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seraphljfh's review against another edition
5.0
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.
belbookandacuppa's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
mattys6's review against another edition
4.0
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.
aspiralingreader's review against another edition
3.0
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!
jgretton's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
erinshinereads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tonathonfurey's review against another edition
I read to p.75. I found the writing trite, attempting zaniness and humour that usually didn't land, and nothing particularly innovative in the paint-by-numbers magic landscape. This is a 'safe' book that will be vacuumed up by voracious middle grade fantasy readers, who will no doubt get a chuckle out of it, but I can't imagine it becoming a treasured reread. The total lack of diversity of characters speaks to the safeness of the book.
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