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The Art of Magic
ZuZu has always been curious about the old Mapleton Mansion. She's heard it's haunted. On a school visit, she finally gets to see inside the historic building for herself. There, ZuZu and her classmate Andrew discover some unusual art supplies that they smuggle home. When they use the supplies to make drawings and paintings, their artwork magically comes to life!
Their search for an explanation leads them to Martha, the kindly spirit of a lady who once lived in the mansion. From her, ZuZu and Andrew learn about "creative magics" and the beings they can form. But ZuZu and Andrew aren't the only ones using creative magics.
Soon, nightmarish creatures begin appearing around town. And their creator, another spirit of the Mapleton Mansion, does not intend to use his powers for good.
With a battle looming between opposing magical forces, it's up to ZuZu and Andrew to protect their town.
Their search for an explanation leads them to Martha, the kindly spirit of a lady who once lived in the mansion. From her, ZuZu and Andrew learn about "creative magics" and the beings they can form. But ZuZu and Andrew aren't the only ones using creative magics.
Soon, nightmarish creatures begin appearing around town. And their creator, another spirit of the Mapleton Mansion, does not intend to use his powers for good.
With a battle looming between opposing magical forces, it's up to ZuZu and Andrew to protect their town.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 13, 2022
What if you could paint (or draw or sing or dance) whatever you wanted into existence? That's the world of The Art of Magic, a charming novel with an interesting new take on the middle grade fantasy genre.
When the story opens, 9-year-old Zuzu believes that she's just a regular kid with regular-kid problems (like dealing with bullies and a best friend moving away)... until she and her new friend Andrew discover some mysterious pens and paints hidden in a mysterious old house. As events unfold, they realize that there are magical forces at work that most people can't see, and that it's up to them to protect themselves, their families, and their town from an angry spirit bent on revenge.
I really low how the true the children's art felt, and how that art is woven into the story. Zuzu starts by painting a friendly monster to keep her little brother Banjo happy— and naturally, as soon as the monster jumps off the page, they name him Clawson and he becomes Banjo's best friend and protector. Equally naturally, Banjo can't resist getting into a big sister's art supplies, which leads to an entire crew of scribble monsters running around wreaking havoc. The silliness of the kid art provides a lovely counterbalance to the threat of danger and helps prevent the story from becoming too dark.
I also appreciated how the mechanics of the magical art meant that the kids were on their own to solve the mystery and save the town. Since non-magical people can't see the the magical creatures and are mostly oblivious to their effects, there was a lot of parent-related subterfuge involved in the kids' plan, which was both entertaining and would be appealing to a middle-grade audience.
Finally, I appreciated how the themes of bullying and kindness were present both in Zuzu's attempt to navigate elementary-school friendships and in the angry spirit's backstory. It felt very relatable and meaningful for the audience, and I can imagine myself at this age responding to those themes. I'd definitely recommend this book for kids in right age group, or even for adults looking for a quick and entertaining read!
When the story opens, 9-year-old Zuzu believes that she's just a regular kid with regular-kid problems (like dealing with bullies and a best friend moving away)... until she and her new friend Andrew discover some mysterious pens and paints hidden in a mysterious old house. As events unfold, they realize that there are magical forces at work that most people can't see, and that it's up to them to protect themselves, their families, and their town from an angry spirit bent on revenge.
I really low how the true the children's art felt, and how that art is woven into the story. Zuzu starts by painting a friendly monster to keep her little brother Banjo happy— and naturally, as soon as the monster jumps off the page, they name him Clawson and he becomes Banjo's best friend and protector. Equally naturally, Banjo can't resist getting into a big sister's art supplies, which leads to an entire crew of scribble monsters running around wreaking havoc. The silliness of the kid art provides a lovely counterbalance to the threat of danger and helps prevent the story from becoming too dark.
I also appreciated how the mechanics of the magical art meant that the kids were on their own to solve the mystery and save the town. Since non-magical people can't see the the magical creatures and are mostly oblivious to their effects, there was a lot of parent-related subterfuge involved in the kids' plan, which was both entertaining and would be appealing to a middle-grade audience.
