Initially, I was nervous about this book because I don’t tend to gravitate toward middle grade, but I simply loved it! This book feels like one I wish I had when I was younger, and I hope that the rest of it lives up to 10-year-old me’s high expectation. This first look into the book introduces you to the world without being too confusing. It doesn’t outright explain what every word means, but you understand it right away. I want so badly to hear more about this gryphon, Piccolina, and how Giada cared for her. To end this review, I have to say that Giada is a character I relate to in the sense that I grow tired of people and wish to spend my time with animals.