The fourth volume of this engaging chapter book series again brings us interlinked stories about Little Blue, a witch-in-training, who helps out their Mama Moon at the magical Witchycakes bakery. In this volume, it’s Remembering Time, a special month dedicated to remembering loved ones who are no longer with them. This year’s Remembering Time is particularly special, since it starts on a full moon, when “extra magic happens.”
Indeed, the friendly ghost of Blue’s Grandma Moon appears, along with the ghosts of Mama Moon’s former cat familiars. As Blue goes about their daily deliveries, Grandma Moon accompanies them. When they make a stop at the home of a crotchety neighbor, Grandma Moon wisely observes, “She’s mean because she’s sad.” Together, Blue and Grandma use compassion and community to help her. Along the way, we’re treated to charming and sometimes lightly humorous moments of home, family, and neighborly interactions.
At the end of the month, it’s time for the ghosts to go, but Blue and Mama find ways to keep remembering them. Blue is as always a delightful protagonist, and author Kara LaReau brings just the right amount of whimsy to the tale. 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 earlier volumes of the series, this is a highly recommended read.
Blue and their mama are White; neighbors reflect a variety of racial/ethnic identities. The mayor of the town notes that her family is from Japan.
