Baker's Magic

A full cast works together seamlessly in this charming magical adventure. As the story's narrator, Tavia Gilbert is crisply engaged, and she's spirited as young Bee, the baker's apprentice. Kenneth Cavett, with his rich and resonant voice, is a standout as kindly baker Master Bouts, and Robin Miles is a hoot as pirate captain Zafira Zay. The care in the production is evident--the rest of the cast adds vocal personality to characters both large and small, and mood-appropriate snippets of music begin and end each chapter, helping to sweep listeners along. Scenes in the bakery are rendered with as much attention to detail as those on the high seas or in the mage's castle--beware of listening while hungry. J.M.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

November 30, 2015
When 12-year-old runaway Bee is caught stealing a sweet bun from a bakery, the proprietor allows her to work off her debt, then invites her to stay on as his helper. Each kingdom in Bee’s world has a mage, a powerful wizard who assists the king, and Bee discovers that she has the ability to bake her feelings into the pastries she creates. Bee’s talent comes in handy when the kingdom’s orphaned princess, Anika, is forced to flee the evil mage who has taken over (Bee bakes fatigue into sweet buns, which puts the castle guards to sleep and allows Anika to escape). As Bee, Anika, and their friend Wil attempt to find a way to unseat Master Joris, they discover the trees the mage removed from Aradyn, find lost family members, and make new friends. Zahler (Sleeping Beauty’s Daughters) has created a cozy fantasy adventure with tension, twists, and sweet treats. Bee and her companions are quick-thinking and determined heroes, and their journey to right wrongs should appeal to a broad range of readers. Ages 9–12. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.