Childrens/MG (8-12 yrs. old)
150p.
Publisher: Pinwheel Books
Available Now
Source: From TLC and the author for review
April Appleton is so annoyed at her older brother that she searches the Internet for a spell to turn him into a dog. When the spell works, April realizes she has more powers than she ever dreamed of! Now she has to figure out how to turn him back to normal before her parents find out. She has little time, but with the help of her friends, Grace and Eve, she finds a book of magic that will hopefully reverse the spell. Will it work and will April's newfound magic save the day?
My thoughts:
This is a cute children's book about a girl who turned her older and annoying brother into a dog. She finds she has powers and the adventure is all about getting her brother turned back into his annoying self. The book is aimed at 8-12 year olds.
I had my eye out for books I thought my little cousin might enjoy. She really loves reading and I thought the premise of the book was cute. She doesn't have an older brother but a younger sister but I think she could still identify with the main character.
The book itself has a bit of a problem with pacing. The dialog keeps going back over the same thing, but as a kid, I think they might like that. It is also short so there is no mention as to how April got her powers or why. She also doesn't really grow from the experience but she does have a conscience and feels bad about what happened.
One of the things I really did love about this book are the tiny illustrations that accompany each chapter. I think that was probably my favorite part of the book. I just had to make a mention of them.
I recommend this book to young grade school kids. I think they would get a kick out of a kid who suddenly finds herself with magical powers.
While this definitely isn't for me - or anyone I actually know, for that matter - I'm glad you'd recommend it. It's a bit of a pre-cursor to Harry Potter in that sense so perhaps this will instill a love of paranormal/fantasy in young children. :)
ReplyDeleteTrue. I think most kids like to think they could develop magical powers. :)
DeleteLol, sounds cute
ReplyDeleteI think kids would love this one.
DeleteHow adorable is this cover Melissa! I think the illustrations in this one would definitely be my favorite part as well. I think this might be a fun read for my nieces, thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI know you would love the illustrations. :)
DeleteThis looks adorable! I agree that younger readers would be more forgiving for its flaws.
ReplyDeleteSometimes they enjoy them because of it. :)
DeleteSorry it had some pacing issues, but glad to hear that its cute
ReplyDeleteI really don't think it would be a problem for the target audience.
DeleteI would love to have turned my little brother into a dog. Of course, he probably would have bit me or given me fleas (we had a contentious relationship growing up). Sounds adorable!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yea, might want to stick to something you could run away from... a turtle? :)
DeleteAwe this sounds cute, and yes kids at that age like repeating info..LOL I love the look of the illustrations!
ReplyDeleteI think you would really like those illustrations.
Deleteoh that's so cute and this cover is so sweet! too bad I don't have a kid for this one.
ReplyDeleteBe careful what you wish for... ;)
DeleteIt was cute. You'd like the illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI loved those little illustrations the most. :D
ReplyDeleteOh my, this sounds so adorable! LOL! Love the cover. :D
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard to review kids books because they do need a different pace and stuff like that. It can be hard to determine. This looks pretty cute though!
ReplyDeleteSounds fun!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very cute! Loved the review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour!
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations sound great! And I think the idea of it being a precursor to Harry Potter like another commenter mentioned is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really cute story! I love anything to do with magic, and the illustrations sound really lovely. Glad you enjoyed this! :-)
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