The three chapter books here are all the third books in their respective series—happy evidence that LGBTQ-inclusive tales have staying power. Each offers a different look at what we do when things don’t go as planned.
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Hocus and Pocus and the Snow Day Sorcery, by A. R. Capetta, illustrated by Charlene Chua (Candlewick): The latest charming book in this series again brings us adorable illustrations and incidental nonbinary inclusion, as magical pups Hocus and Pocus want to help their human witch, Jinx, and her apprentices (including nonbinary Tam) prepare for the local Winter Solstice party. The only problem is that there’s no snow, putting several of the planned events at risk. Hocus and Pocus ask Nimbus, a friendly, wish-granting sorcerer (who also happens to be nonbinary), to assist. But a wish for snow is a big, delicate wish, and the snow is soon overwhelming. Hocus’s feet are turning into pawsicles. A promising solution then turns into something worse—or does it? The residents creatively find a way to celebrate even if things didn’t go exactly as planned, offering lessons about helping, community, and dealing with unforeseen circumstances.
Start the series with Hocus and Pocus and the Spell for Home.
Witchycakes #3: Puddles and Potions, by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Ariane Moreira (Random House): This volume continues the whimsical interlinked stories about Little Blue, a witch-in-training, who helps out their Mama Moon at the magical Witchycakes bakery. Here, Blue again wants to be useful, but when they “borrow” a magic potion from Mama Moon to help make things perfect, things don’t go quite as planned. The lesson, which emerges as Blue goes about their day, is that everyone makes mistakes and we shouldn’t strive to live up to someone else’s idea of perfection. Blue is clever and resourceful but not infallible, which makes them a relatable role model. Readers of many identities should enjoy the story, although it may particularly resonate with nonbinary ones seeking tales with nonbinary protagonists that aren’t “about” being nonbinary.
Start the series with Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic.
Ella Josephine and the Perfectly Imperfect Day, by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Sònia Albert (Chronicle): In these three connected stories, charmingly self-assured nine-year-old Ella Josephine once again shows herself a helpful and caring neighbor to the residents of the old San Francisco apartment building where she lives with her two moms: husbands Jacques and Merland; artsy Matilda; young couple Leo and Cleo, and the mysterious elderly Robinsons. In the first story, she and the Robinsons secretly help Cleo with the grand opening of her record store; in the second, she helps Jacques regain the confidence to create and share his art; in the third, Ella’s family and several neighbors go on a camping trip that doesn’t go as planned—but is somehow still perfect. LaCour once again gives us stories that are both entertaining and perceptive, with characters whose unique personalities shine from every page. Ella has spunk, but it’s tempered with kindness and a sense of community responsibility, and the gentle lessons are a master class in “show, don’t tell.”
Start the series with Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill.
