A Snicker of Magic

Starred review from January 13, 2014
From every angle, Lloyd’s first novel sparkles and radiates warmth. Felicity Juniper Pickle, 12, feels an immediate kinship with the town of Midnight Gulch, Tenn., the latest place her itinerant mother has brought Felicity, her almost-six-year-old sister, Frannie Jo, and their dog Biscuit. The remote mountain town has a history interwoven with secret magic, but most of it seems to have evaporated years ago following a dual between a pair of famous magician brothers, which divided a family and resulted in a curse. Felicity’s immediate concerns lay with her mother’s sadness and her insistence on constantly uprooting the family. With the help of Felicity’s new friend Jonah, who has his own secret magic that he works on Midnight Gulch; the stories that Felicity collects from various townspeople; and Felicity’s ability to see words that reflect people’s hidden thoughts and desires) she tries to save both the town and her own family. Working in the folksy vein of Ingrid Law’s Savvy, Lloyd offers a reassuring, homespun story about self-expression and the magic that resides in one’s mind and heart. Ages 8–12. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary & Media.

Cassandra Morris is the ideal narrator for an enchanting tale that abounds with "storytellers" of all ages. Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, is the latest home for Felicity Juniper Pickle, her wandering mother, her little sister, and their old van, which is called "Pickled Jalapeno." Morris captures Felicity, who has the gift of seeing words shimmer above people, places, and things and enjoys verbally sharing her unusual skill. Diverse characters are enhanced by Morris, including crotchety old ladies; bossy, chain-smoking Aunt Cleo; and Felicity's very first friend, wheelchair-bound Jonah, who endlessly spreads joy to others. This story of magical realism is a rare treat that expresses a deep love of words and books. It's a perfect diversion from technologically oriented entertainments. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

June 1, 2014
Gr 3-7-Twelve-year-old Felicity is tired of driving all over the country with her mother and younger sister, Frannie Jo. So when Mama drives into her hometown of Midnight Gulch, TN, Felicity hopes to be able to put down some roots of her own. Midnight Gulch has a magical history, and Felicity loves hearing stories about its former residents, including two musician brothers whose jealous duel resulted in a curse that split their family apart. A modern-day talent show duel at her school gives Felicity the chance to showcase a magical talent of her own: word collecting. But first, she must figure out how to get over her stage fright and make her words come out sounding right. Narrator Cassandra Morris's words flow beautifully and she does a phenomenal job of bringing this enchanting story to life. Listeners will love getting to know the town's colorful residents and following Felicity's adventures as she tries to break the age-old curse and find a home she can call her own.-"Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA"

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

13iamgroot - This book is definitely a "Snicker of Magic." The main character Felicity Pickle, who has a very special talent, goes on a spindiddly adventure with her mother, who has a wandering heart, her sister, weird but wonderful, her dog biscuit, who is a great companion, and their trusty car, the Pickled Jalapeño. They drive off to a once magical town where Felicity finally feels at home, although her mother is already planning on leaving. With the help of her newfound friend Jonah, Felicity learns to face her fears and even breaks a curse on the way. My favorite quote from the book was, "I bet there's a snicker of magic on every street, in every old building, every broken heart, every word of a story. Maybe it's hidden away and you need to look harder for it. or maybe the magic is right there right in front of you, and all you have to do is believe." I really liked the quote because it says that magic is all around us and sometimes all we really have to do is believe in it.