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Everyday Magic
Welcome to Little Snoddington, where nothing is normal and every day is magic . . .
'Alfie Blackstack wasn't surprised to find himself an orphan. His parents had always been careless.'
Nine-year-old Alfie Blackstack's parents have met a very unfortunate end. Now he's living in the dark and cobwebby Switherbroom Hall with his mad-haired Aunt Gertie and warty Aunt Zita, who would really like to pickle him.
Before long, Alfie realises his aunts aren't just the weird local chemists, they're witches! And they travel by flying vacuum cleaner!
Soon the Fagan Family Circus arrives in town and Alfie makes his first friend, the fearless Calypso Fagan. But when her sister Nova disappears, they must face the Head Witch and her terrifying assistant in a race to find Nova and stop the next Witch War. Can Alfie save his new friends with a dash of magic and a big dose of bravery?
'Alfie Blackstack wasn't surprised to find himself an orphan. His parents had always been careless.'
Nine-year-old Alfie Blackstack's parents have met a very unfortunate end. Now he's living in the dark and cobwebby Switherbroom Hall with his mad-haired Aunt Gertie and warty Aunt Zita, who would really like to pickle him.
Before long, Alfie realises his aunts aren't just the weird local chemists, they're witches! And they travel by flying vacuum cleaner!
Soon the Fagan Family Circus arrives in town and Alfie makes his first friend, the fearless Calypso Fagan. But when her sister Nova disappears, they must face the Head Witch and her terrifying assistant in a race to find Nova and stop the next Witch War. Can Alfie save his new friends with a dash of magic and a big dose of bravery?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2020
10 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Jess Kidd
16 books2,254 followersJess Kidd was brought up in London as part of a large family from county Mayo and has been praised for her unique fictional voice. Her debut, Himself, was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2016. She won the Costa Short Story Award the same year. Her second novel, The Hoarder, published as Mr. Flood's Last Resort in the U.S. and Canada was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year 2019. Both books were BBC Radio 2 Book Club Picks. Her latest book, the Victorian detective tale Things in Jars, has been released to critical acclaim. Jess’s work has been described as ‘Gabriel García Márquez meets The Pogues.’
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 6, 2022
I love this author's adult books so, while I am impatiently awaiting the publication of her next one, I thought I might try her first book written for children.
Everyday Magic introduces us to nine year old Alfie Blackstack, who has unfortunately lost both his parents and is sent to live with his previously unknown Aunts, Gertie and Zita. It does not take long to realise that both of them are witches and there is a lot of magic around in the house and in the town.
When the circus comes to town Alfie meets Calypso and the pair begin a journey of magical mystery, intrigue and danger. There are witches galore, ghosts in the library, cats and bats, an imp trapped in a snow globe. The story is action packed and perfect for middle grade children and adults who still remember the fun of being that age.
Everyday Magic introduces us to nine year old Alfie Blackstack, who has unfortunately lost both his parents and is sent to live with his previously unknown Aunts, Gertie and Zita. It does not take long to realise that both of them are witches and there is a lot of magic around in the house and in the town.
When the circus comes to town Alfie meets Calypso and the pair begin a journey of magical mystery, intrigue and danger. There are witches galore, ghosts in the library, cats and bats, an imp trapped in a snow globe. The story is action packed and perfect for middle grade children and adults who still remember the fun of being that age.
March 10, 2022
4★
“Alfie Blackstack wasn’t surprised to find himself an orphan. His parents had always been careless. His mother, Mrs Blackstack, was a zookeeper who made the mistake of teasing a hungry lion by dancing through his cage wrapped in a chain of sausages. She did it for a bet. Grin. Crunch. Slobber. No more Mother. At the time, little Alfie (oh, just five years old!) still had a father.”
But not for long. All the best children’s books dispense with parents as soon as possible, leaving orphans to find family or fend for themselves. So when Mr Blackstack didn’t return from one of his seagoing, cliff-climbing, bird-watching expeditions, the family solicitor informs Alfie that not only does he have an aunt, he has two – his father’s sisters, who live in the country.
