(2) 4-6 Eleven-year-old Princess Marigold has grown up in the shadow of her perfect older sister, Rosalind, who was abducted by a wizard long before Marigold was born. When Rosalind miraculously finds her way home, Marigold is ambivalent and rashly decides that she's wicked and doesn't belong in the kingdom. She runs away to a place where she can embrace her so-called wickedness: the fortress of the wizard who held Rosalind captive for fifteen years. She can stay with Wizard Torville and his imp, Pettifog, if she passes a test to prove that she's evil: "I'll give you seven days to do something so vile that even an imp can't deny your wicked nature." Hijinks ensue (including Marigold mistakenly turning Torville into a sentient blob). When a pair of wizards plots to destroy a peace treaty among the kingdoms, Marigold must reckon with what it really means to be wicked. What began as sisterly revenge becomes part of a complicated web of spells that could undo the Cacophonous Kingdoms altogether. Carlson's deftly told story tackles questions of good versus evil and sibling bonds with a cast of oddball creatures and lots of humor. Clever, quirky, and cozy.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(2) YA The characters of this surreal novel--teens Zelda and Langston and an absurd ensemble (a wizard, a laundromat clown)--are aware that they're in a dream. But whose dream? Whose mind is controlling everyone else in the dream town, and what will happen when they wake up? Scenes likely to elicit chuckles of recognition from anyone who's vividly dreamed (a geography final is about to start, or maybe it's geometry, or neither) give way to seriousness and introspection as it becomes clear that the dream is lasting more than one night and as difficult memories figure into the dream world. Characters question their roles and the implications of their interactions: "Growing up is realizing you're not the main character. Or else everyone is, too." By its nature, the story includes some portions that can feel static as characters wander around the dream town. But revelations toward the end, with some twists and turns, provide a payoff that invites re-readings. Black-and-white digital illustrations are interspersed (final art unseen).

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(2) 4-6 When a gearling (a mechanical clockwork man) shows up at the orphanage in search of an apprentice for his witch mistress, Melanie Gate (an orphan with a talent for ­opening locked things) embarks on the adventure about which she's always dreamed. Once outside the city gates, however, the gearling, newly named Traveler, reveals that the witch is a fiction, that he himself is far more than the mindless automaton he'd initially seemed, and that he needs a human to front for him. Traveler can't remember his past, but he's able to do remarkable feats of magic, and he both teaches Melanie and sets her up to appear to be the magical prodigy Lady Porta the ­Periwinkle, a role Melanie is happy to play. When they run into a real aldermage, however, the man sees through Melanie's impersonation and blackmails her into using her talent to steal a hidden treasure. Strong themes of belonging and identity inform the narrative: Melanie is torn between her drive for excitement and her longing for the warm and cozy friendships she made at the orphanage; Traveler questions how "real" he is and fears being used as a weapon. Both characters' origins have roles to play in a conflict between two magical factions, and Melanie's fellow orphans swoop in for a rescue at just the right moment. Although lighthearted, this inventive fantasy nonetheless plumbs areas of darkness and loss, with those serving as a bracing counterbalance.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(3) 4-6 This book offers nine different magic-oriented ideas for fantastic parties: an Alchemists' Gathering, a Fairy Frolic, a Druid Halloween party, and more. For each party, the text suggests costumes, crafts, decorations, food, and games. Much care has gone into the look of the book (purportedly written by a 600-year-old wizard): thick, padded covers; sepia-toned pages; and fanciful illustrations. Ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Kids who like "pottering" around with crafts may enjoy this illustrated volume of wizard-themed projects, which includes instructions for making a sorcerer's hat, a crystal ball, and a patterned lampshade. Most require a lot of materials and are complicated to make, while the potion recipes warn readers that they must not be consumed. Information on poltergeists, the zodiac, and other mystical subjects is featured between projects. Ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Purporting to be written by a six-hundred-year-old wizard, this tome offers novices instructions for creating their own props and performing sleight-of-hand illusions; the nine chapters include "Transfiguration and Shape-Shifting" and "Flying, Levitation, and Escapology." Considerable work went into this production, which features spot and full-page art. Unfortunately, the book's small print sometimes hampers legibility. Ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(2) 4-6 Wizards of Once series. Xar and Wish (The Wizards of Once) track ample evidence of the demonic Kingwitch's return. Their parents from feuding kingdoms eventually heed their children's urgent warnings and rethink their groups' traditional animosity. This fast-paced sequel is full of the same humor, sketchlike illustrations, and unique companions as the previous entry. The ending is completely satisfying but also leaves plenty of openings for a projected third book.

