What do you think?
Rate this book
The Magical Animal Adoption Agency #1
Clover's Luck
Clover discovers the Magical Animal Adoption Agency in the first in a marvelous new illustrated chapter book series!
Despite her name, Clover has always felt decidedly un lucky. So when she stumbles upon a mysterious cottage in the Woods, she can hardly believe her good fortune. It's the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, and it houses creatures of all kinds. Fairy horses, unicorns, and a fiery young dragon are just the beginning!
Mr. Jams, the Agency's owner, agrees to hire her as summer helper and Clover hopes her luck has finally changed. But when she's left alone to care for the Agency, a sneaky witch comes after the magical creatures! Will Clover outsmart her in time to protect the animals?
The first installment in a new illustrated chapter book series by Kallie George, featuring enchanting illustrations by Alexandra Boiger, will charm young readers as Clover learns that courage and heart can be even more powerful than good luck.
Despite her name, Clover has always felt decidedly un lucky. So when she stumbles upon a mysterious cottage in the Woods, she can hardly believe her good fortune. It's the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, and it houses creatures of all kinds. Fairy horses, unicorns, and a fiery young dragon are just the beginning!
Mr. Jams, the Agency's owner, agrees to hire her as summer helper and Clover hopes her luck has finally changed. But when she's left alone to care for the Agency, a sneaky witch comes after the magical creatures! Will Clover outsmart her in time to protect the animals?
The first installment in a new illustrated chapter book series by Kallie George, featuring enchanting illustrations by Alexandra Boiger, will charm young readers as Clover learns that courage and heart can be even more powerful than good luck.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2015
58 people are currently reading
1077 people want to read
About the author
Kallie George
91 books374 followersI’m an author, editor, and speaker living in Vancouver, BC, near the sea. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m teaching creative writing workshops.
I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.
I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.
I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.
I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
February 22, 2025
Oh my word! This was the cutest thing. The fairy horses were my favorite, and Clover is such a fun character. I'm so glad I decided to read this. 🤍
CW: magic, luck, a scary situation near the end.
CW: magic, luck, a scary situation near the end.
October 4, 2017
A sweet, entertaining story I probably would have loved as a kid (the four stars is from my childhood self, and also because it's much better than many of new-ish children's novels I've read recently). It is a short, quick read but also contains some lovely descriptions. Here's the opening:
"Luck is like magic. It's mysterious and exciting and impossible to explain. It can't be described by equations or logic or even by books. You just have to believe.
"Clover believed. She believed luck existed--and that all of hers was bad. From the time she was born under a moon as thin as a cat's whisker--a bad omen, she'd decided--her life had been filled with one misfortune after another, from burst bike tires to burnt toast. Not to mention problems with pets.
She tried everything to change her luck. She painted her room bright green, the color of lucky clover, her namesake, and pasted shooting stars on her ceiling that she could wish on every night. She hung a horseshoe over her bed and collected shiny pennies in a jar that she kept on her windowsill...."
Of course, the story is about how Clover's luck changes (or maybe she was never unlucky to begin with?) and it's very sweet the way she helps the magical creatures find good homes. I love the idea of the magical animal adoption agency and the animals were all described in charming and endearing ways. And, as someone who volunteered at a cat sanctuary for many years, I found myself nodding in agreement with Mr. Jam's advice to Clover when she beings volunteering at the M.A.A.A.: "Ah, a gentle heart you have, my dear. But beware. Although I have mentioned the many characters I will not let adopt our animals, there are far more for whom I've arranged adoptions. Adoption is our Agency's purpose. It can be hard to part ways with an animal but the Agency isn't a home for them. You will need to guard your heart, even as you keep it open." So true!
Of course, the grown-up in me was a bit annoyed with Clover's parents for being so lackadaisical and more interested in their work than in their daughter; I mean, come on, you let your daughter wander off on her own all the time and don't even vet the place your daughter wants to volunteer? Of course, the grown-up in me also sees this was a plot device to allow Clover to be on her own.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and the accompanying illustrations have the right blend of magic and whimsy. Nothing too perilous happens and Agency animals receive happy endings so I think it would be good for even sensitive readers.
"Luck is like magic. It's mysterious and exciting and impossible to explain. It can't be described by equations or logic or even by books. You just have to believe.