Finally, I appreciated how the themes of bullying and kindness were present both in Zuzu's attempt to navigate elementary-school friendships and in the angry spirit's backstory. It felt very relatable and meaningful for the audience, and I can imagine myself at this age responding to those themes. I'd definitely recommend this book for kids in right age group, or even for adults looking for a quick and entertaining read!
August 10, 2022
The best book I’ve read this year!
March 12, 2022
What worked:
Zuzu and Andrew finish third grade, and that summer they discover magical art supplies in an old, haunted house. The drawing tools seem innocent enough until the creatures they draw come to life. The drawings collapse on the floor when trying to leave the paper until the kids learn how to make them more solid. The creatures come in unusual shapes and sizes and add an amusing touch to the events. Clawson is the first beast created by Zuzu, and he behaves like a pet/guardian/character for Zuzu, her brother, and Andrew. Clawson’s a ferocious fighter when protection is needed, but he’s a cute friend to Zuzu’s brother when they’re playing on the floor of his bedroom. Andrew suffers from Crohn’s Disease early in the book, and the author includes information about symptoms and treatment of this fairly common ailment.
The main conflict pits two spirits against each other, brother and sister when they were alive. Chester has a right to be upset since he was bullied as a kid, but he cast a spell while alive that will exact revenge against all of the friends and relatives of his tormentors. The innocent victims weren’t even alive when Chester was bullied. Martha, his sister, teams up with the kids when they display an aptitude for magic, and the plot progresses toward an anticipated showdown. The adventure includes fighting scenes between the visitons and aptitudes created by the main characters.
The magic of fine arts makes an intriguing twist on a common power. Characters with sensitivity to magic are able to use artistic abilities to create living things. Zuzu’s paintings are guided by her thoughts and feelings during their construction, and she discovers that her intentions are key. She also learns that two magic-sensitive characters working together generate a lot more power. This relationship results in an important partnership with Andrew, but it forces Chester to find a living accomplice.
What didn’t work as well:
The author could have come up with more imaginative names for the creations, since visitons and auditions are very neutral, blah terms. Also, it’s hard to envision 9 year-olds displaying the bravery, independence, and ingenuity seen in the story. They’re readily willing to face the uncertainty and dangers, and they mostly move around town freely. They’ve also just finished third grade. Nevertheless, the plot is creative, exciting, and fast-moving as the kids try to thwart Chester’s evil plans.
The Final Verdict:
The intent is what’s important. The whole idea of magical fine arts is original, and the conflict is easy to understand. Chester’s pain from being bullied is even justifiable, although his revenge against ancestors isn’t. Overall, this book is quite entertaining, and I recommend young lovers of magic give it a shot.
Zuzu and Andrew finish third grade, and that summer they discover magical art supplies in an old, haunted house. The drawing tools seem innocent enough until the creatures they draw come to life. The drawings collapse on the floor when trying to leave the paper until the kids learn how to make them more solid. The creatures come in unusual shapes and sizes and add an amusing touch to the events. Clawson is the first beast created by Zuzu, and he behaves like a pet/guardian/character for Zuzu, her brother, and Andrew. Clawson’s a ferocious fighter when protection is needed, but he’s a cute friend to Zuzu’s brother when they’re playing on the floor of his bedroom. Andrew suffers from Crohn’s Disease early in the book, and the author includes information about symptoms and treatment of this fairly common ailment.
The main conflict pits two spirits against each other, brother and sister when they were alive. Chester has a right to be upset since he was bullied as a kid, but he cast a spell while alive that will exact revenge against all of the friends and relatives of his tormentors. The innocent victims weren’t even alive when Chester was bullied. Martha, his sister, teams up with the kids when they display an aptitude for magic, and the plot progresses toward an anticipated showdown. The adventure includes fighting scenes between the visitons and aptitudes created by the main characters.
