Backyard Witch

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2016

Review

The second book in the Backyard Witch series, this early reader will keep young readers amused as they follow the adventures of three young friends, Jess, Maya and Sadie and their unusual friend, Mrs. M, a friendly witch. The first book followed Sadie and the series now continues with the focus on Jess. Jess has a complicated relationship with her mother and although she tries hard, she can never seem to please her Mom. Enter the kindly witch, Mrs. M, who offers clever suggestions to help Jess figure things out. Engaging B&W illustrations appear throughout the text and add a great deal to the story. Included in the back pages, are helpful cooking tips for young chefs, an interesting recipe for grilled tofu with thai peanut sauce and a brief introduction of 6 herbs. Also included is a listing of "Magic Books" that list 7 cooking books geared for children along with a link to a tv show on cooking. The backyard witch appears when she is needed and with a combination of magic and wisdom, helps her young friends along the way. Short chapters along with easy to understand vocabulary will make this a quick, pleasant read for early readers.

Overall Book Score: very good