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A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic: Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm
A New York Times bestseller!
A plucky young goatkeeper sets out on a misadventurous rescue mission in this uproarious debut novel, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Lemony Snicket.
In a kingdom ruled by a capricious king, the castle rests on the backs of twenty-four goats, and the welfare of those goats rests on the back of a girl called Bernadette. So when one goat escapes, it’s up to her—with the help of a very forgetful wizard and a Boat That Does Not Grant Wishes—to bring it back safely.
Her task may be straightforward, but this book is anything but. Like a swirling herd of restless goats, the chapters are all out of order. The ending may prove to have been the beginning all along. All the while, the author of Bernadette’s saga—a character himself—hurries to write her a resolution, with very mixed results. And if you’re feeling lost, don’t worry; the story has twenty-four morals, of varying advisability, to edify you along the way.
Award-winning picture book author and illustrator Philip Stead makes a confident debut as a novelist in this laugh-out-loud, one-of-a-kind illustrated tale, chock-full of running gags, broken fourth walls, and underdog triumph.
Gilded edges, a velvet-touch jacket with foil accents and embossing, a foil-stamped cloth case and printed endpapers make A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic as thrilling to hold as it is to open, a perfect gift for any young reader.
A plucky young goatkeeper sets out on a misadventurous rescue mission in this uproarious debut novel, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Lemony Snicket.
In a kingdom ruled by a capricious king, the castle rests on the backs of twenty-four goats, and the welfare of those goats rests on the back of a girl called Bernadette. So when one goat escapes, it’s up to her—with the help of a very forgetful wizard and a Boat That Does Not Grant Wishes—to bring it back safely.
Her task may be straightforward, but this book is anything but. Like a swirling herd of restless goats, the chapters are all out of order. The ending may prove to have been the beginning all along. All the while, the author of Bernadette’s saga—a character himself—hurries to write her a resolution, with very mixed results. And if you’re feeling lost, don’t worry; the story has twenty-four morals, of varying advisability, to edify you along the way.
Award-winning picture book author and illustrator Philip Stead makes a confident debut as a novelist in this laugh-out-loud, one-of-a-kind illustrated tale, chock-full of running gags, broken fourth walls, and underdog triumph.
Gilded edges, a velvet-touch jacket with foil accents and embossing, a foil-stamped cloth case and printed endpapers make A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic as thrilling to hold as it is to open, a perfect gift for any young reader.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Philip C. Stead
30 books243 followersPhilip C. Stead is the author of the Caldecott Medal winning book A Sick Day for Amos McGee, also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2010 and a Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of 2010, illustrated by his wife, Erin E. Stead. Together with Erin, he also created Bear Has a Story to Tell, an E.B. White Read-Aloud Award honor book. Philip, also an artist, has written and illustrated several of his own books including Hello, My Name is Ruby, Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat, A Home for Bird, and his debut Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast, which was applauded by School Library Journal for “its wry humor and illustrations worthy of a Roald Dahl creation.” Philip lives with Erin and their dog, Wednesday, in a 100-year-old barn in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 3, 2026
This book was an absolute treat. It might be because I just started approaching middle-grade books, but THE CREATIVITY, THE RANDOMNESS, THE CHAOS of this book were an absolute delight.
ADHD on dr*gs basically.
Now: Is this a children's book? Not sure. But I do not mind.
⚡️ There is Bernadette, our fearsome MC, who is the goat keeper of 24 goats (95 legs) that hold the king's castle.
🪄 There is a magician, a tree/boat/wheeled barrel/hut, a turtle (or was it a turkey? :P), and the NC!
🦄 And there are chapters in the wrong order. Oh, and an author who would have liked to be a bike mechanic
☔️ And an umbrella storm. OBVIOUSLY
I loved the chaotic energy of this one.
ADHD on dr*gs basically.
Now: Is this a children's book? Not sure. But I do not mind.
⚡️ There is Bernadette, our fearsome MC, who is the goat keeper of 24 goats (95 legs) that hold the king's castle.
🪄 There is a magician, a tree/boat/wheeled barrel/hut, a turtle (or was it a turkey? :P), and the NC!