The magic of fine arts makes an intriguing twist on a common power. Characters with sensitivity to magic are able to use artistic abilities to create living things. Zuzu’s paintings are guided by her thoughts and feelings during their construction, and she discovers that her intentions are key. She also learns that two magic-sensitive characters working together generate a lot more power. This relationship results in an important partnership with Andrew, but it forces Chester to find a living accomplice.
What didn’t work as well:
The author could have come up with more imaginative names for the creations, since visitons and auditions are very neutral, blah terms. Also, it’s hard to envision 9 year-olds displaying the bravery, independence, and ingenuity seen in the story. They’re readily willing to face the uncertainty and dangers, and they mostly move around town freely. They’ve also just finished third grade. Nevertheless, the plot is creative, exciting, and fast-moving as the kids try to thwart Chester’s evil plans.
The Final Verdict:
The intent is what’s important. The whole idea of magical fine arts is original, and the conflict is easy to understand. Chester’s pain from being bullied is even justifiable, although his revenge against ancestors isn’t. Overall, this book is quite entertaining, and I recommend young lovers of magic give it a shot.
January 31, 2022
Fantasy for middle grade readers abounds in most libraries, but Hannah Voskuil has created a new kind of magic, one based in music and the arts. In a modern day town, there are magically sensitive humans who, given the right set of paints, musical instruments, or lump of clay can bring marvelous OR malevolent beings to life. Chester, a boy bullied and humiliated, died before he could take his revenge upon those who made his life miserable, but with the help of young musicians, plans to reform and wreak havoc on the offending family. But ZuZu, her younger brother, new friend Andrew and a host of benevolent monsters created using specially empowered watercolors and drawing pens, good may triumph. Voskuil’s art-based magic is well-thought out and unlike any I have read before (although the coming back in a new body does have a hint of Voldemort) and its novel execution will appeal to lovers of the genre even if they do not have a flare for the fine arts. Mixed in with the usual good vs evil are encouraging themes of friend-making and not judging on first impressions.
Text is free of profanity, sexual content and the violence involves lots of melting and disappearing in puffs of dust. Main character Andrew suffers from Crohn’s Disease and coping with that life complication is included in the storyline. Highly recommended for those in grades 5-8.
Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Publishing Group/CarolRhoda Books.
Text is free of profanity, sexual content and the violence involves lots of melting and disappearing in puffs of dust. Main character Andrew suffers from Crohn’s Disease and coping with that life complication is included in the storyline. Highly recommended for those in grades 5-8.
Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Publishing Group/CarolRhoda Books.
June 12, 2022
What I loved most about The Art of Magic< was how much imagination and creativity went into creating the magical auditons and visitons. The style and process of using magic in this book was delightful, creative, and innovative. I loved how Voskuil introduced the magic initially, explained the draw of only certain magic sensitive people, alluded to historical uses of magic, and explained the 'harmonic principle' of magic all while keeping the reader engaged. ZuZu and Andrew must, and I mean MUST, work together to succeed or risk the fate of their town.
The Art of Magic captures many of the challenges of growing up, like the pain of being separated from a friend without any say when their family moves, or understanding that sometimes people are trying their best to do what is right and good, but just not quite hitting the mark. Secondary characters like ZuZu's brother, Banjo, bring the magic to life in their own ways and force ZuZu to evaluate her priorities and give others the benefit of the doubt. I enjoyed their amicable sibling relationship.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of five stars for it's middle grades audience
The Art of Magic is a joyful reflection on the magic of childhood friendship and a great book for its target audience, late elementary to early middle school ages; however, I would also recommend this as a fun quick read for an adult looking for light-hearted joy.
The Art of Magic captures many of the challenges of growing up, like the pain of being separated from a friend without any say when their family moves, or understanding that sometimes people are trying their best to do what is right and good, but just not quite hitting the mark. Secondary characters like ZuZu's brother, Banjo, bring the magic to life in their own ways and force ZuZu to evaluate her priorities and give others the benefit of the doubt. I enjoyed their amicable sibling relationship.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of five stars for it's middle grades audience
The Art of Magic is a joyful reflection on the magic of childhood friendship and a great book for its target audience, late elementary to early middle school ages; however, I would also recommend this as a fun quick read for an adult looking for light-hearted joy.
