Shadow Magic

July 1, 2011

Maddy's magical ceramic cats come to life, helping her and her cousin adjust to the many changes in their lives.

In the first book in this series, kitten Greykin helped Maddy solve a problem (Paw Power, 2011). While Maddy waits for the magic to happen again, she also waits for her cousin Chloe and her family to move to town. But when a grouchy and older-acting Chloe arrives, she is much more interested in her cellphone and earbuds than in seeing Maddy's ceramic cats or newly painted room, just right for late-night gabfests and giggling. Turns out, Chloe is at a "funny age" and refuses to stay in Maddy's room, avoiding her younger cousin, who soon realizes that homesickness is part of Chloe's moodiness. This news brings Nibs, the second ceramic kitty, to life. Nibs senses that something bad is going to come of Chloe's sadness and teaches Maddy how to use Shadow Magic to make herself invisible so she can figure out just what the danger is. Darting in and out of visibility, Maddy realizes Chloe's dangerous plan to run away and works with Nibs to help Chloe change her mind. The concept of magic ceramic kitties is a winner, and chapter-book readers will recognize Maddy's pain at Chloe's transformation.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

September 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-Maddy Lloyd isn't surprised when Nibs begins to speak, after witnessing the magic when Greykin came to life in Paw Power (Random, 2011), and she learned that her ceramic kitties can help her solve problems. Nibs comes to life at the same time that Maddy's cousin, Chloe, arrives to live temporarily with the Lloyds. Chloe and Nibs are both cool and distant, leaving Maddy dismayed. The feline alerts her to a potential disaster in the offing, as she learns of Chloe's plans to run away. It is up to Nibs and Maddy to try to stop her before it's too late. Each ceramic figure comes with magical powers, and Nibs gives Maddy the ability to "shadow" or become temporarily invisible. This allows her to spy on her cousin to discover her secret getaway plans. Small, simple shadowy drawings appear on most pages. Young fantasy readers and those loving kittens will enjoy the fast-paced story. British colloquialisms abound, and fans of the series have the final ceramic kitty, Ollie, to look forward to in the next installment.-Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.