“The aunts were contacted: of course they would take Alfie! Pleasure! Honoured! Thrilled! Pack him up and send him down!
So, Alfie Blackstack was out for delivery:
ORPHAN: small for his age (nine), mouse-brown hair, spectacles, too-big shoes, too-short trousers and an anorak (bright orange). Always. Even in summer.
SUITCASE: filled with ORPHAN’s belongings. Among them: his father’s spare binoculars, a photograph of his mother with her arm around a panther, and a fish-paste sandwich for the journey.”
Even the young readers, who are the target audience, will know from the title that there’s going to be magic involved and will suspect that it will have something to do with these “honoured, thrilled” aunts, and they’d be right.
It takes a little while for Alfie to figure out sort of what’s going on, but he knows that his cheery Aunt Gertrude with her bright clothes and ever-changing hair colour is the source of cosy comfort. His prickly, dark, scowling Aunt Zita was probably one to avoid. They run Blackstack’s Chemist Shop, with as strange an assortment of potions and lotions as you'd imagine.
Meanwhile, the author explains to us what a Familiar is “a witch’s buddy, her bestie – her furry, feathery, scaly, slithery or spiky partner in crime. A witch and her Familiar go everywhere together.“
Gertrude’s is a big, friendly marmalade cat. Zita’s is a bat called Magnus. “With a fang-filled face and flappy wings that were all skin and spikes, he looked like a broken umbrella.”
The story about Alfie finally making his first friend with a girl from a visiting circus, the split in the township over the presence of the circus, and the ensuing war between tribes of witches is a delightful romp.
He learns quickly about witches, spells, feuds, and the best places and ways to hide. It’s excitingly terrifying for the two young friends, just as all good kids’ books should be. And Alfie discovers he has even more family than he ever dreamed of.
Plenty of frightening fun, with witches eating live slugs, threatening to pickle little boys, and shrinking people or turning them into furniture, usually only temporarily. Usually. But that gets into a discussion about Forever Spells, which I’ll leave for you to read about.
Enjoyable for grown-ups as well as kids, although the action probably isn’t fast enough for thriller lovers. It would also be a good one to read aloud to children, as long as they are old enough to understand this is pretend.
“Alfie Blackstack wasn’t surprised to find himself an orphan. His parents had always been careless. His mother, Mrs Blackstack, was a zookeeper who made the mistake of teasing a hungry lion by dancing through his cage wrapped in a chain of sausages. She did it for a bet. Grin. Crunch. Slobber. No more Mother. At the time, little Alfie (oh, just five years old!) still had a father.”
But not for long. All the best children’s books dispense with parents as soon as possible, leaving orphans to find family or fend for themselves. So when Mr Blackstack didn’t return from one of his seagoing, cliff-climbing, bird-watching expeditions, the family solicitor informs Alfie that not only does he have an aunt, he has two – his father’s sisters, who live in the country.
“The aunts were contacted: of course they would take Alfie! Pleasure! Honoured! Thrilled! Pack him up and send him down!
So, Alfie Blackstack was out for delivery:
ORPHAN: small for his age (nine), mouse-brown hair, spectacles, too-big shoes, too-short trousers and an anorak (bright orange). Always. Even in summer.
SUITCASE: filled with ORPHAN’s belongings. Among them: his father’s spare binoculars, a photograph of his mother with her arm around a panther, and a fish-paste sandwich for the journey.”
Even the young readers, who are the target audience, will know from the title that there’s going to be magic involved and will suspect that it will have something to do with these “honoured, thrilled” aunts, and they’d be right.
It takes a little while for Alfie to figure out sort of what’s going on, but he knows that his cheery Aunt Gertrude with her bright clothes and ever-changing hair colour is the source of cosy comfort. His prickly, dark, scowling Aunt Zita was probably one to avoid. They run Blackstack’s Chemist Shop, with as strange an assortment of potions and lotions as you'd imagine.
