Oliver Moon works hard at Magic School, practising his spellcraft, toad-training and broomstick-flying. But when he’s entered for the Young Wizard of the Year award he finds he’s up against the head boy, Merlin Spoonbender. Can Oliver cook up an extra special potion to win the prize?
Young Oliver Moon has just found out he has been short-listed for the Young Wizard of the Year Award. He just has to pass tests in Potion Brewing, Spellcraft and Broomstick Flying. Oh yeah, and a home inspection by the judging committee. That one is going to be tough because his parents have decided to hang up their pointy hats and immerse themselves in the modern, non-magical world. Hid dad cooks dinner in a microwave instead of a cauldron! His mom wears a pink T-shirt and shorts to dust away all the cobwebs! Will he ever get them to cooperate so he has a chance at this great honor? He just might get some help from a rather unexpected source. Read this first in a series to find out! This easy-to-read story is full of fun black and white illustrations making it perfect for those intermediate readers just starting into chapter books.
3.5/5 The first book in a series this is a super introduction to the fantasy genre for younger readers. There's a great sense of humour in the plot, character names and illustrations which is key for holding a younger reader's interest. With very accessible vocabulary throughout, this book would be suitable for children aged 6+ depending on reading ability.
Oliver Moon, a bright young wizard with a not-so-wizardish family, is entered into a competition for the Young Wizard of the Year award. The only problem? The judges will meet him and his family at his house. Oliver rushes to make his home and family seem properly magical, but will it fool the judges, or will they discover his secret and not give him the award?
My sister and I enjoyed this book. It was a nice light read, and very funny. The creative word usage was a bit difficult, at times, for my sister, but sticking to it has improved her reading.
I'm a GIGANTIC Harry Potter nerd so I had some slight concerns about this series being a copycat and failing miserably but it just goes in a whole different direction. Think: cackling witches with rotting teeth, toasted bat wings for breakfast, etc. plus a little bathroom humor for good measure. Ideal for the younger set for sure. My 6yo loved it -- he didn't want to stop and we ended up reading the entire 92 pages in one sitting. Looking forward to the next installment :)
Easy to read and short light fantasy fiction chapter books. I'll be ordering done of these for our library - it's nice to have some fantasy for readers this age (that's not just fairies or MTH).