🦄 And there are chapters in the wrong order. Oh, and an author who would have liked to be a bike mechanic
☔️ And an umbrella storm. OBVIOUSLY
I loved the chaotic energy of this one.
April 22, 2026
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
This was such a cute and fun middle grade book!
The story was so creative. It was told out of order (it started at chapter thirteen) but was not confusing at all. The chapters were all clearly labeled so you knew where you were. The story reminded me of Alice in Wonderland because of how nonsensical and outrageous it was. For example, the castle was built on top of goats which obviously makes no logical sense, but that’s the genius of it. The book fully leaned into its absurdity and that made it work so well. The king in the story also reminded me of the Queen of Hearts because of his self centered attitude.
I loved the main character, Bernadette. I was happy to see things work out for her in the end.
The book also has illustrations throughout as well as full page character illustrations at the very beginning. All the pictures made the book feel so immersive. It made it so easy to visualize the story.
The endpapers of the book were the map that Bernadette receives from Clarence, the tollbooth owner. I thought that was a cute touch. I loved that the map was from his perspective because there was a lot to discover in the story and the map didn’t give anything away. The map also highlighted the ridiculousness of the story.
Overall, I had a blast reading this book. If you like silly and outlandish fantasy reads, I highly recommend this one!
This was such a cute and fun middle grade book!
The story was so creative. It was told out of order (it started at chapter thirteen) but was not confusing at all. The chapters were all clearly labeled so you knew where you were. The story reminded me of Alice in Wonderland because of how nonsensical and outrageous it was. For example, the castle was built on top of goats which obviously makes no logical sense, but that’s the genius of it. The book fully leaned into its absurdity and that made it work so well. The king in the story also reminded me of the Queen of Hearts because of his self centered attitude.
I loved the main character, Bernadette. I was happy to see things work out for her in the end.
The book also has illustrations throughout as well as full page character illustrations at the very beginning. All the pictures made the book feel so immersive. It made it so easy to visualize the story.
The endpapers of the book were the map that Bernadette receives from Clarence, the tollbooth owner. I thought that was a cute touch. I loved that the map was from his perspective because there was a lot to discover in the story and the map didn’t give anything away. The map also highlighted the ridiculousness of the story.
Overall, I had a blast reading this book. If you like silly and outlandish fantasy reads, I highly recommend this one!
April 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the kind of story that feels slightly… misplaced—and yet, somehow, exactly where it belongs. It doesn’t quite behave the way you expect it to—and that’s where the magic lives.
I received an ARC of the audiobook via NetGalley, and from the very first moments, it felt like being invited into a story that already knew the shape it wanted to take.
A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic doesn’t follow a straight path. It turns, it loops, and unfolds in its own time—yet beneath that, there is a quiet assurance. A kingdom balanced on goats, a journey that resists urgency, and a narrative that moves out of sequence could easily feel disjointed, but instead, it settles into something cohesive and thoughtfully constructed.
What might have felt chaotic instead reveals itself as intentional. The nonlinear structure and looping progression don’t distance the listener—they ask for a different kind of attention. The story invites you to move with it rather than ahead of it, to trust its rhythm rather than question its direction. And in those moments where the narrator becomes part of the story itself, the boundary between storyteller and tale softens in a way that feels purposeful, drawing you further into the experience of being told a story.
At the centre of it all is Bernadette. There is a quiet steadiness to her, an emotional weight that anchors the narrative and gives shape to its more unusual edges. Through her, the story remains grounded, even as it bends and shifts around her.
The narration elevates this even further.
Daniel Henning brings an incredible sense of timing, personality, and theatrical charm to the story. Each character feels distinct without ever becoming overdone, and he leans into the humour and absurdity with such confidence that it enhances every moment. The pacing—especially with the unconventional structure—is handled beautifully. It never feels confusing, only immersive. It genuinely feels like being told a story by someone who understands exactly how it should be heard. It feels less like listening to an audiobook and more like being drawn into a story that’s being shared just for you.
The combination of Stead’s inventive storytelling and Henning’s performance creates something that feels both nostalgic and entirely unique—like a fairytale that wandered off-script and became better for it.
A story that takes risks, understands them, and carries them through with quiet confidence. ✨
This is the kind of story that feels slightly… misplaced—and yet, somehow, exactly where it belongs. It doesn’t quite behave the way you expect it to—and that’s where the magic lives.