Meanwhile, the author explains to us what a Familiar is “a witch’s buddy, her bestie – her furry, feathery, scaly, slithery or spiky partner in crime. A witch and her Familiar go everywhere together.“
Gertrude’s is a big, friendly marmalade cat. Zita’s is a bat called Magnus. “With a fang-filled face and flappy wings that were all skin and spikes, he looked like a broken umbrella.”
The story about Alfie finally making his first friend with a girl from a visiting circus, the split in the township over the presence of the circus, and the ensuing war between tribes of witches is a delightful romp.
He learns quickly about witches, spells, feuds, and the best places and ways to hide. It’s excitingly terrifying for the two young friends, just as all good kids’ books should be. And Alfie discovers he has even more family than he ever dreamed of.
Plenty of frightening fun, with witches eating live slugs, threatening to pickle little boys, and shrinking people or turning them into furniture, usually only temporarily. Usually. But that gets into a discussion about Forever Spells, which I’ll leave for you to read about.
Enjoyable for grown-ups as well as kids, although the action probably isn’t fast enough for thriller lovers. It would also be a good one to read aloud to children, as long as they are old enough to understand this is pretend.
May 18, 2022
'Welcome to Little Snoddington, Master Blackstack.' The old shopkeeper grinned. 'You're in for a whole world of fun.'
Alfie was raised in a "village where nothing much happened." After the tragic deaths of his parents, he goes to reside with his aunts. They live in a big, scary house in a big, scary forest. Well, of course they do - they're WITCHES.
Though he'd never have dreamt it a possibility, soon this shy, retiring young man will be consorting with circus folk, and troublesome imps, and taking sides in an all-out witch war. The biggest take away from this imaginative novel?
Never play Snakes and Ladders with an evil witch.
I'm a big fan of Kidd's adult books, so I was eager to give this one a whirl. While it's not as memorable as her other titles, the book does appear to be the beginning of a promising new series for middle-grade readers.
'"Our next adventure" - do you think we'll have another one?'
'We'd better, Alfie,' said Calypso.
Hear, hear.
Alfie was raised in a "village where nothing much happened." After the tragic deaths of his parents, he goes to reside with his aunts. They live in a big, scary house in a big, scary forest. Well, of course they do - they're WITCHES.
Though he'd never have dreamt it a possibility, soon this shy, retiring young man will be consorting with circus folk, and troublesome imps, and taking sides in an all-out witch war. The biggest take away from this imaginative novel?
Never play Snakes and Ladders with an evil witch.
I'm a big fan of Kidd's adult books, so I was eager to give this one a whirl. While it's not as memorable as her other titles, the book does appear to be the beginning of a promising new series for middle-grade readers.
'"Our next adventure" - do you think we'll have another one?'
'We'd better, Alfie,' said Calypso.
Hear, hear.
March 23, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
From the renowned author, Jess Kidd comes her first children’s book, and what a fun, exciting children’s book it is.
Meet Alfie Blackstack. After his parents tragically die in separate strange and unusual incidents he is sent to live with his aunts in Little Snoddington. He barely knows his aunts, the only thing he can remember involves a dancing turkey and his mum calling them a pair of witches. He had presumed that she was just being nasty and not that they were actual witches.
Just after he arrives to stay with his aunts, the circus arrives in town, bringing with it Calypso and her little sister Nova who Alfie becomes friendly with. It isn’t easy though being the newcomer to town, having witches for aunts, and a new best friend who is adventurous and daring, whilst you are most definitely not. But Alfie must learn to be brave when Nova goes missing in a cloud of green smoke, surely magic must be involved and anything to do with magic is scary!!
Everyday Magic is a complete adventure. It is filled with joyous moments surrounded by what sounds like it is going to be a sad story, ‘orphan child’, ‘little kid goes missing’. But it is anything but sad, it is fun, energetic, and riveting.