"Clover believed. She believed luck existed--and that all of hers was bad. From the time she was born under a moon as thin as a cat's whisker--a bad omen, she'd decided--her life had been filled with one misfortune after another, from burst bike tires to burnt toast. Not to mention problems with pets.
She tried everything to change her luck. She painted her room bright green, the color of lucky clover, her namesake, and pasted shooting stars on her ceiling that she could wish on every night. She hung a horseshoe over her bed and collected shiny pennies in a jar that she kept on her windowsill...."
Of course, the story is about how Clover's luck changes (or maybe she was never unlucky to begin with?) and it's very sweet the way she helps the magical creatures find good homes. I love the idea of the magical animal adoption agency and the animals were all described in charming and endearing ways. And, as someone who volunteered at a cat sanctuary for many years, I found myself nodding in agreement with Mr. Jam's advice to Clover when she beings volunteering at the M.A.A.A.: "Ah, a gentle heart you have, my dear. But beware. Although I have mentioned the many characters I will not let adopt our animals, there are far more for whom I've arranged adoptions. Adoption is our Agency's purpose. It can be hard to part ways with an animal but the Agency isn't a home for them. You will need to guard your heart, even as you keep it open." So true!
Of course, the grown-up in me was a bit annoyed with Clover's parents for being so lackadaisical and more interested in their work than in their daughter; I mean, come on, you let your daughter wander off on her own all the time and don't even vet the place your daughter wants to volunteer? Of course, the grown-up in me also sees this was a plot device to allow Clover to be on her own.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and the accompanying illustrations have the right blend of magic and whimsy. Nothing too perilous happens and Agency animals receive happy endings so I think it would be good for even sensitive readers.
October 9, 2014
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My daughter is just getting into chapter books, so I enjoy reading titles before her so I can find out what will continue to spark her interest.
This one definitely does the trick.
There is a lot to like in this book: fantastic animals, a girl discovering her abilities, villains who aren't terribly bad, and magic.
The pace is such that it will keep younger readers moving along with only the occasional pause for an unknown word.
The heroine is a girl who's self perceived faults turn out to be assets.
And there is magical silliness to incite young one's laughter.
We are looking very forward to continuing to read this series.
My daughter is just getting into chapter books, so I enjoy reading titles before her so I can find out what will continue to spark her interest.
This one definitely does the trick.
There is a lot to like in this book: fantastic animals, a girl discovering her abilities, villains who aren't terribly bad, and magic.
The pace is such that it will keep younger readers moving along with only the occasional pause for an unknown word.
The heroine is a girl who's self perceived faults turn out to be assets.
And there is magical silliness to incite young one's laughter.
We are looking very forward to continuing to read this series.
August 8, 2025
A million stars!
June 18, 2015
This was a fantastic story! The story was full of good lessons about luck, pet ownership and hard work. My children were so enraptured by the fire-breathing dragons and unicorns they didn't even realize they were learning anything. With an intriguing plot, phenomenal illustrations and magical animals for adoption, I cannot wait to read more books from this series. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
December 29, 2014
Clover is plucky and determined; despite having had such bad luck with pets, she finds and volunteers at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. Her bad luck doesn't end, though, as an evil witch tricks her twice, putting a couple of the animals in harm's way. By the end of the story, Clover's luck turns around and leaves room for sequels. A charming story for girls who like fairies and animals.
March 31, 2015
I thought this would be another easy early chapter book fluff story but it was surprisingly well written and interesting. I will definitely recommend this series.
April 12, 2016
The perfect new series for the 8-11 year olds who are destined to love Harry Potter someday.
June 21, 2020
I read this book because my 9 year old begged me to read it so we could talk about it together. When your daughter loves a story that much, you give in. This book was above her reading level but she seemed to handle it fine. It was a sweet story with lovely ink drawings about a girl that stumbles upon a magical animal adoption agency in the forest and applies to volunteer there. Many delightful adventures ensue. There is a theme of luck through the book that I am planning on discussing with a biblical perspective. She’s already reading the second in the series now.
July 31, 2021
This book was never boring, always sweet, and had such a great "moral of the story" by the end - it made me so happy. The descriptions were lovely but not too long and it had just enough illustrations. I read this to my 5 year old and we both loved it. If your kid likes reading about witches, wizards, princesses, and magical creatures, then this book is perfect!
March 31, 2019
Love this first book! A fantastic story about a girl that always thought she was unlucky and the crazy adventure that helps her realize just how lucky she really is. Excited to read the next book and find out what's in the egg!!
October 27, 2019
Clover's Luck is a very sweet story about a young girl's discovery of her own self-worth and confidence as she learns that the world is perhaps far more magical than she could have ever imagined.
A great length for reading aloud.
A great length for reading aloud.
May 25, 2023
I read this aloud to my 4 year old, she gave it 4 stars.
February 18, 2024
Fun read!
September 12, 2019
What a wonderful book! I loved it. It was full of magic, cuteness and LUCK! Clover is an amazing character and I can not wait to start the second part. Recommend it! 4- A really good book.
August 25, 2017
A fast moving plot about a girl who believes that she is unlucky, but learns that she can make her own luck. Book was resolved but left some mysteries to be solved in the next book in the series. A solid early chapter book.
February 16, 2016
Clover's Luck is the first book in an ADORABLE new children's series. If you know a girl in 2-4 grade who loves magical animals this book would make a great gift. Lessons abound in this charming little story about Clover, a young girl who discovers that she can make her own luck. Clover has always believed herself to be an unlucky girl born under an unlucky moon. Things just don't seem to go right for her, or do they?
She learns a lot about herself, hard work, keeping promises and being responsible when she becomes a volunteer at an animal adoption agency. But not just any animals, magical animals!
She befriends a dragon, unicorns, a magical toad, fairy horses and a gnome who is the night guard of the agency!! Clover IS a lucky girl because she just snagged the best summer job of all time!! And as a bonus, the cover art and illustrations are beautiful!!
I highly recommend this children's fantasy and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!!! Four and a half stars rounded up to five.
She learns a lot about herself, hard work, keeping promises and being responsible when she becomes a volunteer at an animal adoption agency. But not just any animals, magical animals!
She befriends a dragon, unicorns, a magical toad, fairy horses and a gnome who is the night guard of the agency!! Clover IS a lucky girl because she just snagged the best summer job of all time!! And as a bonus, the cover art and illustrations are beautiful!!
I highly recommend this children's fantasy and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!!! Four and a half stars rounded up to five.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2014
My daughter and I both got a sneak peek at this book. (Thank you, Kallie!) And we both loved it. Clover has the dream job of every little girl -- I mean, who wouldn't want to care for miniature fairy horses? Though personally, the grumpy gnome was my favourite agency resident.
Kallie has a wonderful way of creating a world where everything is magical, but the problems seem real. I can't wait to read the next books in the series!
Kallie has a wonderful way of creating a world where everything is magical, but the problems seem real. I can't wait to read the next books in the series!
February 3, 2015
review to come
October 1, 2015
This was a cute book. It spoke more to my daughters than it did me, but they really enjoyed it and, since I was reading it to them, I figure that's a good thing. :o)
December 20, 2017
Die Sommerferien nahen und Felicitas ist unglücklich, weil sie nicht mit ihrer Freundin zusammen auf dem Ponyhof Urlaub machen kann. Dann fliegt auch noch ihr Kanarienvogel davon. Sie läuft ihm nach, um in wieder einzufangen und gelangt so in einen ihr unbekannten Teil des Waldes.
Es handelt sich um die Villa der Zaubertiere, die von einem seltsamen Herrn geleitet wird, der Feli herein bittet und ihr eine Stelle als Hilfe anbietet. In dieser Villa werden Zaubertiere aufgepäppelt, gepflegt und betreut, bis sie an eine passende Familie als Haustier vermittelt werden können.
Staunend begleitet Feli Herrn Jams durch das Gebäude und lernt schnell die Einhörner, eine verfluchte Kröte, Zwergpferde, Feuersalamander, Hexenkatzen und einen Drachen kennen. Alle Tiere wurden von ihren vorherigen Besitzern (bei den Einhörnern zumeist ungezogene Prinzessinnen) schlecht behandelt und warten nun auf neue Besitzer, die gut zu ihnen sind.
Feli ist überglücklich und gern bereit, den Ferienjob anzunehmen, doch womit sie nicht gerechnet hat, ist, dass Herr Jams sie allein lassen muss. Nach einer kurzen Einweisung ist sie plötzlich für alle Tiere verantwortlich.
Sie lässt sich nicht entmutigen und beginnt mit der Arbeit, doch dann taucht eine Prinzessin auf.
