Bella Broomstick

Gr 3–5—Having no warts and no aptitude for magic, Bella doesn't look or act like the witches and warlocks in the Magic Realm. In fact, the only magical thing Bella can do is speak animal languages. After failing the entrance exam at Creepy Castle School for the third time, Bella is banished to the Person World by her cruel Aunt Hemlock. There, Bella happily discovers warm baths, flushing toilets, and ice cream. Soon, with limited success, she learns to use magic. Aided by a stray kitten named Rascal and a feathery flamingo pen that triples as a wand and flying broomstick, magical mishaps abound for Bella and her friends. Readers will find Bella likable. She often spouts silly expressions, like "pickled porcupines" and "trembling toadstools," and is deeply fascinated with the world of humans. Readers will especially enjoy the line drawings sprinkled throughout the book.