Bumpy Oak Books

**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

3 stars

Melody Lockhart returns with the next installment in Magical Rescue Vets, Blaze the Phoenix. Kat and Rosie are determined to continue to be helpful to the vets, but Rosie seems to think that she has done a lot of growing up as a result of helping. When many baby animals start showing up, including a horse that was an adult just that morning, Kat and Rosie have to figure out what is happening to the animals and people.

I have not read any other books in this series, but did not have issue following the story. There were some aspects that clearly showed that a reader who was familiar with the rest of the series might have gotten more out of the work. However, I feel pretty confident that any reader could jump in at this book with no trouble understanding the main plot.

This is a children’s chapter book that could hold some crossover appeal for young middle grade readers. Morgan Huff’s illustrations are sweet and really bring the narrative to life. In fact, I feel like this book would have been more effective as either a picture book or graphic novel. The concept of growing up being paired with the phoenix was clever. I acknowledge that the target age demographic is certainly not me, and feel like children would enjoy the whimsy of the story.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book, or this series, to a young reader. I feel that fans of Hex Vet might find an aged down version here.