The third volume of this engaging chapter book series continues to bring us interlinked stories about Little Blue, a witch-in-training, who helps out their Mama Moon at the magical Witchycakes bakery. In this volume, 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 here—which emerges gently 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 as always a delightful protagonist, and author Kara LaReau brings just the right amount of whimsy to the tale, with a touch of magic, a seagull familiar, and seaside-themed names for characters and baked goods. 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 two volume of the series, this is a recommended read.
Blue and their mama are White; neighbors reflect a variety of racial/ethnic identities. One of Blue’s friends has two dads.
