The Healer and the Phoenix

By: Linda Trinh

Published by Annick Press, Limited, 2026-04-14

<p>An exciting, full-color early chapter fantasy series about a powerful group of ten-year-olds who, along with their legendary ally animals, must work together to find their voices and help heal a broken world, from the author of the award-winning Nguyen Kids</p> <p>Welcome to the magical world of Van Lang, where in every generation, a team of four adventurous kids and their magical ally animals come together to help their communities recover from The Dark Times.</p> <p>When ten-year-old Starbright Mai is chosen as the newest member of Van Lang's Legendary Allies Team by a phoenix named Ruby, her whole world changes overnight. Mai is thrust into a world of secret quests and magical powers. But she struggles to fit in with her new team; and why did Ruby, whose magical power is to heal, choose Mai anyway? Before long Mai starts to feel like her place on the team is all a big mistake.</p> <p>But when the Legendary Allies get word of an illness, they must act quickly to help save the community. With all of Van Lang counting on them, Mai discovers a key to the cure: will her teammates believe her? And can she find the strength to believe in herself?</p> <p>In this first installment of a four-book series, award-winning author Linda Trinh explores themes of social justice, empathy, and resilience. Vibrant, full-color illustrations by Quynh Ahn Nguyen bring the world of Van Lang brilliantly to life.</p>