(3) 1-3 Backyard Witch series. Illustrated by Deborah Marcero. When Maya loses the school spelling bee--to Sadie, one of her best friends, of all people!--her confidence is shaken. With the help of quirky neighborhood birdwatcher/witch Ms. M (who happens to be substituting as the school's librarian), Maya overcomes her jealousy, regains confidence, and learns important lessons about friendship. Spot art appears throughout this third amiable installment.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Backyard Witch series. Illustrated by Deborah Marcero. In this second book, Ms. M, a diminutive, kindly witch with unexpected talents, makes her return as Jess's babysitter and serves as the catalyst for a reconciliation between Jess and her cuisine-obsessed chef mother. Culinary disasters, food jokes, and cookery-related back matter (including a grilled tofu recipe) round out the fun in this illustrated chapter book. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis

(2) 1-3 Backyard Witch series. Illustrated by Deborah Marcero. Nine-year-old Sadie is in a sour mood after her friends vacation without her. Then a small witch moves into Sadie's playhouse. Ms. M. is a birdwatcher witch, or ornithomancer; bitten by the birding bug, Sadie is lured out of her snit by a fresh awareness of nature. Sprightly prose will pull in readers, and spot illustrations keep the pages lively. Birding tips are appended.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2015