend of fantasy and heart that deserves a place in both classroom and home libraries.
