Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Season of Flames by Anna Jmaes

At Circus Astra, Elio helps his father look after "tangles"--magical creatures woven together with threads of magic to become miniature tigers, mice with butterfly wings, and a peacock made of ice crystals. Always on the move, the circus puts on incredible performances across the land of Whetherwhy under the stern eye of their ringleader.

 

But after a mysterious visitor arrives at one of their performances, Elio discovers that he has something the queen of Whetherwhy wants; something she will stop at nothing to get. Elio must leave the circus behind and team up with some unexpected friends, as his journey takes him to the very edges of Whetherwhy in search of a way to restore the magical balance of the island.

 

Praise for The Season of Flames

 

"A high-stakes . . . magical journey that's brimming with messages of friendship and acceptance." --Kirkus reviews