The Marvellous Granny Jinks and Me

This is the first title in an appealing series aimed at newly confident readers and focussing on Jada and her beloved Granny Jinks.  When Jada finds a box of magic tricks in her Granny’s flat, she discovers her Granny’s secret dream of becoming a magician.  With the help of new friend Tilda, and Luna the cat, Jada and Granny work on their magic routines and are accepted into the Dalton Green Magic Society.

This book is full of magic and mayhem, told in a light-hearted style and enhanced throughout by the vivacious illustrations of Selom Sunu.  Themes of friendship, family, self-belief and following your dreams combine with fun and warmth to make this an attractive series for newly independent readers.  Interestingly, the book is inspired by Jenny Mayers, the first Caribbean female member of the Magic Circle, and, as a bonus, there are some pages of how-to magic tricks at the end for young readers to try at home.