February 22, 2022
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I can easily see middle grade readers enjoying this book. Its main protagonist, ZuZu, is brilliantly relatable. I 100% believed her insecurities about finding new friends after her closest friend moves away. The magical realism aspect was particularly fun, especially Clawson's introduction into the world. The subplots that involve bullying and childhood illness were also thoughtful additions to the major conflict. It added complexity to the storyline, but it also allowed for more realistic issues and obstacles for the children to face together. So as they battled the ghostly figure of Chester and his auditons with their visitons, the children were also growing from and overcoming problems in their non-magical lives.
The narrative's pace was a bit slow in places, but I believe the loveable characters would pull most readers to the end as they root for ZuZu, Andrew, and the rest of their little army. A lovely, wholesome middle grade read!
I can easily see middle grade readers enjoying this book. Its main protagonist, ZuZu, is brilliantly relatable. I 100% believed her insecurities about finding new friends after her closest friend moves away. The magical realism aspect was particularly fun, especially Clawson's introduction into the world. The subplots that involve bullying and childhood illness were also thoughtful additions to the major conflict. It added complexity to the storyline, but it also allowed for more realistic issues and obstacles for the children to face together. So as they battled the ghostly figure of Chester and his auditons with their visitons, the children were also growing from and overcoming problems in their non-magical lives.
The narrative's pace was a bit slow in places, but I believe the loveable characters would pull most readers to the end as they root for ZuZu, Andrew, and the rest of their little army. A lovely, wholesome middle grade read!
June 19, 2022
This is a book I would have loved to read as a child. Magic, monsters, good versus evil. Zuzu is feeling out of sync with her life. Her best friend has moved away, her young brother is annoying, and to top it off, she falls victim to a prank which leaves her heart even more hurt. Her parents want her to jump back into life in their small town with art lessons at the local historical mansion, and also to join the swim team; things which used to make her happy, but Zuzu would rather nurse her wounds alone. A chance encounter brings her face-to-face with a new friend, and a huge pile of magical mystery soon follows. Zuzu finds herself at the center of good against bad, and she learns valuable lessons about herself, about friendship, and how nursing and feeding hurts can have a detrimental long term affect on the direction life leads a person.
Simple, filled with fun, monsters and a lot of magic, this is a good book to share with young readers looking for stories about magical realism
Simple, filled with fun, monsters and a lot of magic, this is a good book to share with young readers looking for stories about magical realism
February 11, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for providing the ARC of "The Art of Magic!"
The concept was super cool and the magical world that Hannah Voskuil built was awesome. The idea that magic is built around music and the arts is very intriguing and will bring attention to younger readers interested in those topics. I loved the theme of building new friendships in the midst of separating from old ones. It's always hard to make new friends and it seems like ZuZu made multiple! ZuZu is a lovable, strong character who can overcome anything! (With the help of her trusted friends, of course)
The concept was super cool and the magical world that Hannah Voskuil built was awesome. The idea that magic is built around music and the arts is very intriguing and will bring attention to younger readers interested in those topics. I loved the theme of building new friendships in the midst of separating from old ones. It's always hard to make new friends and it seems like ZuZu made multiple! ZuZu is a lovable, strong character who can overcome anything! (With the help of her trusted friends, of course)
April 28, 2023
Perfect fantasy for middle graders! This story was infused with so much magic and encouraging themes like making friends and not judging others by their looks, my heart feels so full. I love that the magic was centered around the arts (music, clay, art like painting and drawing) and unlike anything I've read before. It was like a breath of fresh air with its wholesomeness.