Sehr viele Details sorgen dafür, dass diese Geschichte, die komplett aus Felis Sicht erzählt wird, so richtig ans Herz geht. Feli glaubt von sich selbst, dass sie eben immer Pech hat, weswegen alles schief geht, was sie anpackt. Doch sie lernt im Laufe der Geschichte, dass sie sich da wohl irrt. Sie ist sehr verantwortungsbewusst, liebevoll, zuverlässig und einfallsreich. Sie ist beharrlich und hilfsbereit.
So wird die Geschichte, die mit so viel Leichtigkeit und fantasievollen Kreaturen daherkommt, zu einem Text, der sowohl beim selber Lesen als auch beim Vorlesen seinen Charme entfaltet und die Leser/Zuhörer schnell dazu bringt, Felis eigene Einstellung zu sich selbst in Frage zu stellen.
Ganz nebenbei wird auch noch ein spannendes Abenteuer erzählt. Es geht um jede Menge mythologische Tiere (und einige neu erfundene), die alle ihre Probleme haben und ganz besondere Pflege brauchen.
Viele Details lassen den ersten Band der Reihe fast überquellen, eine skurrile Idee folgt der nächsten.
Jedes Buch ist liebevoll in Schwarz-Weiß illustriert, manchmal großformatig (bis zu einer Seite), manchmal nur mit einem Detail am Rand.
Inzwischen sind drei Bände erschienen. Immer steht eines der Tiere und seine Vermittlung im Mittelpunkt. Dabei entwickelt Feli sich jedes Mal ein Stückchen weiter.
1. Einhörner suchen ein Zuhause
2. Ein in Nest voller Überraschungen
3. Rettung für den Babyphönix
Fazit: Liebevoll gestaltete Bücher zum Träumen für alle tierliebenden Mädchen.
Es handelt sich um die Villa der Zaubertiere, die von einem seltsamen Herrn geleitet wird, der Feli herein bittet und ihr eine Stelle als Hilfe anbietet. In dieser Villa werden Zaubertiere aufgepäppelt, gepflegt und betreut, bis sie an eine passende Familie als Haustier vermittelt werden können.
Staunend begleitet Feli Herrn Jams durch das Gebäude und lernt schnell die Einhörner, eine verfluchte Kröte, Zwergpferde, Feuersalamander, Hexenkatzen und einen Drachen kennen. Alle Tiere wurden von ihren vorherigen Besitzern (bei den Einhörnern zumeist ungezogene Prinzessinnen) schlecht behandelt und warten nun auf neue Besitzer, die gut zu ihnen sind.
Feli ist überglücklich und gern bereit, den Ferienjob anzunehmen, doch womit sie nicht gerechnet hat, ist, dass Herr Jams sie allein lassen muss. Nach einer kurzen Einweisung ist sie plötzlich für alle Tiere verantwortlich.
Sie lässt sich nicht entmutigen und beginnt mit der Arbeit, doch dann taucht eine Prinzessin auf.
Sehr viele Details sorgen dafür, dass diese Geschichte, die komplett aus Felis Sicht erzählt wird, so richtig ans Herz geht. Feli glaubt von sich selbst, dass sie eben immer Pech hat, weswegen alles schief geht, was sie anpackt. Doch sie lernt im Laufe der Geschichte, dass sie sich da wohl irrt. Sie ist sehr verantwortungsbewusst, liebevoll, zuverlässig und einfallsreich. Sie ist beharrlich und hilfsbereit.
So wird die Geschichte, die mit so viel Leichtigkeit und fantasievollen Kreaturen daherkommt, zu einem Text, der sowohl beim selber Lesen als auch beim Vorlesen seinen Charme entfaltet und die Leser/Zuhörer schnell dazu bringt, Felis eigene Einstellung zu sich selbst in Frage zu stellen.
Ganz nebenbei wird auch noch ein spannendes Abenteuer erzählt. Es geht um jede Menge mythologische Tiere (und einige neu erfundene), die alle ihre Probleme haben und ganz besondere Pflege brauchen.
Viele Details lassen den ersten Band der Reihe fast überquellen, eine skurrile Idee folgt der nächsten.
Jedes Buch ist liebevoll in Schwarz-Weiß illustriert, manchmal großformatig (bis zu einer Seite), manchmal nur mit einem Detail am Rand.
Inzwischen sind drei Bände erschienen. Immer steht eines der Tiere und seine Vermittlung im Mittelpunkt. Dabei entwickelt Feli sich jedes Mal ein Stückchen weiter.
