There is also a story within the story, telling how the curse came to be. This adds another dimension and another fantastic set of characters to enjoy. The three sisters each have unique identities - they all behave and respond in different ways, and there is a strong cast of supporting players, whom readers will enjoy getting to know.

Themes- seeking adventure, feeling trapped, sister relationships, teenage siblings, making do, not being the pretty one, family shame, grandparent and granddaughter relationships. But the sisters. My god did I love reading that bond between the three Widdershin sisters. It was so authentic, full of loyalty and annoyance and all the complicated emotions that come along with such relationships - even the age differences showed. I don’t even HAVE siblings, and I could tell this is exactly how it is a lot of the time. And their progression through the book only added to my love for them, so much so that I’m itching to read the next book immediately. I want to know where they could possibly end up!

Table of Contents

On Betty's thirteenth Birthday, Granny reveals the Widdershins are plagued by an ancient curse that has them trapped on the island's confines with death their only escape. Their only good fortune comes in the shape of three mismatched items, handed down to them from generations of their ancestors - a carpet bag, a mermaid looking glass, and a set of dolls - and all these items come complete with a little pinch of magic. All Betty Widdershins wants is an adventure--one that takes her far away from Crowstone, the gloomy island where she's always lived. But instead of an adventure, Betty and her sisters, Fliss and Charlie, are given of a set of magical objects, each with its own powers: a scruffy carpet bag, a set of wooden nesting dolls, and a gilt-framed mirror. And these magical objects come with their own terrible secret: the sisters' family is haunted by a generations-long curse that prevents them from ever leaving their island--at the cost of death. Which of the three sisters, Fliss, Betty or Charlie, is most like you? Probably Charlie. I have a soft spot for animals and I’m usually thinking about my tummy, too! But there’s also a hint of Fliss. I’m a dreamer like her, and not very brave. I don’t have much in common with Betty except perhaps her nose for a mystery to be solved.

A good choice for middle grade fairy-tale fans craving something with an occasionally dark twist, and some sisterly double crossing. What a glorious book this is! I was utterly captivated by the Widdershins sisters' Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish Boy One of the reasons why this is one of the best middle grades I have ever read is due to the characters. Betty is our more predominant heroine, though her sisters have a huge presence too, but Betty’s character is so determined and funny, she drives this story forward. Fliss is the eldest and comes across as quite vain, but she has the best character development out of all of them! And Charlie, oh Charlie, the youngest - she is just incredible! For being a 6 year old, she is a force of nature. These three sisters work so well together, and seeing their relationship in this is so genuine, it adds to the charm of the story. Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments A Pinch of Magic is an easy read, with plenty of interest for a range of ages in the MG genre. How Betty’s adventure would pan out developed into plenty of suspense, although from a long way out (well, about 42% through) I had three-quarters of the solution.

Menu

It was just truly magical. It might be called A Pinch of Magic, but magic infused every word of this wonderful book. Not at all predictable, the book is full of imagery and I love the way Michelle Harrison describes the feelings of Betty, Fliss and Charlie in great depth. Books about journeys are my favourite sort of book - but A Pinch of Magic is different, in that the sisters want to leave the islands for an adventure of their own, but they are trapped by a curse. This is a very well-written book, particularly the way in which Michelle Harrison describes the feelings and emotions of the three sisters - there is a fantastic atmosphere to the book. I haven’t read a book like it. I love Michelle Harrison - I hadn’t read much fantasy but this series hooked me! Brilliant writing, beautiful!’ Lisa Thompson

This was such an intricate and well-crafted middle-grade story, that appealed to this adult reader just as much as the younger age range it was aimed towards. I found the three sisters hilarious and lovable, and adored getting into mischief alongside them. The story-line was well-paced and brilliantly-plotted with an unknowable trajectory that kept each new escapade and spot of trouble feeling fresh and exciting. I can't wait to see what the Widdershins get up to next, in A Sprinkle of Sorcery This story touches on some uncomfortable ideas – how to behave when you feel you are not the special one, what it feels like to unexpectedly be the villain of a story, how to deal with embarrassing family members – and shows how the three different sisters navigate these challenges. It’s a lovely rehearsal for some of the classic teen worries. This is a captivating and exciting adventure, full of hope, which gets more and more enjoyable and interesting. The book left me on a high, and I’m hoping Michelle Harrison will write a second. What is the book you wish you had written? My next one! I’m quite slow, and miss all my deadlines. I probably turn all my editors’ hair white with how late my manuscripts are. I wish I was one of those writers who can bang out a first draft in four weeks. If I had written any of the books that are my favourites, they wouldn’t be the same.

User menu

I found the art extra good - but wasn't very much into the story (MC being good at everything but overall quite bland - without much reason to save grandma's store but for hazy memories...) and the ending felt a bit rushed - on Kia's end at least. On the isle of Crowstone, set upon eerie marshes with a prison as its closest neighbour, the Widdershins sisters: Betty, Fliss and Charlie, set out to break a deadly curse which has haunted their family for generations. Sumptuously magical . . . prepare to fall under the spell of the story everyone will be wanting to read in 2019. A Pinch of Magic is about three sisters determined to break a family curse. A sea of emotions awaits you. There is humour; there is grief; you will laugh and be afraid - it’s a non-stop rollercoaster. Will the girls ever be able to venture beyond the Sorrow Isles to the places they dream of?

If you hadn't been an author what would have been your dream job? Either a career as an illustrator, or perhaps something working with animals. It’s not the best sign: I sat down to write a review and I couldn’t remember how the story started. Betty is the middle daughter of three, with dad in prison and mum dead. Their overworked and dispirited granny (when she’s not been imbibing her spirits) looks after them in her dilapidated bar. Betty’s disgruntlement gets worse as her older sister, who used to be such fun, is now a sour sixteen year-old. As Betty reaches her birthday, she discovers the reason why. The curse is upon her and her sisters. Three determined sisters are forbidden to leave their home. The youngest, Charlie, is unpredictable, caring and kind. Betty, the middle sister, is adventurous and daring. Fliss is thoughtful and kind. Will there be more adventures for the Widdershins sisters? (We hope so!) I hope so, too! I’ve given my publisher two ideas for my next book. One’s a Widdershins, the other is something new. Whatever happens, I don’t want it to be the end for the sisters.Michelle's path to becoming a writer was inspired by stories told by her sisters as she was growing up, one of which was so vivid it prompted her to dig in the garden looking for evidence of a dead fairy. (She didn't find anything.) Since becoming a published author she still does strange things like asking people to shut her in the boots of their cars – all in the name of research, of course – like Alice. Play as Varsha as you try to revive your grandparent's store, avoid scrutiny by the authorities, and find love—all in one summer. Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing -