The enchanting early chapter book Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic by Kara LaReau (Rise of Zombert), with art by debut illustrator Ariane Moreira, begins with a poem: "In a village by the sea live a witch and a witch-to-be." Said "witch-to-be" is young Blue, who works alongside their Mama Moon, witch and head baker of Witchycakes.
Cerulean-haired Blue bicycles around town delivering baked goods, encountering customers who each have a unique problem in need of solving. Blue's first attempts at using their budding magic skills for good always go awry, leaving the neighbor even more distressed. "Oh, raisins," a disappointed Blue mumbles. But with support from their seagull familiar, Gully, an idea will start "bubbling in their brain"--one more try, and Blue is ultimately successful.
LaReau excellently depicts Blue's efforts at using "helping magic" as an echo to many children's (and some adult's) well-intentioned attempts to chip in. Their use of regulation techniques--such as slowing down and focusing--act as a useful model for how to react when things don't go as planned. Moreira's digital illustrations beckon readers into the dreamy seaside town of Shellville with spreads of pastel-hued shops and sun-kissed kitchens. Author and illustrator work together to make sure there is unexpected and heartwarming magic: the narrator explains that "a few months ago," local grocery owner "Mr. Haddock's best friend [Marina] died. It's been sad for everyone in Shellville." The page turn reveals a framed photo of Marina, a smiling pug.
LaReau and Moreira invite readers in and convince them to stay a while with bewitching characters, delectable landscapes, and just the right amount of wonder and whimsy. --Kieran Slattery, freelance reviewer, teacher, co-creator of Gender Inclusive Classrooms