In Something Different: A Fairy Tale by Kim Dwyer, Sophia was tired of wearing black like all the witches and warlocks she knew. She was tired of having the same clothes, the same color cat, seeing the same people and doing the same things everyone else does. Nate comes out of the forest. He is a magician rather than a warlock, and Sophia quickly gets caught up in their conversation. She casts spells and enjoys the tricks he shows her until her mother shows up and questions everything Sophia is doing. How will Sophia’s mother respond to the new person in her life? Will she approve of Sophia’s cat having white on its chest rather than being solid black like the cats other witches have? Should Sophia demand that Nate leave and carry on the way she is expected to?

I loved Something Different by Kim Dwyer. Kids will enjoy the spell casting and the unique way Sophia and Nate interact with one another, even in the face of disapproval. I loved the life lessons in this story that will encourage kids to be themselves and enjoy being different from everyone else. The illustrations are beautiful and add a layer of colorful fun to the story that will keep kids turning the pages. I recommend Something Different to young children who love fairy tale-type stories with a magical twist. I hope that Dwyer writes more stories in the future that feature Sophia and Nate. These characters will easily become any child’s favorite to read about.

Sophia is a young witch who lives in the Australian rainforest. Tired of not having anyone to interact with other than witches and warlocks like herself, she casts a love spell in the direction of a new friend she recently made. Her spell works a little too well as her new friend comes along with a completely different view of life from what Sophia is accustomed to. Will she accept his unusual approach to everything or will she opt for the safety of the known by keeping with the norms of her fellow witches? Only time will tell in Something Different by Kim Dwyer.

Kim Dwyer encourages young readers to challenge the status quo with her beautiful tale of blossoming love. Her characters are quite the bunch as she combines interesting humans with talking mythical creatures. The conversations between Sophia and Nate are interesting to follow as these are laced with a bit of history on what they consider acceptable and the details behind how it came to be so. The illustrations are impressive as the pictures are simplistic in design but detailed. This leads to realistic-looking images that would appeal to not just youngsters but also to the child in every adult. There is also an opportunity for young readers to showcase their painting abilities in the latter stages of this story. I am certain children will love that. Dwyer’s Something Different stands out with its deep conversations and entertaining storyline. I have no doubts young readers will fall in love with this story just as much as I did.