This book captures many of the challenges of growing up and all its insecurities. The main characters and even secondary characters are relatable and the obstacles they faced can give many learning experiences on how to overcome them.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book captures many of the challenges of growing up and all its insecurities. The main characters and even secondary characters are relatable and the obstacles they faced can give many learning experiences on how to overcome them.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2024
The Art of Magic was a lot of fun! It's aimed at a younger audience but I still enjoyed it a lot! ZuZu's first summer without her best friend is looking meh until she meets ther new kid Andrew at the historic Mapleton Mansion. Together they stumble upon some enchanted art supplies and discover that the shapes they draw and paint can come to life.! Sounds pretty cool and fun but of course monsters start showing up because someone else knows about this ability and is using it in a sinister way. It's cute and light read to relax. Highly recommend!
Thank you Netgalley for giving this opportunity to read this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for giving this opportunity to read this ARC.
March 15, 2022
This was absolutely adorable. ZuZu was excellent and believable, and I loved the non-adversarial relationship she had with Banjo. Andrew was a terrific sidekick, and I liked the little twist about the hair burrs.
The storyline itself was well done. I liked the explanation of the magic system - it's a very unique system and I was impressed. I liked the plot and the action was exciting. I can imagine a young MG reader would very much enjoy this.
The storyline itself was well done. I liked the explanation of the magic system - it's a very unique system and I was impressed. I liked the plot and the action was exciting. I can imagine a young MG reader would very much enjoy this.
April 28, 2022
As an artist myself and a fantasy lover this one really appealed to me. The characters were fun, the story was great, and while I thought the villain and his flunkies were a bit lame ~ I mean, it's a middle grade novel (and on the younger side, I think), so I'm not going to dock for that!
I liked how much of ZuZu's brother the author included in this book as well.
Anyway this was a cute concept and I liked how everything played out, so this is a win for me. I'd rec it for younger readers easily and may keep it on the backburner for my niece once she's old enough.
I liked how much of ZuZu's brother the author included in this book as well.
Anyway this was a cute concept and I liked how everything played out, so this is a win for me. I'd rec it for younger readers easily and may keep it on the backburner for my niece once she's old enough.
May 3, 2022
What an enjoyable read! I found this book to be incredibly engaging and creative. I was drawn into ZuZu’s world and became invested in her quest to help good triumph in the end. The author truly brought the characters’ art to life and many of the creations live on in my mind long after having finished reading the story. What a fantastic world we were brought into! I can’t wait to gift this to all of my middle grade book loving family and friends.
August 15, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed. Read it in one sitting. Fun book for third or fourth grade! I felt like the complexity of the magic, discussion of Crohn’s disease, and main character development seemed at odds with the one-dimensional villain, which made the book feel narrowly targeted as far as audience, but it still felt believable and relatable. Appreciated the themes of friendship, and Clawson is my favorite.
November 8, 2023
Looking for a magical tale about good versus bad with a touch of monsters and loads of fun? "The Art of Magic" is the story for you! Meet Zuzu, navigating life's twists and turns—new friends, a dash of mystery, and valuable lessons about friendship and healing. This book is perfect for young readers seeking magical adventures. It's a solid 3-star read, offering enchantment, though a bit more depth could have made it even more spellbinding. Overall, a delightful addition to any bookshelf! 🌟📖
June 30, 2022
Zuzu, her brother Banjo and her new neighbor Andrew accidentally create magical creatures through their drawings that come to life. They end up battling a nefarious spirit who is himself trying to come back to life and exact centuries old revenge. Decent read, a little abrupt toward the end, some confusing vocab in the made up words for the magical creations. I sense a sequel/series to come.
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July 29, 2024Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Art of Magic is SO UNDERRATED! I don't know why more people aren't talking about this magical middle grade! If you liked the Magisterium series by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black, I think you'll really, really enjoy this one, as well. Seriously so much fun!
The Art of Magic is SO UNDERRATED! I don't know why more people aren't talking about this magical middle grade! If you liked the Magisterium series by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black, I think you'll really, really enjoy this one, as well. Seriously so much fun!
December 26, 2022
Zuzu and her friends were involved in a big magical journey of creatures made out of drawings. It was very creative and imaginative of the authors to have arranged such a fun and enchanting story. I would have loved it more as a kid.
