Centered around the adventurous Bibi Blundermuss, the story unfolds as she embarks on a quest to save her beloved tree, discovering new worlds and colorful characters along the way.

Durkin's storytelling is infused with a sense of wonder and magic, inviting readers to join Bibi on her fantastical adventure through lush forests, shimmering galaxies, and beyond. The vivid imagery and playful language captivate the imagination, making each page a delight to explore.

At its heart, "Bibi Blundermuss and the Tree Across the Cosmos" is a tale of courage, friendship, and the power of imagination. Through Bibi's journey, young readers are encouraged to embrace curiosity, creativity, and empathy, while also learning valuable lessons about the interconnectedness of all living things. With its charming characters, enchanting settings, and timeless themes, this book is sure to spark the imagination of readers both young and old.

I liked this! It's a juvenile adventure that's whimsical and spooky and sweet. Bibi and her cat Eek end up going into the trees (which terrify Bibi) in search of her parents, and they get sucked into a wild world of elk and zombies and Bibi's mother, who may or may not be on their side.

I think I'd recommend it, the atmospheric setting and character building in Bibi is so good!

When I first started reading this book, I was incredibly intrigued. I liked the characters, I thought the atmosphere was well done and I was interested in the world that Bibi traveled to across the cosmos. However, the more that I read, the more problems I had with it. While I really liked Bibi as a main character, I felt that we just never learnt enough about the rest of the characters. I also felt that there could have been so much more explored in terms of the world, the arbor guardians and the conflicts going on. Furthermore, I wanted Bibi to be the one to find out new information herself rather than just have it explained to her by someone else. I also never really understood why Bibi's cat could talk in the first place and why she never found this strange. However, my biggest issue was the way mental health issues were handled in this book. Anxiety isn't something that just vanishes. I also didn't like the way her 'anxiety medication' was used as a plot device.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

Representation matters. Bibi is lonely and has a phobia. Her parents are also gone. She goes to locate her missing cat and what ensues is a story that reminds you of the wizard of oz but with depth and more focus on the character. Amazing job. I hope this isn't the last we hear of Bibi.

2.5. The story was rather lacklustre for me. There was nothing captivating about it. Hence why this probably one of shortest reviews ever.

It lacked in explanations about how certain elements of the story came to be. I found the pacing to be slow, despite the short chapter lengths, and repetitious.

I loved the diversity shown in this through the MC's heritage and language. Bibi was a good MC.

Thank you to Netgalley and and Yellow Bike Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this really wuicklu and this is exactly the sort of book that I would have wanted to read as a child.It is well written with a magical storyline and well developed charcaters especially Bibi who is flawed and anxiety ridden but overcomes that which frightens her to find her loved ones and special pet. She finds herself and comes to terms with who she is along the way and I think that is such an important message for kids,
Fun and uplifting in some parts and emotive in others, I really liked it.

<i>This review is based off of an ARC copy I read through NetGalley<i>

I have mixed feelings about this book.

<i><b>What Does Work...</i></b>
- The description of Bibi's anxiety around her hylophobia was well done. As someone who struggles with anxiety/agoraphobia I felt very related to Bibi & her struggles. She is courageous & brave and I think that's very inspiring for kids and adults alike.
- I love, love, love that there is the inclusion of Zulu & Icelandic words. I love books that introduce young readers to new languages.
- Bibi's has a mixed ancestry. Diversity in middle reader books is so important & I Am Here For It.
- There is a lot of adventure. The stakes are clear and high-risk.
- I liked the idea of a space-traveling magic ash-tree.
- Bibi's Elk friend is super sweet.

<i><b>What Doesn't Work...</i></b>
- The pacing is a little off. It drags a bit in places.
- There is a LOT of exposition through dialogue. Which. Is better than outright exposition, but not by much. There was too much time spent in conversational info-dumping.
- It was a bit more graphically violent than I was expecting for the age demographic. I think this will be fine for some young readers, but if the reader in your life is high-empathy, this might not be a good book for them to read.
- This was the biggest question I had: the talking animals. Bibi's cat can talk??? And that's normal, apparently?? Bibi is not surprised at all that the Elk can talk??? Very confused.
- Speaking of Bibi's cat: she sounds EXACTLY like Bibi, to the point where I thought maybe she can't actually talk and it's just Bibi's thoughts but clearly other people can hear the cat talking.
- Some of the world-building is lacking and I found myself being pushed out of the story because I kept having questions about the world. There were definitely aspects of the story that broke through my credulity.

<i><b>Overall...</i></b>

I think this book would be good for young readers who are struggling with illness or being bullied about being different. It has a diverse character who is relatable and sympathetic. As long as the violence isn't an issue & the reader is willing to suspend belief even in the midst of incomplete world-building, I think there is a lot to enjoy in this book. Despite it's flaws, I'm glad I read it, and in select situations would recommend it.

