The Magic Mirror on the Wall Takes a Break

Mirror, mirror on the wall... can someone give Wallace a day off?

Wallace is the queen's personal magic mirror, and he's exhausted from answering the same question day after day: "Who's the most beautiful in all of the town?" Stuck reassuring a mean-spirited queen, Wallace longs for peace until his forgotten twin brother, Hallston, offers to switch places for a week.

Wallace can't wait for a week away from the queen! He soon discovers that royal hallways are anything but quiet. Instead of peace, he finds himself in the middle of a princess-sized whirlwind. Three kind princesses sweep in with their own problems and drama. As Wallace tries to offer advice without losing his cool, he discovers that true beauty shines the brightest when it's paired with kindness, healthy boundaries, and a little self-care.

Warm, funny, and full of heart, The Magic Mirror on the Wall Takes a Break offers young readers a fresh twist on classic fairy-tale characters with laugh-out-loud moments and a message that truly shines. This charming picture book is perfect for:

• Bedtime reading for kids of all ages.
• Classroom discussions on empathy and emotional boundaries.
• Fans of fractured fairy tales who are looking for a new perspective.

Michelle R. Barlow is a librarian and author-illustrator dedicated to children's literacy and imagination. Alongside her husband, Steve, she co-illustrates stories that celebrate kindness and creativity. She lives in Pace, Florida, where she enjoys beach walks and life with her husband, three children, and their many beloved pets.

Steven B. Barlow is a retired police officer and a master woodworker who brings stories to life through both wood and art. He is the builder behind the famous "Story Time Castle" at East Milton Elementary and collaborates with his wife, Michelle, to illustrate their whimsical tales. When he isn't in his workshop or at his drawing desk, Steve enjoys walking on the beach and spending time with the family dogs, Cody and Artoo