Alfie is such an adorable child with his too-short shorts, too-big shoes, and bright orange jacket he wears all the time. With his parents being exceptionally adventurous you would have expected him to be too, but Alfie hates most things, fast things, high things, scary things, animals, etc. He’d much rather sit quietly and read a book.
The bringing together of Alfie and Calypso was pure genius as they are complete opposites and yet they work perfectly together. They hit it off from the moment they meet.
As well as Nova going missing, the pair are also trying to work out what the imp in a snowglobe (go with it) is trying to tell them. Though he does like to cause a lot of destruction too.
This is a wonderful book, entertaining from the first page to the last and I hope that Jess Kidd writes more children’s books as she has a real knack for it.
From the renowned author, Jess Kidd comes her first children’s book, and what a fun, exciting children’s book it is.
Meet Alfie Blackstack. After his parents tragically die in separate strange and unusual incidents he is sent to live with his aunts in Little Snoddington. He barely knows his aunts, the only thing he can remember involves a dancing turkey and his mum calling them a pair of witches. He had presumed that she was just being nasty and not that they were actual witches.
Just after he arrives to stay with his aunts, the circus arrives in town, bringing with it Calypso and her little sister Nova who Alfie becomes friendly with. It isn’t easy though being the newcomer to town, having witches for aunts, and a new best friend who is adventurous and daring, whilst you are most definitely not. But Alfie must learn to be brave when Nova goes missing in a cloud of green smoke, surely magic must be involved and anything to do with magic is scary!!
Everyday Magic is a complete adventure. It is filled with joyous moments surrounded by what sounds like it is going to be a sad story, ‘orphan child’, ‘little kid goes missing’. But it is anything but sad, it is fun, energetic, and riveting.
Alfie is such an adorable child with his too-short shorts, too-big shoes, and bright orange jacket he wears all the time. With his parents being exceptionally adventurous you would have expected him to be too, but Alfie hates most things, fast things, high things, scary things, animals, etc. He’d much rather sit quietly and read a book.
The bringing together of Alfie and Calypso was pure genius as they are complete opposites and yet they work perfectly together. They hit it off from the moment they meet.
As well as Nova going missing, the pair are also trying to work out what the imp in a snowglobe (go with it) is trying to tell them. Though he does like to cause a lot of destruction too.
This is a wonderful book, entertaining from the first page to the last and I hope that Jess Kidd writes more children’s books as she has a real knack for it.
December 7, 2021
“’She doesn’t really pickle boys, does she?’
Gertrude laughed nervously. ‘Zita can get a bit grumpy. Perhaps avoid talking to her, or looking at her, or drawing her attention in any way.’
That didn’t sound too good. ‘What about her bat?’ asked Alfie.
‘Magnus? Oh, he prefers tomato juice to blood these days, so you should be all right. Just watch your eyes.’
‘My eyes?’
‘It’s probably best to keep your glasses on,’ warned Gertrude. ‘Eyes are a favourite snack of bats.’”
Everyday Magic is a book for younger readers by award-winning British author, Jess Kidd. When each of his parents perishes in unfortunate (and stupid) accidents, nine-year-old Alfie Blackstack is sent to live with his father’s younger sisters. Gertrude and Zitalina Blackstack live in Switherbroom Hall, a large old house in the woods near Little Snoddington, where Gertrude runs the Chemist’s Shop and Zita concocts the remedies.
Alfie has already heard the rumours that his aunts are witches, and Gertrude (the friendly aunt) confirms it with a bit of magic when she takes Alfie to Mrs Mention’s Tea Room. She warns Alfie about Zita (the scary aunt) and her Familiar.
Gertrude is pleased to see Calypso Fagan pass by the tearoom: it means that Fagan’s Family Circus is in town, and Calypso is Alfie’s age, so perhaps the friendless boy will finally have a friend. Even if things get off to s slightly rocky start, after Alfie helps Calypso find her missing little sister, Nova, their friendship is sealed.
