Gr 3-7–The end of school spells a month at sleepaway camp for witch-in-training Effie Huchbolt-Walloo—without her friends. Despite her misgivings, Effie (vaguely coded in previous installments as having Asian and white heritage) quickly surprises herself and everyone else with an impressive magical aptitude for plant bonding. But her fear of swimming and her tumultuous relationship with cabinmate Sonia keep the camp’s goals of finding inner peace and communing with nature at bay. A dare awakens a sleeping danger in the woodsy paradise. Escabasse’s cozy witch world expands beyond Brooklyn to incorporate new, diverse witches and magical abilities. As Effie develops her own identity, she is reminded that “we have a lot of our parents within us, but we’re not them.” Back matter includes drawing tutorials, gardening tips, and information about a cherry blossom festival.
VERDICT Another enchanting entry in a series that will have readers asking for “s’more.” Read the first two volumes first.
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