Witches of Brooklyn is more of a 3.5 review and not 3. This is because it was not an “OMG LOVE!” nor was it, “OMG HATE!” read. There is a lot going on, but at the same time it is an easy story to follow. Good guys are good, bad guys are … well there are not “bad guys” just one spoiled pop-princess and people with no sense of visiting at decent hours of the day or night (depending on what you consider 1 AM). Author and illustrator Sophie Escabasse had fun creating their characters and putting them in the situations they are in.
While the illustrations are delightful (there are perfect details without being crowded, unless it is needed) and colors muted, but not dull, the story itself could be a bit slow at times. However, the 10 to 14 (or even younger for the stronger reader as there really is not anything “scary” or “too much”) will eat it up; I know I would have at that age. And that story is when Effie comes to live with her mother’s stepsister after her mother’s death, she does not make a great impression. After all, few people do at 1 AM. Yet, this aunt (due to the age differences in the sisters is more like a grandmother) and her friend Carlotta take in this, cranky orphan and despite a rough start, learn to be a family (if not a quirky one).
This book has literally magic flying about, one bossy popstar, acupuncture and herbs trying to save the day (and one lady’s pinky), one Scottish au pair named Archibald and Effie getting tons of surprises!
Image taken from Random House Instagram.
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