Jennifer Bell, Magicalia (Magicalia #1), Walker Books, July 2024, 345 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781529506143
This fast-paced fantastical adventure story is perfect for the tween readers who love to discover magical new worlds.
Bitsy (Elizabeth), lives a very normal sort of life with her dad – or at least she thought she did. Her mum died in a car accident so her dad had moves them to Oddington for a fresh start. And things were going well.
However. very early in the story Bitsy, and her best friend Kosh, are introduced to previously unknown forms of magic and fantastical beasts when her dad is kidnapped. This event sets in motion the revelation of Bitsy’s family’s past and her place in this magical world.
It is through Bitsy’s mentor, Giverna Greynettle, that she, and all the readers, begin to piece together this new world. Fair warning, the early chapters have a fair bit of world-building going on, as explanations are given as to how, why and by whom magical creatures can be conjured. As Bitsy and Kosh try to save Dad, they are taken on a wild adventure around the world, and are forced to face Bitsy’s evil aunt Melasina.
This book for best-suited to strong middle grade readers. While Bitsy lives in modern-day England, the fantasy-world she is introduced to has its own terms and lingo that might trouble readers still developing fluency. So, definitely upper primary school, but competent readers.
It’s been suggested that this story would be good for readers who have a keen interest in Pokémon. I don’t know enough about Pokémon to verify that claim, but it certainly is for kids who love the adventure of stepping into a new world.
Reviewed by Cherie Bell