Then, in the village where nothing happens, Nova is kidnapped and imprisoned in a snow-globe by an imp and Aunt Zita falls foul of the Head Witch and is put into witch prison. With their meagre knowledge of magic and spells, Alfie and Calypso need to find Zita and release Nova.
This is a tale that will certainly entertain younger readers who will delight in the witches and their Familiars, the magic, the scary bits, the nastiness and the ultimate triumph of the good guys. What could be more fun than witches who have upgraded from brooms to vacuum cleaners? What could be scarier than Snakes and Ladders over a crocodile pool? A fun read.
Gertrude laughed nervously. ‘Zita can get a bit grumpy. Perhaps avoid talking to her, or looking at her, or drawing her attention in any way.’
That didn’t sound too good. ‘What about her bat?’ asked Alfie.
‘Magnus? Oh, he prefers tomato juice to blood these days, so you should be all right. Just watch your eyes.’
‘My eyes?’
‘It’s probably best to keep your glasses on,’ warned Gertrude. ‘Eyes are a favourite snack of bats.’”
Everyday Magic is a book for younger readers by award-winning British author, Jess Kidd. When each of his parents perishes in unfortunate (and stupid) accidents, nine-year-old Alfie Blackstack is sent to live with his father’s younger sisters. Gertrude and Zitalina Blackstack live in Switherbroom Hall, a large old house in the woods near Little Snoddington, where Gertrude runs the Chemist’s Shop and Zita concocts the remedies.
Alfie has already heard the rumours that his aunts are witches, and Gertrude (the friendly aunt) confirms it with a bit of magic when she takes Alfie to Mrs Mention’s Tea Room. She warns Alfie about Zita (the scary aunt) and her Familiar.
Gertrude is pleased to see Calypso Fagan pass by the tearoom: it means that Fagan’s Family Circus is in town, and Calypso is Alfie’s age, so perhaps the friendless boy will finally have a friend. Even if things get off to s slightly rocky start, after Alfie helps Calypso find her missing little sister, Nova, their friendship is sealed.
Then, in the village where nothing happens, Nova is kidnapped and imprisoned in a snow-globe by an imp and Aunt Zita falls foul of the Head Witch and is put into witch prison. With their meagre knowledge of magic and spells, Alfie and Calypso need to find Zita and release Nova.
This is a tale that will certainly entertain younger readers who will delight in the witches and their Familiars, the magic, the scary bits, the nastiness and the ultimate triumph of the good guys. What could be more fun than witches who have upgraded from brooms to vacuum cleaners? What could be scarier than Snakes and Ladders over a crocodile pool? A fun read.
Shelved as 'skimmed-the-end-or-dnf'
June 27, 2021I haven't finished this, and I may go back to it someday, but I was expecting a lot more of what I loved about Kidd's adult books to be sprinkled in her middle grade (was thinking it'd go in the vein of lemony Snicket or something). Unfortunately, it's just kind of "meh". A middlegrade would probably like it, I get I'm not the ideal demographic, but compared to other middlegrades I've read this one just comes off as disappointing. Sad that this was a gift from a friend, but sometimes these things just happen.
February 23, 2022
A fun story of magic and mischief, finding friends and family.
Alfie has lost both his parents so is sent to live with his aunts, but they are not all that they seem and turn out to be witches! He makes friends with a girl from the local circus and then all mayhem starts.
With nods to Northern Lights this was a lovely quick read for middle grade age.
Alfie has lost both his parents so is sent to live with his aunts, but they are not all that they seem and turn out to be witches! He makes friends with a girl from the local circus and then all mayhem starts.
With nods to Northern Lights this was a lovely quick read for middle grade age.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 16, 2021DNF at 35 %
May 29, 2021
Jess Kidd has been winning plaudits since her debut Himself was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2016. She won the Costa Short Story Award the same year. Her second novel, The Hoarder, was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year 2019 and both books were BBC Radio 2 Book Club Picks. Her third novel, a Victorian detective tale Things in Jars, was released to critical acclaim. But now, Jess Kidd, described as ‘Gabriel García Márquez meets The Pogues,’ has produced her first children's book with this fabulously witchy middle grade fantasy, Everyday Magic: The Adventures of Alfie Blackstack.