I received an ARC of the audiobook via NetGalley, and from the very first moments, it felt like being invited into a story that already knew the shape it wanted to take.
A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic doesn’t follow a straight path. It turns, it loops, and unfolds in its own time—yet beneath that, there is a quiet assurance. A kingdom balanced on goats, a journey that resists urgency, and a narrative that moves out of sequence could easily feel disjointed, but instead, it settles into something cohesive and thoughtfully constructed.
What might have felt chaotic instead reveals itself as intentional. The nonlinear structure and looping progression don’t distance the listener—they ask for a different kind of attention. The story invites you to move with it rather than ahead of it, to trust its rhythm rather than question its direction. And in those moments where the narrator becomes part of the story itself, the boundary between storyteller and tale softens in a way that feels purposeful, drawing you further into the experience of being told a story.
At the centre of it all is Bernadette. There is a quiet steadiness to her, an emotional weight that anchors the narrative and gives shape to its more unusual edges. Through her, the story remains grounded, even as it bends and shifts around her.
The narration elevates this even further.
Daniel Henning brings an incredible sense of timing, personality, and theatrical charm to the story. Each character feels distinct without ever becoming overdone, and he leans into the humour and absurdity with such confidence that it enhances every moment. The pacing—especially with the unconventional structure—is handled beautifully. It never feels confusing, only immersive. It genuinely feels like being told a story by someone who understands exactly how it should be heard. It feels less like listening to an audiobook and more like being drawn into a story that’s being shared just for you.
The combination of Stead’s inventive storytelling and Henning’s performance creates something that feels both nostalgic and entirely unique—like a fairytale that wandered off-script and became better for it.
A story that takes risks, understands them, and carries them through with quiet confidence. ✨
May 18, 2026
I probably shouldn't rate this based on the audio book. I think it needs the illustrations to work. It is very clever - a little too clever, to the point of self-indulgence on the author's part. Some of the jokes will land flat with young readers. I suspect a Terry Pratchett influence at work, without his depth. I was mostly bored. My print copy has yet to arrive. I may revisit my rating once I've checked out that format.
April 10, 2026
I picked up a signed copy in a cute little bookstore while vacationing in Savannah, Ga. This book is quirky and fun and full of delight. I loved that it was out of order and I can imagine a lot of kids will too. It makes you so curious as to what happened to put the character in her current predicament. I have three kids and often help with a fourth grade class and I can see them very much enjoying the humor and fun in this book. It has a very lovely ending.
July 11, 2026
Kid's review: "The story was funny but having the chapters mixed up was too confusing."
Adult review: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ I found this whimsical and so fun to read out loud. The morals were meaningful and I really appreciated the advanced vocabulary we were able to explain and discuss.
Adult review: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ I found this whimsical and so fun to read out loud. The morals were meaningful and I really appreciated the advanced vocabulary we were able to explain and discuss.
May 8, 2026
P.25 the process of writing diwn elements in your memory”.
Use of language is amazing.
Makes me think of Norton Juster, John Agee, Kate DiCamillo, lemony snicket and so many others. Love the reverse chapers!
so much to care about in this. I yield to reviews that have and will. be written by so many.
This will be embraced by math, literature, philosophy teachers at almost all levels. Not sure how I feel about it for 5th graders. Kind of how I felt about Ella Enchanted so many years ago.
Use of language is amazing.
Makes me think of Norton Juster, John Agee, Kate DiCamillo, lemony snicket and so many others. Love the reverse chapers!
so much to care about in this. I yield to reviews that have and will. be written by so many.
This will be embraced by math, literature, philosophy teachers at almost all levels. Not sure how I feel about it for 5th graders. Kind of how I felt about Ella Enchanted so many years ago.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2026
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
Full disclosure, I listened to the audiobook of this and think that may have hindered my enjoyment of the book.
I fully expected to enjoy this one. It had a Terry Pratchett feel to it so I really thought I'd love it, but the whole book just fell through for me.
Follow Bernadette, an orphaned goat keeper, as she attempts to save her tortoise friend, Perseverance, from becoming dinner for the king by seeking out the Tree Who Grants Wishes, recovering the missing goat, Lancelot, along the way.