Being in seventh grade is hard enough without a crippling phobia that is unknown to most people. Ever since her parents disappeared six months ago, twelve-year-old Bibi Blundermuss has suffered from the rare affliction of hylophobia—a fear of trees. The trouble is, she has no memory of what happened to her parents and no rational explanation for her fear. So, when her trusty cat Eek ventures into the forest one day, Bibi must summon all of her courage to retrieve her. Guided by a swarm of bees speaking with her mother’s voice, Bibi discovers a sapling that propels her beyond the reaches of Earth and into an adventure that will change her life forever.

Engagingly written, this story incorporates ample simile and metaphor to give mid-level middle grade readers a visual anchor to the portal fantasy world Bibi inhabits. The narrative launches almost immediately into action, providing just enough foundation for readers to understand who Bibi is and why her journey is so compelling. This action-focused design will keep readers engaged in the story while enhancing their confidence with longer and more complex plot lines. Likewise, Bibi’s palpable anxiety will be familiar to any reader who has experienced similar challenges, especially as she repeats phrases and thoughts throughout the narrative when in heightened emotional states.

Bibi’s journey throughout this story is one that will resonate with middle grade readers especially as Bibi begins to trust herself more and more as the plot progresses. Initially frightful and resistant to change, Bibi emerges as a strong and capable young woman because of the events in which she finds herself. Her parents are loving and supportive, providing Bibi with an important foundation from which to grow. Written for a mid-level middle grade audience, this book builds upon series fiction like The Magic Treehouse—incorporating short chapters and occasional illustrations—while preparing readers for more complex storytelling later on through dynamic plot lines and a rich narrative. Young readers will enjoy getting to know Bibi and her companions through this book and will eagerly await the second installment.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bibi is afraid of trees, but one day she ends up climbing one and finding so much more. She and her cat end up in a world completely different from her own. Her mom has been giving the elk in this world a special flower to keep the lions away. However, Bimi discovers there might be a different side to her mom, that is not so nice.

I struggled to get into this book. The writing was tough for me, and I just didn't get captivated by the story.

Bibi Blundermuss and the Tree Across the Cosmos is a creative fantasy adventure. Bibi is willing to overcome her fears to find her cat and her family. She has spunk and kids who enjoy books with a touch of magic and animals that talk are bound to enjoy this book.

Twelve-year-old Bibi Blundermuss is terrified of trees. Being around them makes her dizzy and sick to her stomach—even comatose. So, when her only to chance to find her missing parents means climbing a magic tree in the forest near her home, she almost doesn’t take it.

When Bibi grits her teeth and scales the trunk, the tree grows—so violently that she and her cat Eek are catapulted into another world. Here, she befriends a herd of elk, on the run from a pack of vicious white lions. And she discovers, to her amazement, that her mother is a witch who has been protecting the elk with a poison flower spell, which keeps the lions away.

Yet the longer Bibi stays in the world of the elk and lions, the less sure she is that her mother is truly on the elks’ side—or even on Bibi’s side. In the end, a dangerous journey into the lions’ lair and a reunion with both parents uncovers a secret that changes Bibi’s life forever. Drawn into an epic snowbound battle against an army of zombie trees, she must face her greatest fear to discover her greatest power.

This was a heartwarming story about family, loyalty, kindness, courage and trusting in yourself.

Sent to a world chock full of her biggest fear.. TREES (hylophobia - new term I now know) and separated from her family and best friend Eek (who doesn’t love a talking cat) Bibi needs to overcome her fear, save the forest and the Elk she befriends as well as find her lost mother and father and renegade kitty! All in a day for a Blundermuss!

Filled with adventure, fun, tension, a touch of magic and a great message this is a book for all.

I didn’t love this. The pacing felt a little off and I didn’t like the way it portrayed phobia/mental illness.
There is no magic spell to suddenly be free of the way your brain is wired.

trigger warning
<spoiler> phobia, panic attacks, missing parents </spoiler>

Bibi Blundermuss is afraid of trees, which is a real problem as her parents disappeared in the woods and she can't look for them.

First off, I really liked that we have a mixed-race protagonist. Her mom is from South Africa, her dad is from Denmark, and we see that in the plot as well with elements in the magic from more than one culture. I like diversity in my books, a lot.

Sadly, that's about where it ends.
We have very short chapters, and that's okay. Readers have to grow, and starting with short chapters is part of that. And I don't think that's my problem when I say that the pacing felt off, because I've read books with short chapters as an adult and liked them.

All animals we meet talk. But did we meet special animals? Is it because of Bibi? Or do just all animals talk? More information would have been great!

My main issue is that Bibi's phobia felt like a plot device. <spoiler> One spell, it's gone. Poof. Magic. Before that, the descriptions felt... wrong. Bibi has this book that says "Oy! These are the four steps this kind of phobia has:" which is not how phobias work and I don't think it's great to present such a complex topic especially to young readers in such a way. I am afraid people will feel left out, like I did. </spoiler>

Sorry guys, mental illness as a plot device is a no go, regardless of how the rest is done. ... and when I didn't like most of the rest? Nah. No recommendation.

