Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch

Ivy Newt is the latest series by Derek Keilty. It's a delightful magical story in which the unexpected is always bound to happen. This new, highly illustrated chapter book series for ages 5-7 features Ivy, an unstoppable and lovable young witch, and her friend and familiar Tom. It is Ivy Newt's birthday and her Royal parents, the King and Queen of the Sand Witches, are preparing a wonderful surprise for her. It is meant to be a simple but spectacular temporary disappearing act - but somehow, something goes wrong. Ivy's parents seem to have disappeared for good!

Ivy and her familiar Tom Boy, or sometimes, Tom Wolf, need magic and courage to find out just exactly what has happened to them. Foul work is at play, and to rescue Ivy's parents, she and Tom must travel all over Miracula on broomsticks and flying carpets, making friends along the way, and pulling together to defeat Clawdelia Thorn, evil Queen of Grotland.

This book has everything that young readers need to help teach them about right from wrong, with a fun and fast-paced adventure alongside it. This is the perfect choice to inspire young chapter book readers and help them continue to develop a love of reading. It would work well as a guided reading focus text to focus on plot development, description and comprehension. It is certain to be popular in the library, too.

176 pages / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

Welcome to Miracula and the first in a series of books about Ivy Newt and her friends.  In Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch, it's Ivy's birthday and her parents perform a magic show for her which goes wrong. Ivy and her friend Tom go on an adventure to find out what has happens to her parents. They follow a map on foot, broomsticks and magic carpets. Ivy and Tom meet other witches and follow the clues until they reach The Cave of Grot.

This book was a joy to read. I was captivated and wanted to know how the young witches would solve the problems. I love the way the author describes each character. 

This book has gone straight into my book box of free reader books for year 2 (7-year-old) children. I know children who have just become fluent readers will be able to access and enjoy this book with minimal adult support.  A book children will love reading.

176 pages / Reviewed by Jen Bevan

Suggested Reading Age 7+