A Tangle of Spells

The Widdershins sisters are finally leaving the Poacher’s Pocket, the home on Crowstone Island they  had believed they were cursed to stay in forever, and are setting off for Pendlewick, a village on the mainland. But as well as being neglected, Blackbird Cottage, their new home, is full of unexplained mysteries – trails of salt across each entrance and silver coins at the corner of each room. And although it looks picturesque, Pendlewick also has its peculiarities with stories of witches, the sinister Hungry Tree and Tick Tock Forest.

When Fliss, Granny and their father start to behave strangely, Betty and Charlie know they must uncover the village’s dark secrets and use all their cunning to save them.

‘A Tangle of Spells’ is the third book about Betty, Fliss and Charlie and the Widdershins girls are as fabulous as ever. The story is completely engrossing and brilliantly plotted with hints and clues throughout, which all come together for a very satisfying conclusion. Although I fail to see why anyone wouldn’t have read the two previous books, it is still possible to enjoy this story as a stand alone.  

Betty Widdershins is a force to be reckoned with. Intelligent and brave, she is determined to solve the mysteries of her new home and to save her family as things get darker.  Although things are changing for the girls, their sibling bond is second to none and once again they show how each brings their own strengths to protect and support the family. Charlie remains as mischievous and animal loving as ever, bringing touches of humour to the story with her wicked smile and mispronounced words.

There is a darker tone to this story as the girls face a more ominous threat than in the previous books, facing very sinister opponents and eerie locations. The story is full of vividly imagined places, creating a wonderful sense of atmosphere.

The choice of names used in this story is as wonderful as ever. ‘Pendlewick’ is surely a reference to the Pendle witch trials of 1612 and ‘pilliwinks’ were an instrument used for torture. The Splintered Broomstick, Peckahen Farm, Scally and Wags are just a few examples of the carefully chosen names which add to the whole.

Thoroughly enjoyable, ‘A Tangle of Spells’ is a brilliant read.

A Tangle of Spells

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471183881

A Sprinkle of Sorcery

Having worked together to lift the ancient curse which tied their family to Crowstone, the Widdershins family are selling the Poacher's Pocket and leaving the island which has been their home. However, one night when the prison bell tolls announcing the escape of prisoners, a young girl called Willow accompanied by a wisp appears in the pub yard and the sisters are moved to help her free her father, imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. When Charlie is kidnapped in Willow's place, the sisters find themselves in the thick of a new adventure whose solution seems to be linked to an old legend, a map and a mysterious island.

'A Sprinkle of Sorcery' magically weaves together all the threads of an enchanting story and delivers more than a pinch of magic. As in the last book, the sisters glow with personality and new characters are added to the mix, including the ethereal Willow who will go to any lengths to see her father free from imprisonment and the loveable pirate, Spit, who is so much more than he first appears. Betty is forced to question what she would do in various situations, having to put herself in the shoes of others and realising that some choices are not as simple as they seem.

As the legend entwines with the girls' story, the excitement builds and once again, each sister plays her part as they piece together the puzzle. Once again, family is very much at the heart of this story and the warmth and love of their bond is a delight to see.

A Sprinkle of Sorcery

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471183867

A Pinch of Magic

The Poacher’s Pocket is home to Betty Widdershins, her sisters, Fliss and Charlie and their grandmother. The pub is found on the dismal island of Crowstone, a place Betty dreams of escaping from as she longs for excitement. On her thirteenth birthday, whilst trying to leave the island on an adventure, Betty is stopped by her grandmother who explains that there is an ancient curse trapping the sisters on Crowstone; those who attempt to leave will die. Three magical objects have been passed down through the family - a magical bag which can transport the owner wherever they wish to go, a looking glass which shows the holder whatever they wish to see and a set of nesting dolls which offer invisibility.

Determined and resourceful, Betty will clutch at any chance to break the curse, but the bad luck of the Widdershins seems set against them…

A wonderfully magical and compelling tale, this story has all the elements needed for a thoroughly satisfying and riveting read.

The world Michelle Harrison has created is so lovingly constructed with plenty of detail, populated by memorable characters, that it stays with you long after you have closed the covers of the book. Betty and her sisters are very different, but each well defined and believable. Sibling rivalry and affection are captured perfectly as the bond between the sisters enables each to reach their potential and show the different ways to be brave in order to save each other. Charlie is particularly appealing - feisty and headstrong, but also vulnerable.

The threads of the story weave together perfectly to combine past and present, acts of love and betrayal. There are moments of humour and moments of peril as the darker side of human nature is contrasted with its finer points.