The story is told out of order, starting in the "middle". I liked the concept of this and really thought I would enjoy it but it just didn't work for me. Being thrown into the "middle" of the story meant I didn't really have time to get to know and connect with the characters before the action started. Because of that, I wasn't very invested in what happened to them. Bernadette could have been a really cool character but she is quite underdeveloped, which was disappointing.
The book really dragged for me. I almost DNF'ed because I just could not get into it. Honestly, the most interesting part for me was Chapter 1 so it's a shame it came at the end.
The jokes get quite repetitive and quickly stopped being entertaining and just became annoying. There are a lot of inclusions that just comes off as filler, like the Latin phrases. They didn't really add much to the story, made the book more repetitive, and slowed down the whole pace.
I may reread this in physical form. I listened to the audiobook so missed out on the illustrations and creative text formatting. It seems like some of the formatting was worked into the audio narration which added to the repetitiveness of the book. The audiobook really did not work for me.
Okay read overall. Maybe my expectations were too high for this one, but I did not enjoy listening to this book. May try again with the physical book at some point.
Full disclosure, I listened to the audiobook of this and think that may have hindered my enjoyment of the book.
I fully expected to enjoy this one. It had a Terry Pratchett feel to it so I really thought I'd love it, but the whole book just fell through for me.
Follow Bernadette, an orphaned goat keeper, as she attempts to save her tortoise friend, Perseverance, from becoming dinner for the king by seeking out the Tree Who Grants Wishes, recovering the missing goat, Lancelot, along the way.
The story is told out of order, starting in the "middle". I liked the concept of this and really thought I would enjoy it but it just didn't work for me. Being thrown into the "middle" of the story meant I didn't really have time to get to know and connect with the characters before the action started. Because of that, I wasn't very invested in what happened to them. Bernadette could have been a really cool character but she is quite underdeveloped, which was disappointing.
The book really dragged for me. I almost DNF'ed because I just could not get into it. Honestly, the most interesting part for me was Chapter 1 so it's a shame it came at the end.
The jokes get quite repetitive and quickly stopped being entertaining and just became annoying. There are a lot of inclusions that just comes off as filler, like the Latin phrases. They didn't really add much to the story, made the book more repetitive, and slowed down the whole pace.
I may reread this in physical form. I listened to the audiobook so missed out on the illustrations and creative text formatting. It seems like some of the formatting was worked into the audio narration which added to the repetitiveness of the book. The audiobook really did not work for me.
Okay read overall. Maybe my expectations were too high for this one, but I did not enjoy listening to this book. May try again with the physical book at some point.
May 25, 2026
Maybe it's because I read this on vacation, but I found it humorous and offbeat enough to feel delighted about it. It's the story of a young goatkeeper named Bernadette who goes on an unexpected quest to rescue her best friend. The story (which picks up in the middle, advanced by a beleaguered and confused author who has lost the first chapter) features many absurdities, goats, an insane king, and a forgetful magician. Somehow this hodgepodge gets woven into a coherent story that works.
I liked the humor, all the threads that got gathered up throughout the book, and the creativity. The comparison to Kate DiCamillo which is featured in the Goodreads description is accurate, but this is a bit zanier.
I liked the humor, all the threads that got gathered up throughout the book, and the creativity. The comparison to Kate DiCamillo which is featured in the Goodreads description is accurate, but this is a bit zanier.
June 6, 2026
There is an absurdity to this adventure story, but a sweetness as well, and it all wraps up nicely. It kind of reminded me of The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz.
July 6, 2026
a whimsical tale that feels like a shel silverstein poem was turned into chapter book - truly one of my favorite reads of the year
May 14, 2026
Just couldn’t find my groove.
June 19, 2026
Wildly creative, albeit a little confusing. For kids who love constructing mixed up stories, author intrusions, and silliness. Very fun. For strong readers. Steve the grumpy three legged goat is the best. 🐐
May 21, 2026
Enjoyable and jumbled, maybe I liked it because it reminded me of books I enjoyed as a kid, just enough tongue in cheek and not taking itself too seriously
May 8, 2026
This book was great fun, a fairytale told out of order and filled with rich nonsense and wisdom. The author speaks directly to the reader, much like A. A. Milne's Winne-the-Pooh, adding to the whimsy. The absurd, magical chaos is reminiscent of Terry Pratchett. The whole thing is silly, charming, and deeply tender.