1. Einhörner suchen ein Zuhause
2. Ein in Nest voller Überraschungen
3. Rettung für den Babyphönix
Fazit: Liebevoll gestaltete Bücher zum Träumen für alle tierliebenden Mädchen.
March 26, 2021
When a baseball flies through the very unlucky Clovers' window and her new pet bird, Penny, flies off, she knows she won't find her bird again but she tries anyway and ends up in the dark woods where she comes across an advertisement for the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. Clover decides that helping animals might be better than losing another pet so she volunteers and is hired, but soon after, the owner, Mr. Jams, disappears and Clover is left to take care of the creatures and choose who is or isn't right for adoption, all by herself! Can she make it through her first few days of work?
This is a wonderful start to a magical children's series about a little girl with little luck but a huge heart and a love of animals... and mythical creatures! You really feel for unlucky Clover but root for her as she learns her way about the adoption agency and stops a wicked plot while also finding the perfect home for some of the magical creatures.
The illustrations are gorgeous with a very soft and calming quality that really fits the whimsical theme of the story!
I definitely recommend this to any young readers that love fantasy, animals, or mythical creatures such as unicorns, fairies, gnomes, dragons, and more!
I read this aloud to my 6-year-old and she adored it!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.
This is a wonderful start to a magical children's series about a little girl with little luck but a huge heart and a love of animals... and mythical creatures! You really feel for unlucky Clover but root for her as she learns her way about the adoption agency and stops a wicked plot while also finding the perfect home for some of the magical creatures.
The illustrations are gorgeous with a very soft and calming quality that really fits the whimsical theme of the story!
I definitely recommend this to any young readers that love fantasy, animals, or mythical creatures such as unicorns, fairies, gnomes, dragons, and more!
I read this aloud to my 6-year-old and she adored it!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.
February 23, 2023
For me this was a three-star, but I think little readers will rate it higher. The writing is pretty good and the magical and plot elements are very age appropriate. A modern girl lives near a magical wood. She stumbles on a magical animal shelter and is given a job. There's a little adventure/mystery involved for the girl to puzzle over, but mostly this book was a girl's guide to magical creatures. It had a slightly fairytale feel as the main character seems about 8 years old, yet she is left alone and cleans and cooks and cares for a whole farm worth of creatures. There were some minor details I didn't like. You can't tell the girl is modern right away and so it kind of throws the reader, ruining the moments when the MC crosses the boundaries into the magical. Also I didn't like the girl's relationship with her parents or the whole unlucky thing. It was a great idea which I myself have tried to explore in fiction, but it felt "told" and not central to the MC's emotional arc. There was a detail about her pet bird which was unsatisfying. The ending is open ended to begin the next adventure. I would read this to my kids.
April 8, 2022
**Mom- and unicorn-loving-7–yr-old-approved**
I got this from a book list somewhere to give to my somewhat precocious (in the reading department) first grader (age 7). I was hoping for something about the same level as Magic tree house; this is definitely more advanced, with more varied and difficult vocabulary and sentence structure (and better story telling, in my opinion: setting descriptions, main character’s interior voice, similes and metaphors that conjure up a picture for the reader, etc.), and it is quite a bit longer than MTH books as well. My daughter finished it over a few weeks’ bedtime reading, gave me plot updates throughout, so I knew she was comprehending it, and she asked for the next one when she was done. I decided to read this myself, too, just to see what kind of writing it is and to monitor what content my kid is reading. I was surprisingly intrigued by the plot, I liked the protagonist, and I really liked the “message” the plot conveys, too. Excellent literary value as something I can hand to a young elementary student to read on her own!
I got this from a book list somewhere to give to my somewhat precocious (in the reading department) first grader (age 7). I was hoping for something about the same level as Magic tree house; this is definitely more advanced, with more varied and difficult vocabulary and sentence structure (and better story telling, in my opinion: setting descriptions, main character’s interior voice, similes and metaphors that conjure up a picture for the reader, etc.), and it is quite a bit longer than MTH books as well. My daughter finished it over a few weeks’ bedtime reading, gave me plot updates throughout, so I knew she was comprehending it, and she asked for the next one when she was done. I decided to read this myself, too, just to see what kind of writing it is and to monitor what content my kid is reading. I was surprisingly intrigued by the plot, I liked the protagonist, and I really liked the “message” the plot conveys, too. Excellent literary value as something I can hand to a young elementary student to read on her own!
