Title: Up To Miracles
Subtitle: A Stone’s Throw from a Fairy Tale
Author: Zeynab Salimova
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-9845-3685–3
Pages: 298
Genre: Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic
Reviewed by: Tara Mcnabb

Read Book Review

A play on classic fairy tales but featuring a unique twist, Up To Miracles by Zeynab Salimova is a fun and delightful children’s tale that is sure to become the new favorite in your family’s bookshelf.

Alex is just ten years old, and is already getting a bit tired of babysitting his younger sister, Annie. Both are very excited however, and for good reason; their parents are taking them to a special Christmas party, where they are sure to have the time of their lives. Once there, the siblings begin to wander off, and suddenly find themselves in the middle of a vast and mysterious woods. Panic begins to set in as both realize they must be lost, and they hurry to find any sign of life. When they come across a strange character in a remote cabin who tells them they are in the land of the Winter Queen, both can hardly believe their ears. Have they somehow stumbled into another dimension? When they find out that the only way back home is through a mysterious portal far away on a mountaintop, they begin a dangerous and miraculous journey that neither of them will ever forget, full of mythological creatures and adventure. Salimova has an obvious fondness for classic fairy tales; the plot’s premise seems to be in many ways a nod to the Brothers Grim tales, as well as The Chronicles of Narnia.

But while some of these ideas seem familiar, like a tyrannical Winter Queen and her fierce army of wolves, or the brother and sister relationship that is featured in many classic children’s stories, Salimova doesn’t stop there. She successfully weaves her own magic as the story develops, inserting new, fresh characters and mishaps that are completely original, resulting in a dynamic and enjoyable read. There are charming yet simple illustrations that accompany the text, complete with detailed facial expressions of the formidable monsters and fantastical landscapes. The child-like whimsy evident in the drawings bolsters the story’s authenticity, making it more palatable.

Its long length may seem too much for some; this may cause parents to wonder whether it really is a children’s book or rather young adult. While the theme is definitely meant for children, the length is more attuned for young adult readers, which is why parents will want to read this one in short segments to make it more enjoyable for restless youngsters. The book has many moral lessons within it, making it the perfect long-term reading project for the whole family. Concepts of love, courage, loyalty, and even God abound, all while remaining true to a child’s sense of wonder and awe at the world.