The arc was provided by the publisher.

Thank you NetGalley and Yellow Bike Press for providing the ARC of this book!

From the jump, the story is fast-paced and exciting. I thought that Bibi Blundermuss displayed great bravery in the constant presence of fear for her family and new friends. I thought that the imagery of the book was extremely vivid, and draws you in completely.

Although the world was so amazingly creative, I thought that the introduction of this world was sudden. Another small detail that bothered me was Eek; I wasn't sure how normal a talking cat was when Bibi couldn't believe that her mom had magic.

Overall, a delightful read that touches upon great topics of friendship, bravery, and adventure.

What a great book! I was hooked from early on, and could hardly put this down! Bibi is a great character, brilliantly written, and the fact that she has a severe phobia that is very prevelant to the story is really good, showing how debilitating a real phobia can be, but also how you can fight against it and try to overcome your fears, though not always succeeding.
The story itself is captivating and mysterious. Bibi is carried into another world by an Ash tree seedling that suddenly grows. She is trying to find her parents who went missing 6 months before. She meets up with the elk, who are losing their homes to the white lions and the death of the forest. Bibi wants to help, but she also desperately wants to find her missing parents. she discovers her mother is the Arbour Guardian, a witch who can bring trees back to life. But no one knows where she is.
the whole journey of this book was fantastic. I loved the characters, the details of the story and the ending was excellent. Although it's a great standalone, I do really hope there will be more books about Bibi Blundermuss!

We enjoyed this book it was full of interesting characters and lots of adventure. The younger members of our family had problems identifying with a child who was so fearful and I think slightly distracted from their enjoyment of the book but we could understand it's relevance to the storyline. Still a good read.

Found the way we travel from earth across the cosmos quite creative and added to the magical feel of the story. Bibs is the heroine with her cat eek (who I was quite enthralled by) are off for quite the adventure that takes them to another world. Those two characters were well developed and easy to fall in love with. I wish more emphasis had been place in rounding out the elks and parents. My only real criticism would be I felt it got repetitive when normally a book when be winding you up for the heart pounding what’s going to happen of a fantasy adventure storyline.

A fun, creative story that kids will love! Can't wait to read this to my 2nd graders! It's a story of family, relationships, magic, and a spooky tree..something all kids will enjoy. A wonderful and imaginative book for kids and adults of all ages.

This fast-paced story throws you right into the adventure and does not stop until the final page. It is perfect for middle grade fantasy fans who like and/or need a lot of action in the story. There is a lot of delightful strangeness that will appeal to fantasy fans, but might not be the best experience for those trying the genre for the first time.

The story begins with Bibi waking from a nightmare and finding her cat missing. We learn that Bibi has debilitating hylophobia that began when her parents disappeared 6 months prior. Living in a house in the woods, the idea of going out to find her cat, Eek, makes Bibi anxious. But as a terrible storm rolls in, Bibi has no other choice but to face her fear. Just as she is reunited with Eek, the two find themselves whisked away to a strange forest on another world. The answers to what happened to Bibi’s parents might lie in these woods but will Bibi be brave enough to find them?

In addition to being action packed, this book is very atmospheric. Durkin does a wonderful job using the environment to set the tone of each scene. Even though Bibi spends most of the book in a forest, each part is given a distinct ‘personality’ that helps make her journey feel more dynamic. In a similar vein, the author does a wonderful job explaining how the hylophobia makes Bibi feel even as she tries to ‘face her fears’ over and over again. It really highlights in a soft way that one cannot simply decide to overcome their phobias, it is a constant and draining struggle.

Though the plot is about Bibi discovering what happened to her parents, the real focus is Bibi’s journey with her hylophobia. I love the author’s brave choice to have a character with a phobia and to directly show that struggle in a very real and loving way. However, if I were to fault this book for anything, it is that this aspect of Bibi overshadows most other things. Even in the ‘down’ times of the story, there is very little exposition about Bibi and her past. Since the hylophobia began when Bibi’s parents disappeared, she has only been struggling with it for a short period of time. It would have been nice to see Bibi think about how the phobia started to interfere with the other aspects of her life that she valued, perhaps even how it quickly came to define her more than those other things. What was it like to struggle with this while also dealing with the fact that her parents are suddenly gone?

Currently, it feels like both Bibi’s phobia and her parents’ absence have long been a part of Bibi’s life. The lack of discussion about how Bibi feels about her parents’ disappearance prior to her adventure takes away some of its impact. More importantly, the heavy focus on Bibi’s hylophobia without enough exposition to balance it out makes that fear Bibi’s defining characteristic. Since most young readers have not experienced this type of fear, they might have a harder time empathizing with this character in the absence of other personality/emotional touchpoints.

Overall, this was a fun, action packed adventure. It has great representation and beautiful prose that is accessible to young readers.