The second volume of this engaging chapter book series continues to bring us stories about Little Blue, a witch-in-training, who helps out their Mama Moon at the magical Witchycakes bakery. The overarching theme of the current volume is about navigating change, as Blue and Mama prepare for the autumnal equinox and Blue helps neighbors of various ages with challenging everyday situations in their seaside town.
Author Kara LaReau also weaves in a lesson about “mise en place,” a concept from the culinary world that means “having everything you need organized and ready” before starting a project. As an avid baker and cook myself, I can attest to the usefulness of this approach, and as a parent, I think it’s a great concept to teach kids, with respect to cooking and much else.
Blue is a delightful protagonist, and LaReau brings just the right amount of whimsy to the tale, with a touch of magic, a seagull familiar, and seaside-themed character names like Coral and Scallop Periwinkle. Blue is clever and resourceful but not infallible, which makes them a relatable role model for young readers. Their nonbinary identity is incidental to the plot and never remarked on; 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.
As with the first volume of the series, this is a recommended read.
Blue and their mama are White; neighbors reflect a variety of racial/ethnic identities.