‘A Pinch of Magic’ is a pinch of reading magic- a rich, fascinating and special story with the added benefit of names that Dickens would have been proud of!

A Pinch of Magic

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471124297

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds

Zaiba is enjoying her cousin, Samirah’s Mehndi party at The Royal Star Hotel with her family and friends around her. She is also enjoying the opportunity to hone her detecting skills with the help of her little brother, Ali and her best friend, Poppy. Things get even more exciting when a mystery celebrity arrives at the hotel and the trio decide to use their sleuthing skills to uncover their identity. When the celebrity’s dog and diamonds go missing, there is real detecting to be done…

Set against the background of the traditions of the Mehndi party, this is an excellent detective story with plenty of colour and mystery. The children are a wonderful bunch, each bringing their strengths to the detecting team. Zaiba is a brave, determined and kind child whose ambition is to be like Eden Lockett, her favourite fictional detective, and live up to the memory of her Ammi- her mother- whose handwritten annotations to the stories make Zaiba feel connected to her. Ali is bright and full of life and Poppy bubbles with fun and enthusiasm.

The story is littered with clues to follow, making it fun to read and perfect those who love a mystery. A secret staircase, a labyrinth, overheard conversations… all lead to our detectives solving the mystery- and still being able to enjoy the party! It’s a fabulous read with plenty of lovely illustrations throughout.

‘Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds’ is a vibrant, fun read, full of family love and friendship as well as offering a good mystery to solve. Can’t wait to read her next adventure!

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds

Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Daniela Sosa

Stripes ISBN: 978-1788952064

Pizazz and Pizazz vs the New Kid

It’s not easy being a superhero- particularly when your superpower is SO embarrassing. Having to wear the same outfit all the time and not being able to miss school despite having been up all night fighting baddies also make the whole ‘super’ thing a bit of a nuisance. Pizazz’s parents are super-busy and her sister super-annoying, but her aunty Blaze is great for good advice and support.

Having to move and start a new school is also tricky. Her little sister, Red, who is super at everything, is thriving and finds making new friends easy, but not so Pizazz. Red ends up on the school council; Pizazz is given the role of eco-monitor. But when the local park is threatened, Pizazz has a chance to be super…even if it means everyone finding out about her incredibly embarrassing super power!

Sophy Henn has a wonderful way of bringing her characters vividly to life through text and through illustration. For all her super powers, Pizazz is so easy to relate to, overcoming very un-super issues like changing schools, making new friends, trying to fit in and feeling somewhat less super than the rest of your family. The comic strip sections of the story add much to the story in terms of action and fun, making the book doubly appealing to children who enjoy comic book action as well as a great book.

The story is permeated by the gentle humour Sophy is so well known for, but ‘Pizazz’ also has strong messages about the importance of community action and protecting the environment. Friendship, family and self belief are also important factors in the story which would make an excellent read aloud!

Sophy Henn’s super power is writing incredibly accessible, entertaining and brilliantly illustrated books and ‘Pizazz’ is no exception!

Pizazz Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471193989

Pizazz is back! When a new kid called Jett starts at school, Pizazz decides to befriend her as not only does Pizazz know what it’s like to be new somewhere, but Jett is a super. Things go from bad to worse when leader of The Populars, Serena, gets involved and decides there should be a ‘super-off’! What could possibly go wrong?

I love Pizazz. It is so easy to identify with this well intentioned, big hearted, self conscious, clumsy superhero. Constantly comparing herself to others and finding herself wanting, Pizazz had hoped to be Jett’s buddy and save her from the scorn and ridicule frequently heaped on Pizazz by The Populars. Being rejected by a fellow super makes her doubt herself even more and Pizazz feels she has no choice but to take up the super challenge even when she feels sure she will fail.

Ultimately, however, good sense triumphs and Pizazz finally realises that the Serenas of this world can only hurt us if we let them. Sophy’s reassuring and empowering message is bundled up in plenty of eye-rolling, lots of action and heaps of humour, but it shines through loud and clear for anyone who might need to hear it.

Sophy also allows the reader to see things from Jett’s point of view as Pizazz is offered words of advice from her Aunty Blaze, Uncle Titanoooooo (yes, it does have that many ‘o’s!) and her friends. The comic strip sections add so much to the story, making it pacey and accessible and Sophy’s illustrations are always a joy.

I cannot recommend these books highly enough! Sophy Henn truly is ‘Super Sophy’ and hopefully, there will be many adventures for Pizazz to come!

Pizazz vs the New Kid Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471194153