Studio Ghibli Vibes
October 13, 2023
If you want Studio Ghibli vibes without watching a movie, this list is for you.
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill
From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever Aftercomes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.
Tidesong by Wendy Xu
Sophie, a young witch with uncertain powers, faces pressure from her mother and grandmother to attend the esteemed Royal Magic Academy. Sent to unfamiliar relatives for exam preparation, she finds little magical guidance from Cousin Sage and Great-Aunt Lan. In a desperate solo attempt, Sophie’s spell intertwines her magic with Lir, a young water dragon marooned on land without his memories. While Lir possesses the talents Sophie lacks, helping her excel at the exams, it hinders his quest for recollection. Torn between right and wrong, Sophie must navigate this delicate balance to prove herself.
Eva Evergreen, Semi – Magical Witch by Julie Abe
Eva Evergreen, with only a trace of magic, faces a crucial challenge: to attain Novice Witch status before her thirteenth birthday, or lose her powers forever. Landing in Auteri, a town in need of a formidable witch, Eva opens a magical repair shop to prove her worth. Despite her limited abilities, Eva’s “semi-magical fixes” transform lives, but when a monumental magical storm threatens Auteri, she must summon all her courage and cleverness to save the town and her dreams of becoming a witch.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
In the desert, a stranded pilot encounters a remarkable stranger who requests a drawing of a sheep, setting off a profound journey of understanding life’s mysteries. This enchanting fable, “The Little Prince,” imparts timeless wisdom about life’s true priorities, leaving an indelible mark on readers of all ages. With meticulously restored artwork and a new translation, this definitive edition of a beloved worldwide classic continues to captivate hearts around the globe.
The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa
“The Cat Who Saved Books” is a heartwarming tale celebrating the power of books, courage, and compassion. Rintaro inherits his grandfather’s beloved second-hand bookshop, Natsuki Books, finding solace within its towering shelves. When a talking tabby cat named Tiger seeks Rintaro’s aid in a mission to rescue mistreated books, they embark on a series of magical adventures, ultimately culminating in a final, solo rescue mission.
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
In a New England town, Nova Huang navigates the realms of love, family, and witchcraft while working at her grandmother’s spell bookshop. A chance encounter reunites her with Tam Lang, her childhood crush and a wandering werewolf, battling dark forces. As they face occult rituals and unearth untapped magic, their rekindled connection blooms amidst a backdrop of self-discovery and familial bonds in this enchanting tale.