It's the story of nine year old Alfie, whose idea of adventure is more akin to his remembering to put on his wellies before stepping over puddles. His parents, on the other hand, have a rather more spirited approach to life. And so, when Alfie is inevitably orphaned (his mother perishes dancing through a lion's cage wrapped in a chain of sausages, his father meets a watery grave in the middle of the ocean) he is sent to live with his two aunts at Switherbroom Hall, postcode, the back of beyond.
Dejected and friendless, at least Alfie won't have to worry about being judged for not being brave or strong or daring enough, after all, his aunts run a chemist shop in a village where nothing EVER happens...well actually no. Buckle up reader for a helter-skelter of a ride. Those aunts aren't chemists, they're WITCHES, and Alfie will soon find himself caught up in the Witch War to end all Witch Wars.
Deftly straddling genres, Jess Kidd has written a hugely entertaining book that will enchant and delight younger readers (7 to 11). A riot of ingenious magic, this has pacy storytelling and a bombastic and breathless with hints at a sequel. Will Alfie ever match the fearlessness of the carefree Calypso Fagan, whose family own a travelling circus? Has he finally found in Calypso his first best friend? This book abounds with joyously madcap characters: familiars, ghosts, imps, witches. But underlying the plentiful fun and giggles is a story that centres on the power of friendship, a subtle lesson on how the underdog is actually no underdog at all, but with a little bit of self belief, very much good enough. This is a perfect book for your child to immerse themselves in. A mix of The Witches with the bonkersness of Lemony Snicket and the imagination of Nevermoor. Even with the richness of the world Jess Kidd has created Everyday Magic is an effortless and charming read, ideal for both reluctant or dedicated MG readers. Thoroughly recommend.
It's the story of nine year old Alfie, whose idea of adventure is more akin to his remembering to put on his wellies before stepping over puddles. His parents, on the other hand, have a rather more spirited approach to life. And so, when Alfie is inevitably orphaned (his mother perishes dancing through a lion's cage wrapped in a chain of sausages, his father meets a watery grave in the middle of the ocean) he is sent to live with his two aunts at Switherbroom Hall, postcode, the back of beyond.
Dejected and friendless, at least Alfie won't have to worry about being judged for not being brave or strong or daring enough, after all, his aunts run a chemist shop in a village where nothing EVER happens...well actually no. Buckle up reader for a helter-skelter of a ride. Those aunts aren't chemists, they're WITCHES, and Alfie will soon find himself caught up in the Witch War to end all Witch Wars.
Deftly straddling genres, Jess Kidd has written a hugely entertaining book that will enchant and delight younger readers (7 to 11). A riot of ingenious magic, this has pacy storytelling and a bombastic and breathless with hints at a sequel. Will Alfie ever match the fearlessness of the carefree Calypso Fagan, whose family own a travelling circus? Has he finally found in Calypso his first best friend? This book abounds with joyously madcap characters: familiars, ghosts, imps, witches. But underlying the plentiful fun and giggles is a story that centres on the power of friendship, a subtle lesson on how the underdog is actually no underdog at all, but with a little bit of self belief, very much good enough. This is a perfect book for your child to immerse themselves in. A mix of The Witches with the bonkersness of Lemony Snicket and the imagination of Nevermoor. Even with the richness of the world Jess Kidd has created Everyday Magic is an effortless and charming read, ideal for both reluctant or dedicated MG readers. Thoroughly recommend.
December 30, 2022
C'est un roman jeunesse plein de magie. On découvre un jeune garçon timoré qui va devoir vite s'adapter à sa nouvelle vie. Il fait la connaissance de Calypso, une fille courageuse à laquelle je me suis d'ailleurs plus attachée grâce à son côté téméraire. Mais les deux font la paire et ils vont chacun apprendre de l'autre pour affronter les aventures qui se dressent sur leur route. C'est une belle amitié qui va se développer entre eux.