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Want to read
January 9, 2022The fact that the cover isn’t on goodreads yet is annoying the hell out of me
February 9, 2022
A lovely, gentle adventure about the power of friendship, the magic of art and music, and a heap of very cute, cuddly and fierce monsters.
August 16, 2022
Excellent fast paced adventure story with magical creatures.
October 6, 2023
This was a neat take on magic! I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I don’t know if there are more… but I want more.
Want to read
January 11, 2024O
May 9, 2024
Cute little story with a great lesson that teaches kids to focus on the positive and the people that love them rather than the bullies and the negativity.
January 18, 2024
I was gifted this book from my little sister for Christmas and she definitely nailed my middle grade taste. This was fun whimsical adventure with lower stakes that focused on friendship, kindness, creativity and a cool, well-thought out magic system.
May 28, 2022
Hacve you ever wanted to do magic, that is real magic? I did. I thought it would be so “neat.” ZuZu was missing her best friend. Her family had moved far away. ZuZu.’s mom is taking her to visit the historic Mapleton Manor for a picnic because it is raining outside. She has always wanted to explore the house. While her mom is busy, ZuZu sneaks upstairs and goes into a room. Thinking that she will be alone, she finds a boy in the room. He says hi and tells her his name is Andrew. She tells him her name when someone knocks at the door. She hides as the door opens. It is ZuZu’s mom. She asks if he has seen a girl. He says no. ZuZu and Andrew find a hidden space that has two mysterious tins in it. There is a note saying ito take it. They hesitate but each takes one. When ZuZu gets home, she discovers that they are paints. Andrew crawls on a tree branch to see ZuZu. He tells her that his tin has pens. They discover what they draw comes to life because the art supplies are magic. They decide to go back to the house to see if they can find out what causes their art to come to life. They meet Martha and finds out that her brother is planning something bad to happen in the very near future. Martha says she needs their help to fight her brother’s bad plans. What does he plan to do?
It is an enchanted fast paced adventure. It’s spine-chilling magic at times. Besides being about friendship, magic and monsters that are auditrons (monster robots). It is also about Chron’s disease and loss of a friend.
I found the book fascinating due to the friendships being created and how magic was used in this story.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Publish your review!
It is an enchanted fast paced adventure. It’s spine-chilling magic at times. Besides being about friendship, magic and monsters that are auditrons (monster robots). It is also about Chron’s disease and loss of a friend.
I found the book fascinating due to the friendships being created and how magic was used in this story.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Publish your review!
July 20, 2022
"The Art of Magic" by Hannah Voskul is the story of Zuzu and her friend Andrew whom stumble upon magical art supplies one day while at a school picnic. These art supplies lead and assist them on a quest to defeat an evil entity that is trying to exact his revenge on their hometown by creating musical creatures called "auditons" to do his bidding. The question is will Zuzu and Andrew's "visitons" be able to save the day?
This book was a charming early middle grade read with important lessons such as forgiveness and the power of friendship entwined in a fantastical and fun story. As an adult reader, however, I did not take away much from this book. I do feel as though young readers may enjoy and relate to the drama that unfolds, but as an adult I found the reasons behind the bad actions of the antagonist to be eye-roll worthy. Although this was a cute read, there also seemed to be some plot holes and places where the authors explanations seemed overly convenient. Again, I am reading this with an adults perspective and do not feel that this would impact a child's reading experience.
Overall the world was somewhat intriguing and drew me in at the beginning of the story I just feel as though some of the themes were too black and white and straight forward for older readers to truly be immersed in the story.
2.5 stars
This book was a charming early middle grade read with important lessons such as forgiveness and the power of friendship entwined in a fantastical and fun story. As an adult reader, however, I did not take away much from this book. I do feel as though young readers may enjoy and relate to the drama that unfolds, but as an adult I found the reasons behind the bad actions of the antagonist to be eye-roll worthy. Although this was a cute read, there also seemed to be some plot holes and places where the authors explanations seemed overly convenient. Again, I am reading this with an adults perspective and do not feel that this would impact a child's reading experience.