May 8, 2026
Favorite book of the year. It will take a LOT to budge this from my #1 spot!
March 5, 2026
This story started out with the premise of the king building a castle on the back of goats. It goes downhill from there. It made completely no sense. It started in the middle and kept going back and forth to different chapters- none of them in order. It was impossible to track. I can imagine children not being able to make sense of this at all and abandoning it. Several times in the book they start to say a cuss word, but bleep it out. I don’t really think that’s appropriate. The author makes use of a lot of eloquent sentences, but I feel like it’s over the heads of the intended audience. The Latin phrases don’t add to the book. To me they just cause more confusion. It’s weird that the author is a character in the story and doesn’t know how to write it or where it’s going. Maybe I could get behind that idea if the story wasn’t so messy. Bernadette was a likable character and I found myself rooting for her and the goats.
April 27, 2026
This was so good for the heart. I loved the experience of this read.
April 18, 2026
I thought this was a delightfully made-up story, told completely out of order. I think my 5th graders would enjoy it. It was just so silly and the premise and characters absolutely outlandish (a castle resting on the backs of a prime number of goats!!) I thought the addition of silly Latin sayings and goat-embedded morals was also quirky. Highly entertaining!
May 5, 2026
It has been a while since I dipped into middle-grade, but I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was fun, ridiculous, and all the things I love best about breaking the traditional rules when it comes to reading (as well as narrating) a story. I would definitely love reading and/or listening to this book aloud with older kids that appreciate a fun and magical story. I think this book is also great for the kids at heart, like me, that love it when authors play around with narrative structure and aren't afraid to try something new. Although I would recommend having a physical copy, as well as an audiobook edition, as there are things that I think you will want to reference back to and I hear there are incredible illustrations. I already know I will be picking up this book for my library, as well as making it a book that I gift to friends and family.
Thank you to Philip C. Stead, RecordedBooks, and NetGalley for the gifted Advanced Listening Copy.
Thank you to Philip C. Stead, RecordedBooks, and NetGalley for the gifted Advanced Listening Copy.
April 18, 2026
that was fantastic and so fun. like howl's moving castle in terry pratchett style.
April 12, 2026
This obviously has Series of Unfortunate Events vibes with its quirkiness and language fun, although it's definitely its own kind of quirky thing. I enjoyed the oddness and whimsy and I seriously love goats. This was fun and went in places that delighted me. Thanks to NetGalley I got to listen to the audiobook, and it had a sense of fun too
This is a review of the audiobook.
This is a review of the audiobook.
April 14, 2026
This book is wonderful! This is a book to read aloud and you must have the real book - the illustrations and feel of the pages are important to its magic.
Thank you Philip Stead for a delightful story. Long live the goats.
Thank you Philip Stead for a delightful story. Long live the goats.
June 20, 2026
...what did I just read?
That was GREAT!! Once again, my Book Intuition was correct! I did enjoy this book a lot! It was told out of order, starting with Chapter Thirteen, but it all made total sense (when it went back to the chapters that took place before it it was slightly confusing, but it's kinda like an extended flashback, if you think of it that way, so it quickly lost its confusingness)! It was surprisingly heartwarming and funny at the same time, and while some of the 24 morals are ridiculous, some of them were actually true. Sometimes you can't help but wonder... how did somebody even come up with some of these ideas? Like, who would think to put a castle on the backs of 24 goats?
And then there's the author, who is in a perpetual state of writer's block. I sympathize. I am currently experiencing writer's block too (reading is a great excuse to stay away from the Daunting Blank Page!) . Though I can't say mine is as bad as his, or that my view on writing is anything like his. I write because I love it, not from obligation.
Huh.
Thinking about it, the author and I don't actually have a lot in common, contrary to what I was expecting, but I still loved him for other reasons... like being there to and just be comically ridiculous in general.
Actually, that's a descriptor for the whole book: Comically ridiculous.
Adelbert is great! I love everything about him . He is ALSO very comical.
Honestly, how do I even address everything in this book? There was so much remarkable stuff... and by remarkable I mean able to be remarked about/stands out.
