Leila, the Perfect Witch

4.5

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Author(s)

Flavia Z. Drago

Publisher

Candlewick Press

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

July 12, 2022

ISBN

978-1536220506

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Leila Wayward is a little witch who excels at everything she does. She’s the fastest flier, the most cunning conjuror, and the most superb shape-shifter. She has won trophies for potions, herbology, and alchemy—and now she dreams of winning the Magnificent Witchy Cake-off! As the youngest in a long line of masters of the Dark Arts of Patisserie, Leila wants her entry to be perfect. But even with the most bewitching of recipes, she realizes a terrible truth: she’s a disaster in the kitchen. Luckily, Leila has three magical sisters who are happy to share their culinary secrets with her. What’s more, Leila discovers that baking with them is fun! Win or lose, she has already tasted the sweetest thing of all: acceptance—with a pinch of nightshade and a bit of mandrake. Filled with expressive and fancifully offbeat illustrations, Flavia Z. Drago’s enchanting story of trying your hardest despite your imperfections is sure to delight little witches

Editor review

1 review

A sweet story with enchanting illustrations

November 12, 2022 (Updated: November 12, 2022)

Overall rating

4.5

Plot

4.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Leila the little witch has won trophies and awards for her witchy skills. She is truly a perfect witch. After entering a baking contest, Leila discovers she does not excel at baking and needs to practice. The baking disasters make for some funny pictures. Leila's sisters help her improve her baking skills and she is ready for the competition. While the results aren't exactly what Leila was hoping for, she learns an important lesson about not giving up and how family helps each other.

The story was great, but the illustrations made this book special. Flavia Z. Drago has such a distinctive illustration style and adds such interesting small details to each illustration. During the last week, we have read this several times, and each time my son has pointed out something we hadn't noticed before.

I highly recommend this book for elementary-aged children who will be delighted by Leila and her family and the message of not giving up when things get challenging.