Should we let nature take over the world?

Magic Keepers: Spirit Surprise

Author: Linda Chapman @offLindaChapman

Illustrator: Hoang Giang

Published by: Little Tiger @LittleTigerUK

Published on: April 2023

Price: £6.99

First line: “Magic is real,” said Sarah, shaking her head.

Genre: Magic

Age: 7+

ISBN: 978 1 78895 477 8

What’s it all about? Three girls – Ava, Sarah and Lily – have found out that they can control magic through special crystals left in Ava’s mum’s great-aunt’s house. However, they don’t really know what they are doing and soon a mischievous imp takes control allowing plants across the town to go wild, really wild! The girls have to act together to stop everywhere being overrun by giant vegetables, wandering lianas and terrifying trees. The girls have different strengths and therefore have to work as a team, but this is made more difficult by Sarah’s mum not letting Sarah spend much time with her friends, as she is worried about giving Sarah too much freedom.

Why should I read it? The story moves at a sedate pace, that weaves in cleverly the complications of friendship and how to deal with it. It also explores the relationship between parents and children and how with trust and belief people can change. Three carefully crafted characters with different personalities make this a great read to spot characterisation. Some beautiful illustrations help to explain the story. There is a whole series of these books if you enjoyed this one!