Overall the world was somewhat intriguing and drew me in at the beginning of the story I just feel as though some of the themes were too black and white and straight forward for older readers to truly be immersed in the story.
2.5 stars
February 25, 2023
A must read for anyone who loves the possibility of magic in the real world.
Zuzu has had trouble making friends, especially after her best friend moves away. She meets a new friend at the end of the year school picnic and together they find art supplies that will lead them on a journey of a lifetime. Zuzu is gifted with a magical paint set, so she paints her little brother, Banjo, a protection monster. Imagine her surprise when it comes off the page! Her new friend Andrew also discovers his pens do the same thing. When the two objects are combined, they make living illustrations. I have never wanted a monster of my own so badly than I do after reading this book.
They find through their art that there is more to magic than meets the eye and soon the two are caught up in a whirlwind of trying to save their town from a spirit determined to rebuild himself after death and wreak havoc on the bullies who tormented him in a prior lifetime.
The book took a bit for me to get into but I read it pretty much straight through after that. I got swept up in the creations of Andrew, Zuzu and eventually Banjo. Again, the star of this book is the furry monster just because I want one now.
Super delightful middle-grade read, though some of the auditions (the bad monsters) in the book be a bit scary for younger audiences.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. My opinions in this review are my own.
Zuzu has had trouble making friends, especially after her best friend moves away. She meets a new friend at the end of the year school picnic and together they find art supplies that will lead them on a journey of a lifetime. Zuzu is gifted with a magical paint set, so she paints her little brother, Banjo, a protection monster. Imagine her surprise when it comes off the page! Her new friend Andrew also discovers his pens do the same thing. When the two objects are combined, they make living illustrations. I have never wanted a monster of my own so badly than I do after reading this book.
They find through their art that there is more to magic than meets the eye and soon the two are caught up in a whirlwind of trying to save their town from a spirit determined to rebuild himself after death and wreak havoc on the bullies who tormented him in a prior lifetime.
The book took a bit for me to get into but I read it pretty much straight through after that. I got swept up in the creations of Andrew, Zuzu and eventually Banjo. Again, the star of this book is the furry monster just because I want one now.
Super delightful middle-grade read, though some of the auditions (the bad monsters) in the book be a bit scary for younger audiences.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. My opinions in this review are my own.
July 8, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Lerner Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Readers enter a world where magic is focused on the arts. ZuZu meets Andrew at the end of the year third grade celebration at Mapleton Mansion. It's there that they find some hidden art supplies that will play a major role later in the story. Both use their paint/pens to create and, to their surprise, the drawings come to life. They return to the mansion to get answers and get them. As they are learning about the helpful side of magic from Martha Mapleton, readers meet Martha's brother, Chester. He is set on revenge even after his death. Voskuil pulls readers into the minor challenges and builds to the final confrontation between the siblings and their third grade assistants. At times the maturity level for these children seems a bit higher than expected from this age.
Readers will connect with the characters' emotions and get a long term perspective on what happens when someone is bullied. They also see how seeking revenge can completely take over someone's life. This is all shared at a level middle grade readers will be able to process.
Readers enter a world where magic is focused on the arts. ZuZu meets Andrew at the end of the year third grade celebration at Mapleton Mansion. It's there that they find some hidden art supplies that will play a major role later in the story. Both use their paint/pens to create and, to their surprise, the drawings come to life. They return to the mansion to get answers and get them. As they are learning about the helpful side of magic from Martha Mapleton, readers meet Martha's brother, Chester. He is set on revenge even after his death. Voskuil pulls readers into the minor challenges and builds to the final confrontation between the siblings and their third grade assistants. At times the maturity level for these children seems a bit higher than expected from this age.
Readers will connect with the characters' emotions and get a long term perspective on what happens when someone is bullied. They also see how seeking revenge can completely take over someone's life. This is all shared at a level middle grade readers will be able to process.
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