Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup

Abandoned as a baby outside a circus because she was born with fox ears, Yesterday Crumb has spent her life so far in a cage as a sideshow attraction along with her only possession, a book about magical creatures.  That is until the day a grumpy talking raven named Madrigal suddenly appears to tell her she is really a witch and that she is to become an apprentice to Tea-witch extraordinaire, Miss Dumpling.   But on the way there, passing through woods, Yesterday is drawn toward a strange gentleman Mr Weep who bewitches her and promises to remove the fox ears she so despises.   But he tricks her, placing a splinter of ice in her heart, and tells her that in a month she will die, and lose not only her fox ears but her individuality and become grey and boring like everyone else.

When Yesterday arrives at the teashop, Dwimmerley End, she finds it is no ordinary teashop but a travelling magical teashop on legs complete with flying teapots and mythical creatures straight out of her beloved faerie book who are the customers.   Under Miss Dumpling’s tutelage Yesterday must not only enter into a race against time to find the means to break the curse but also to find her own brand of magic and discover who she really is.

This is a really enjoyable magical adventure, full of joie de vivre, imagination and quirky characters and with a good dose of humour too.  There seems to be no problem that can’t be sorted out with a cup of tea, a slice of cake and talking to a trusted friend! Caramels for courage anyone?  Above all it is a tale of learning how to accept who you are and rejoicing in individuality.  Children will love it.