posted on 08 Sep 2024

The Shop-Witch’s Quest by Aisha Bushby, illustrated by Patri de Pedro

This is the second book by this award- winning author set in a magical world packed with everyday magic carpets, spells, potions and dragons following on from Suitcase (S)Witch in 2023. This time a different thirteen-year-old protagonist, Laurel, is desperate for some adventure to make her hum-drum life more interesting. Although she lives with her cat familiar, Bedlam and often enjoys helping out in Witch Wares Emporium, owned by her parents, she is itching to have a go at something more challenging. Times are becoming difficult for their business because of fierce competition from a flashier shopping centre nearby which is another spur to shake things up.

The perfect opportunity arrives when Aliya comes shopping for several expensive items that she needs to complete her first quest as a novice hero. Laurel is determined to provide everything and so impress her parents with a satisfied customer - but this isn’t as easy as she hoped.  The suit of super-strength armour that she needs seems impossible to source, so she persuades the reluctant hero to come with her and Bedlam on a special quest to find one.

Laurel is confident and determined to impress Aliya, even though she knows that her magical exploits are not always successful, for instance she recently set her T-shirt on fire by mistake! I liked how both girls overcome some initial reluctance to ride on a horse and later to travel on a flying boat which seems very precarious. These new experiences are a bit scary but, once they reassure one another, they have a great time and become good friends along the way.   

This relatively slim book produced by Barrington Stoke Publishers is an engaging story for any 7+ young reader. As ever, it is pacy with several interesting characters to keep the interest of less confident readers. The detailed black and white illustrations throughout the story by Patri de Pedro add to the atmosphere. One vivid example is the long queue of dragons heading south for the winter spotted from the vantage point of the flying boat. This is a truly magnificent sight, but it is causing frustrating delays everywhere as nobody can get hold of the stardust that is essential for many spells, including making a suit of magic armour.

Will they be able to overcome all the difficulties and can Laurel help her parents to save their shop? You might be surprised to find out how this all plays out.

I recommend this magical book which should be available from your local independent bookshop – who will be happy to order it for you if they don’t have it on their shelves. Alternatively, you can go directly to the Barrington Stoke website and order it directly from them.

 

Karen Argent

September 2024