June 5, 2023
Clover believed that luck existed. She just...didn't have it...yet... She had always felt extremely unlucky, but then one day she accidentally found the M.A.A.A! The Magical Animal Adoption Agency! Small horses with wings, unicorns, a phoenix, and a small dragon were just some of the creatures at the M.A.A.A. The M.A.A.A.'s owner, Mr. Jams, hired Clover for the summer as a worker at the Agency. Clover finally thought that her luck was about to change, but when Mr. Jams left her alone at the M.A.A.A., a mischievous witch came for the creatures! Will Clover be able to handle the situation without Mr. Jams? This is a three-book series, but I have only read books 1 and 3. (Yes, I skipped two 😂 - I just got what was available to me at the time) I really enjoyed both books! They were so entertaining and sweet! These are great if you like magical creatures and/or anything mythical.
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
February 7, 2025
"Clover's Luck" by Kallie George was the perfect companion for a cozy evening of self-care a face-masks. I enjoyed this charming read while sipping hot tea, soaking in a warm bath, and enjoying the soothing scent of blood orange essential oil. The book itself was a delightful tale of self-discovery and volunteerism set against the backdrop of an animal shelter. While it may not be the most profound or thought-provoking novel out there, Clover's journey of realizing that her luck was all a matter of perspective was both heartwarming and relatable. It was an enjoyable and uplifting escape from the everyday hustle and bustle that left me feeling grateful for the little moments of joy in life. If you're looking for a lighthearted read that will leave you with a smile on your face, I'd recommend giving "Clover's Luck" a try!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2021
I had been sniffing about for a good children's story about animal care and look what turned up at the library. This was such a sweet and marvellous tale of a girl who is ironically named Clover. She seemed to have plenty of mishaps up until the day she stumbled upon a magical place in the woods that takes care of lost, wounded and unwanted magical creatures. I love the tiny fairy horses and the rest of the other magical animals, especially Moondrop. I also love how cosy the setting was - I could picture Mr. Jams munching on his cinnamon toast and the gnome that guards the place at night. I was incredibly proud of Clover's effort and love in protecting all the creatures. I wonder what Book 2 has in store for me.
October 6, 2024
Ultimately I decided I won't let my 8 yo read this. I love a lot of KG's other books, so that is why I wanted to check this series out.
Pros: Clover is a hard worker and a problem solver. The setting is fun. Kids would enjoy the MAAA's fun animals and the various characters that come in and out of the agency.
Cons: Clover has absent, workaholic parents who don't even know where she is volunteering. She has to keep the agency a secret from them. Spoilers: the witch who is tricking Clover throughout the story needs the blood of an unlucky child for her potion. The witch then has to trick and kidnap Clover to get some drops of blood by pricking her finger. I'm not a fan of that whole part of the story, so for that reason I won't be passing it along to my daughter.
Pros: Clover is a hard worker and a problem solver. The setting is fun. Kids would enjoy the MAAA's fun animals and the various characters that come in and out of the agency.
Cons: Clover has absent, workaholic parents who don't even know where she is volunteering. She has to keep the agency a secret from them. Spoilers: the witch who is tricking Clover throughout the story needs the blood of an unlucky child for her potion. The witch then has to trick and kidnap Clover to get some drops of blood by pricking her finger. I'm not a fan of that whole part of the story, so for that reason I won't be passing it along to my daughter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2021
This is a delightful book full of surprises! I loved the magical animals and the creative people that came to adopt them! The drawings are amazing sketches which really add to the adventures found in this book. It would be a great read-aloud for a 3rd-4th grade ELL class to start a unit on fantasy books. I found this book at my public library after it was recommended on BookRiot.com/best-fantasy-books-for-k.... There are some higher order vocabulary words that could be taught from this book such as aviary, tentative, plump, and throbbed, not to mention all the different magical animals such as unicorns, dragons, fire salamanders, miniature horses, and a mood toad.
July 11, 2021
Read aloud. Not as good as her Heartwood Hotel series, which we all enjoyed. This had a bit too much talking about the characters and their situations and not enough storytelling. I also didn't like how frequently the author told us how Clover had to keep it a secret and couldn't tell her parents about this magical world and what she was doing all day. The actual storytelling part was pretty good- a simple, not-too scary delve into fantasy with cute magical animals to imagine, and some wizards and witches.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews