Circle of Doom

by Tim Kennemore

A fantastically funny concoction

One day, Lizzie Sharp decides to concoct a potion to cast a spell on her family’s only neighbors, the unbearable, ancient Potwards. The very next day, Mrs. Potward breaks her hip and the couple disappear forever. It could be just a coincidence, but Lizzie is convinced of her own magical powers, and the temptation to involve both her younger brothers in her ambitious spellmaking plans is irresistible. As one potion leads to another, all three Sharp children become ridiculously entangled in a web of secrets, conspiracies, and misunderstandings.

Readers will love being part of the hilarious magic at work in Tim Kennemore’s spellbinding new novel.

Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Middle Grade

208 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2001

About the author

"Tim Kennemore has written seven books for children previously, and was a runner up for the Carnegie Medal in 1982. She likes computer games, roller coasters and treasure hunts! She lives in North London with her two children."

From: Andersen Press

Reviews

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminded me somewhat of the Hilary McKay books. A very likeable family, and both funny and true to human nature.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this book and so far it is O.K...

The only reason I checked it out is because the cover looks like Roald Dahl wrote it. Look at the cover! It looks like the pictures in Roald Dahl books, doesn't it. Anyways... Its about this girl naked Lizzie who aparently now thinks she is a witch, her very smart and realistic brother, Dan, and her little lonely very willing-to-be-a-witch's-apprentice- brother Max. Weeeelllll....Lizzie was very mad at the cranky old neighbors across the street for ruining her b-day partay so she creates a "potion" to make her go away. I guess it started out as a joke until it acyually worked because the next day the old lady broke her hip(which is supposed to be a good thing for Lizzie, YAY!SHE BROKE HER HIP!) and the neighbors moved away. So now I'm on the part where she is trying to cast a good spell to this teacher that she hates alot. (Oh it is a good spell because Lizzie doesn't know if it will turn out all right so basically her teacher is like a test object) and then I stopped there.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book! The relationships between the siblings are so real and I loved the insights into their motivations and reactions to the book's events. It really brought me back to the best of childhood: perfect faith in the future and unlimited creativity. I will definitely have my kids read this one!

[paola | imjustpaola ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

E' stata una bellissima esperienza rileggere questo libro dopo cosi tanti anni, mi ha emozionato e mi ha fatto ritornare bambina. Lizie, Dan e Max saranno sempre i maghetti del mio cuore con le loro pozioni e le loro pazzie. I ciambella rimangono la famiglia TOP del libro, al 100%.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit hesitant about reading this youth book--thinking it would be on the too silly side. Actually, it was a fun break time read. Granted, the character Lizzie was a bit annoying to me; but her brother Max was a gem and provided most of the humor (most of it by accident). I think middle school age kids would really like this one.

[K. H. Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, Fun read. Totally entertaining!!!

[Sherry Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun kids' book. Great characters especially little Max who so wants to believe his sister has magic powers. Great to see the bully get his comeuppance too. I wanna believe!:). In witches that is:)

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book on my shelf of to read books, but it was supposed to be for my daughter. Once I had started it I figured I should finish it, it's a cute story and probably entertaining for a tween.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this comical and totally awesome book. I would laugh out loud so hard I couldn't continue reading out loud to my kids leaving them begging for me to continue. I few swear words that teachers reading out loud may want to change. I did for reading to my kids.

[Monica M · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot funny moments, especially with Max's active imagination.
The ending not satisfactory for my taste. There are no final conclusion on Lizzie's next move for her witchy career or how the new Dumplings family and Max relationship since he gains a new friend at last.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

really funny and a great read

[Joann White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on fantasy with lots of humor.

[Anat]

Cute.

[Candycloud · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only goodreads had 4.5 on here. I love this book, it really made me laugh, but some parts were a bit annoying.

[Clover White · Rating 5 out of 5]

We did this as a family read-aloud, and it was quite hilarious.

[Alex C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 4 stars because it was slightly repetitive.

[Nabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wavered back and forth, but the ending was rather funny...