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Martha May McKenzie is a good witch who uses her magic to help others, including parents who want to encourage their children to eat a healthier diet (rather than sweets). She has wild hair in which she keeps any number of items, an ugly but endearing goat friend named Bubbles, and a magical assistant snorted out her nose named Sparkly Martha. The sad thing is her own daughter Jamie refuses to believe her mother is a witch. However, after the loss of their father in the line of duty, Jamie brings her children for a visit to Martha, where a wish made after a bite of magical cake brings the whole family back to medieval times. They must then work together to return home, learning more about each other in the process.
While having its own unique style, this children’s book is very reminiscent of the works of Roald Dahl. The prose flows along with the whimsical rhythms of a fairy tale being related, and any number of fantastic things can and do happen. There is a great deal of heart put into Martha May McKenzie reconnecting with her daughter Jamie and forming a bond with her grandchildren, Lucas and Trinity, alongside a great deal of light-hearted humor that makes for a heartwarming read for young and old alike. It sets things up for other books that continue the adventures of this enchanting family. In fact, readers may find themselves succumbing to a strong temptation to seek them out right after turning the final page in this first intriguing book.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review