Crumbs

Stirling’s romantic debut, based on the creator’s webcomic, adeptly blends love and magic on the precipice of change. Brown-skinned, teenage Ray, a Seer gifted with the ability to reveal hidden truths, frequents Marigold’s Bakery—whose magic-infused pastries help consumers manifest things such as confidence—to indulge in their signature pastry, Romance. There, she meets barista and aspiring musician Laurie, who invites Ray on a date. Ray, who has always avoided pursuing relationships because her power often reveals more than her partners are willing to share about themselves, tentatively accepts hopeless romantic Laurie’s advances, but their respective insecurities and divergent goals challenge the relationship. Together, they discover more about who they are and what they want, and grow as a couple, learning to balance each other’s personal and professional dreams. Employing delicate linework and soft, pastel coloring, Stirling’s understated art reveals a world brimming with memorable fantastical touches—such as techno-magical phone assistants Stella and Wobble, and Laurie’s woes over earning his broom flying license—adding charm and playfulness to this joyful volume. Characters, some queer, are portrayed with varying skin tones and body types. Ages 12–up. (July)