L'histoire prend le temps de se mettre en place mais une fois que les péripéties commencent, elles ne s'arrêtent plus. On a très envie de savoir ce qui va arriver aux héros. Il y a quand même un ralentissement vers la fin de l'histoire qui pour moi, traine un peu en longueur. Tous les détails ne sont peut-être pas essentiels à la résolution de cette aventure qui aurait pu se conclure un peu plus rapidement.
Le style est agréable. C'est entrainant, avec un peu de frisson et du suspense. Il y a aussi un certain humour qui apporte de la légèreté. C'est divertissant et facile à lire. On entre facilement dans le roman. Les personnages sont sympathiques, enfin les gentils. On peut en ressortir plusieurs valeurs comme l'amitié, la solidarité, la tolérance, l'entraide... Un contenu positif pour les jeunes bons lecteurs (11-12 ans).
Une lecture distrayante parfaite pour Halloween.
L'histoire prend le temps de se mettre en place mais une fois que les péripéties commencent, elles ne s'arrêtent plus. On a très envie de savoir ce qui va arriver aux héros. Il y a quand même un ralentissement vers la fin de l'histoire qui pour moi, traine un peu en longueur. Tous les détails ne sont peut-être pas essentiels à la résolution de cette aventure qui aurait pu se conclure un peu plus rapidement.
Le style est agréable. C'est entrainant, avec un peu de frisson et du suspense. Il y a aussi un certain humour qui apporte de la légèreté. C'est divertissant et facile à lire. On entre facilement dans le roman. Les personnages sont sympathiques, enfin les gentils. On peut en ressortir plusieurs valeurs comme l'amitié, la solidarité, la tolérance, l'entraide... Un contenu positif pour les jeunes bons lecteurs (11-12 ans).
Une lecture distrayante parfaite pour Halloween.
May 6, 2021
Pleasant enough little read, but nowhere near as good as Jess Kidd's books written for adults, in my opinion.
Felt derivatively derivative, if that's even a thing? Kind of like a mashup of Roald Dahl's The Witches and j.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series with a little Practical Magic (Alice Hoffman) thrown in there. And something else I'm not remembering right now.
Could see how older elementary school children would enjoy reading this on their own if they have not been immersed in Harry Potter prior to doing so. Could definitely see how little kids would enjoy having this read to them.
If I didn't have two Very Serious Books Of A Nonfiction Nature and several library books already on my reading table and awaiting my attention, I would go back and read Himself all over again just to remind Myself all over again of what it is like to fall in booklove with Ms Kidd.
Felt derivatively derivative, if that's even a thing? Kind of like a mashup of Roald Dahl's The Witches and j.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series with a little Practical Magic (Alice Hoffman) thrown in there. And something else I'm not remembering right now.
Could see how older elementary school children would enjoy reading this on their own if they have not been immersed in Harry Potter prior to doing so. Could definitely see how little kids would enjoy having this read to them.
If I didn't have two Very Serious Books Of A Nonfiction Nature and several library books already on my reading table and awaiting my attention, I would go back and read Himself all over again just to remind Myself all over again of what it is like to fall in booklove with Ms Kidd.
October 27, 2024
I love Jess Kidd's adult fiction, so when this popped up I couldn't resist. It's the charming story of cautious Alfie Blackstack, orphaned in ways reminiscent of Roald Dahl, adjusting to life with his chemist/witch aunts in Little Snoddington. After a rough start, he develops a strong relationship with Calypso Fagan of the Fagan Family Circus. Soon Alfie and Calypso find themselves facing off with the narcissistic, casually cruel Head Witch in a battle for freedom and their very lives... and Alfie taps into courage he didn't know he had. This was fun, funny, and far less dark than Kidd's adult works.
