Queen’s Favorite Witch

Gr 3-6–Daisy, a young witch who hasn’t seen much of the world, yearns for excitement, but her mother would rather keep her safe. When Daisy learns that the position of Royal Witch is open, she flies to London to audition over her mother’s protests. She is immediately rejected because she isn’t from a “good” family, but taking a job as a maid helps her get her foot in the door at the royal court. As she enters this fierce and dangerous competition, she makes allies and enemies and gradually learns to develop her own powers. This is a cute, funny, and exciting story, mixing historical characters like Elizabeth I and Dr. John Dee into the story of a witch who finds her way. With the energy and humor of stories like Nimona and Kiki’s Delivery Service, Smith’s art is bright and colorful, featuring characters with wide, expressive eyes. Characters are mostly white.