Reviewer: Monica Edinger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(4) 4-6 Snared series. Orphan "trapsmith" Wily Snare maintains the underground traps guarding a wizard's treasure until eccentric adventurers spring Wily from his dungeon. The group of marauders wants help plundering other protected riches, but instead Wily convinces his new friends to help defeat the Infernal King and his mechanical soldiers. Despite an abrupt resolution, earnest heroism and some entertainingly sinister booby traps elevate this fantasy series-starter.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) YA Jack guards the crossroad between the ordinary world and the Otherworld, but his fondness for young witch Ember leads to irresponsibility. When Ember slips into the Otherworld in the company of a debonair vampire, Jack chases after her. Barton effectively mixes fantasy and steampunk to generate a story about friendship, family, love, and reunion, the whole powered more by wit than by narrative tension.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) 4-6 When magic disappeared from Talhaven, children with magical talents were forced into hiding. But two of these outcasts, girls Rook and Drift, band together to try to find their way home and are joined by a shape-shifting boy and a wizard with questionable motives. Magical doorways, giant spiders, and the like add suspense, but the deep bond of friendship between the girls sets this stirring fantasy apart.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Magic is Lennie's favorite thing, and she's thrilled to visit her grandfather in the enchanted land of Netherly. She's instantly devastated, however, when she learns that her silly little brother will be her family's representative in the competition to replace their grandpa, who's retiring as Prime Wizard of Pomporromp. Magaziner touches on themes of inequality in this otherwise frothy tale of magical competition.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 Marty Pants series. Aspiring artist Marty Pants is convinced that his classmate and nemesis Simon is using magic powers to charm everyone from hapless teachers to unsuspecting parents. Readers will chuckle at the many misunderstandings in the madcap plot, which is enhanced by cartoon drawings on every page and lots of physical humor and silliness. This third installment should satisfy series fans and win new ones.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(2) 4-6 In this lighthearted fantasy series-opener set in a medieval-like world, the invading Warriors maintain a fierce feud with the indigenous Wizards; both are terrified of the villainous Witches. Two misfits--brash thirteen-year-old Wizard Xar and introspective, similarly aged Warrior Wish--reluctantly join forces to face those Witches, magic, and more. Snarky narration and the spirited commentary in Cowell's scratchy pen-and-ink drawings keep everything moving briskly along.

Reviewer: Monica Edinger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Dave Phillips. Nosewise, wizard Merlin's eager dog, narrates this tale about magic, Fae, and the legendary Sword in the Stone. Nosewise loyally attends Merlin's magic lessons for apprentice Morgana, so this dog knows more than the usual canine tricks. When Merlin is kidnapped by Fae, Nosewise leaps to the rescue (with help from young Arthur). Humor and action dominate this lively middle-grade take on the legend.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) 4-6 Rebels of the Lamp series. At the end of Rebels of the Lamp, Parker and his friends unleashed a new threat: the powerful sorcerer Vesiroth, who's now trying to take over the world. They must prevent Vesiroth from using an ancient helmet to complete his goal. Surprising twists keep the action moving forward. Unfortunately, the protagonists haven't developed much since the first book and Vesiroth's characterization is quite flat.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Iryna Bodnaruk. Dragon siblings Ella and Owen embark on a quest to find a mystical wizard dragon who can cure Owen's fire-sneezing cold. Along the way, the dragons encounter obstacles, including a hungry ogre and a giant Wicked Wizard Waffle. The silly if formulaic fantasy romp ends with a sequel-hinting cliffhanger. Cartoonish line drawings add humor and provide visual pauses for new chapter-book readers.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) 4-6 Monster Mania series. A wide-range of legendary "monsters" are discussed in this series. Each volume focuses on a specific category and details stories from ancient times up through modern pop culture. Color illustrations and photographs feature various depictions of the creatures. The occasionally crammed paragraphs and hurried texts still provide lots of information for curious readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monster Mania titles: Sea Monsters, Beastly Monsters, Magic Monsters, and Undead Monsters.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(2) YA Princess Anya sets out to acquire ingredients for an anti-transmogrification lip balm to turn a frog back into a prince. Serious concerns underlie this quest's silliness--after learning of the kingdom's corruption and class inequality, Anya vows to oust evil Duke Rikard and reinstate the democratic "Bill of Rights and Wrongs." Nix smartly subverts fairy-tale and fantasy-genre tropes while exploring timely social justice issues.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2017

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jim Kay. This substantial and strikingly illustrated new edition invites readers into Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts. From spot art of a rat to an impressive spread of hippogriffs to a giant werewolf spanning three spreads, Kay's full-color paintings particularly focus on the fantastic beasts in this entry, while also illuminating its darker aspects for both newcomers and returning fans.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill. Wizard Harry Potter's marked-up copy of magizoologist Newt Scamander's compendium of magical creatures was first published in 2001. This larger-size, fully illustrated version (minus the handwritten notes) is beautifully crafted; the sketchbook-like illustrations aid in visualizing these beasts. Six creatures native to North America have been added to this edition. It also features an impressive gatefold for the Ukrainian Ironbelly (dragon). Ind.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter