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This modern folktale is much like classic stories we have read before addressing good vs. evil; however, there is a bit of a twist. Sisters Beatrice and Magnolia live together in an older house in the village. Beatrice is seen as kind, befriending everyone she meets from the wary villagers to the family of spiders who’ve taken up residence in their home. Magnolia, on the other hand, is not so nice while treating her sister pretty horribly. Beatrice decides to help alleviate her sister’s crankiness by knitting her a sweater to keep her warm, so she ventures into the woods to gather treasures where she meets Bog Myrtle, a spidery forest creature, who most would think would be the villain. Unlike the classics, this folktale touches themes beyond good vs. evil addressing environmentalism, capitalism, and labor rights while weaving in humor throughout the story and illustrations.

Bog Myrtle was such a fast and delightful read. Sharp once again smarty uses beautiful illustrations, lush vocabulary, and comedic timing to tell quite an entertaining tale. Fans of fractured fairytales and similar stories will enjoy this one as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.