Dickens & Rumi
Cover of ONCE THERE WAS

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ONCE THERE WAS

Kiyash Monsef

After the death of her father, who was a veterinarian to mythical creatures, Marjan must now take his place. (Ages 10 and up)

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The inciting incident is the death of the protagonist's father, which is a central theme.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of medical treatments of mythical beasts, but not gratuitous or excessive.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild, occasional frustration-based language; no profanity.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA representation appears incidental rather than central to the story.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Very light, age-appropriate crushes consistent with the middle-grade genre.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric tension, dangerous creatures, and the constant threat of discovery or harm to the protagonist.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes encounters with dangerous creatures and scenes of conflict where characters are threatened or attacked.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist faces personal loss and dangerous foes with persistent bravery.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Inventive magical-realism premises, animal perspectives and interconnected tales strongly encourage imagination and moral curiosity.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Includes an Iranian-American lead and multicultural influences in the setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental focus on veterinary care and mythical creature biology, but fantasy-based.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy for creatures is the core motivation of the main character.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Stories emphasize compassion, responsibility, the consequences of exploitation, and seeing the humanity or dignity of others.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Marisa shows bravery, integrity, and personal growth throughout the narrative.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in ONCE THERE WAS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in ONCE THERE WAS, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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