August 14, 2020
I was lucky enough to read a proof of this excellent book, a first children's novel from the awesome Jess Kidd, and it was something special. Funny, engaging, adventurous, wacky, unexpected, fresh, and with brilliant characters, dialogue, and settings (none of which will come as a surprise to fans of Jess's books for adults), Everyday Magic is a lot of fun. It's one I've recommended a lot, and which I've given as a gift. I'm looking forward to more tales of Alfie Blackstack and co!
January 15, 2021
Fun, magical, middle grade story with witches galore. Wasn’t keen on one of the witches familiars - anything with 8 legs is a bit disconcerting for this arachnophobe! - but I greatly enjoyed the style of writing, particularly the way the author breached the third wall occasionally, addressing the reader directly. Good underlying theme of friendship and embracing your own uniqueness and lots of loose ends that I hope will be addressed in future books.
November 28, 2020
Great fun. Fast-paced (especially second half), stayed entertaining all through. I particularly enjoyed the attention to detail and throwaway lines (turning them into marshmallows is an EXCELLENT way to get rid of helicopters). Reminded me of Joan Cass, Ursula Vernon, Eva Ibbotson.
I won this book through National Book Token's Caboodle website.
I won this book through National Book Token's Caboodle website.
August 17, 2021
I enjoyed this romp of a book. I always like stories about witches, underdogs and friendships. Although this is a children’s book, there is plenty of humour in the writing to entertain an adult. It would be a fun book to read aloud with kids.. The Alfie character is gorgeous, and I hope he has more outings.
August 5, 2023
Oh we loved this book! Just finished it as a read-aloud with two of my children. They were on tenterhooks after each chapter and begged for more.
Interesting characters, and a good pacing, we really enjoyed the feel good story about overcoming fears and finding friendship.
We're hoping there will be a sequel - we'd love to hear about more of Alfie and Calypso's adventures!!
Interesting characters, and a good pacing, we really enjoyed the feel good story about overcoming fears and finding friendship.
We're hoping there will be a sequel - we'd love to hear about more of Alfie and Calypso's adventures!!
January 18, 2022
Fun read, fun voice, I got the feeling that the author knows what she’s doing when constructing a plot! Emphasizes friendship, courage and standing up to bullies and for each another.
Probably delightful, exiting and also a healthy bit scary (I only say: spider-witch) for children!
Probably delightful, exiting and also a healthy bit scary (I only say: spider-witch) for children!
Want to read
March 29, 2020Jess Kidd children's book?!?!
MUST READ.
MUST READ.
May 1, 2021
Amazing Amazing Amazing.
This is a fantastic book.
Alfie has become an orphan, and sent to live with 2 aunts he has never met.
He finds out their witches and the adventures begin.
This is a fantastic book.
Alfie has become an orphan, and sent to live with 2 aunts he has never met.
He finds out their witches and the adventures begin.
September 24, 2021
A lovely little book; thoroughly enjoyable goodies v baddies. No real shocks or surprises.
May 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this one, Alfie is a sweet shy character who finds his bravery with help from his new friend. The Aunts are brilliant and I would definitely enjoy reading more of their adventures.
July 17, 2022
Jess Kidd’s foray into Kids: Death! Mayhem! Witches on vacuum cleaners! Huzzah!
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
October 8, 2022
More of these please! A huge hit with the whole family!
February 25, 2023
Delightful story!
March 15, 2023
What fun! I love Jess Kidd! I'm glad to see her talent crosses over to the children's books. I think kids will love this!
June 1, 2024
Adorable
Witches, non witches, and a magical world
Such fun!
I just Love this author
Book for juvenile but totally enjoyable for adults too
Witches, non witches, and a magical world
Such fun!
I just Love this author
Book for juvenile but totally enjoyable for adults too
August 1, 2021
4.5
Wonderful! Gave me the same feeling of comfort as Harry Potter typical does. Hoping to see more adventures of Alfie Blackstack in the future.
Wonderful! Gave me the same feeling of comfort as Harry Potter typical does. Hoping to see more adventures of Alfie Blackstack in the future.
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