I also wasn't expecting that plot twist! (well, for the first few chapters... then I flipped ahead and spoiled it for myself, but I never would've guessed otherwise.)
And then there is, of course, Chapter One. Which is probably my favorite chapter in the whole book, because it is so random and funny. Not that I pick favorite chapters, but this book is an exception.
Annnnnnnyway...
I was not expecting this review to be this long, haha... 😅
So! I will wrap it up before it gets longer with the fact that I think it was an enjoyable, quick read and that I think you should read it for yourself because I can see how some people could really like it and some people could really hate it 😀
That was GREAT!! Once again, my Book Intuition was correct! I did enjoy this book a lot! It was told out of order, starting with Chapter Thirteen, but it all made total sense (when it went back to the chapters that took place before it it was slightly confusing, but it's kinda like an extended flashback, if you think of it that way, so it quickly lost its confusingness)! It was surprisingly heartwarming and funny at the same time, and while some of the 24 morals are ridiculous, some of them were actually true. Sometimes you can't help but wonder... how did somebody even come up with some of these ideas? Like, who would think to put a castle on the backs of 24 goats?
And then there's the author, who is in a perpetual state of writer's block. I sympathize. I am currently experiencing writer's block too (reading is a great excuse to stay away from the Daunting Blank Page!) . Though I can't say mine is as bad as his, or that my view on writing is anything like his. I write because I love it, not from obligation.
Huh.
Thinking about it, the author and I don't actually have a lot in common, contrary to what I was expecting, but I still loved him for other reasons... like being there to and just be comically ridiculous in general.
Actually, that's a descriptor for the whole book: Comically ridiculous.
Adelbert is great! I love everything about him . He is ALSO very comical.
Honestly, how do I even address everything in this book? There was so much remarkable stuff... and by remarkable I mean able to be remarked about/stands out.
I also wasn't expecting that plot twist! (well, for the first few chapters... then I flipped ahead and spoiled it for myself, but I never would've guessed otherwise.)
And then there is, of course, Chapter One. Which is probably my favorite chapter in the whole book, because it is so random and funny. Not that I pick favorite chapters, but this book is an exception.
Annnnnnnyway...
I was not expecting this review to be this long, haha... 😅
So! I will wrap it up before it gets longer with the fact that I think it was an enjoyable, quick read and that I think you should read it for yourself because I can see how some people could really like it and some people could really hate it 😀
April 11, 2026
In a fantasy micro-kingdom not so much ruled as treated-as-disposable by its capricious, egotistical king, Bernadette is an orphan essentially enslaved (they call it "hired") to be the keeper for the 24 goats who form the foundation of the king's castle. Then things start happening. Bernadette's best friend, a turtle called Perseverance, is conscripted as a main course for a feast, and Bernadette is Not Having It. She's determined to rescue her turtle, and then there's the matter of the escaping goats, too. She manages to get across the alligator-filled moat and set off into the woods for the tree that grants wishes, but the tree is essentially on strike. Then there's the wildly forgetful magician who lives in a house full of invisible things, who joins Bernadette and the tree-become-boat and several goats on their quest, though I don't remember why. Meanwhile, the author of this tale lives on the mountain above the castle, and is shunning writing (it's hard!) in favor of sketching goats. And the story is all muddled up, starting in the middle, going back to the beginning (or near it), then to the acknowledgements, etc.
I thought I would love this, because I like tales told out of chronological order (it's kind of how I read, anyway), and this seemed as though it might be Phantom-Tollbooth-like (though perhaps it's just the cover design). It wasn't, though, and went on and on and on. Some of it was funny, yes, and clever, but I couldn't keep track of everything, and kept running up against the suspension of disbelief, because I'm more used to fantasies with deeply-drawn worlds that interlock and make sense. I kept getting thrown out of this one because I didn't believe a lot of it, and I know that wasn't the point, but I was also just confused about so much of it. I think it was trying to be more like Discworld, but as insane as Discworld is, it still makes an absurd kind of sense. I couldn't keep track of all the characters in this, and most of them were unlikeable except for Bernadette and her goats. I guess I was not the right reader for this after all. What I liked best was that in the audiobook version, each "moral" was sandwiched between two goat sounds, which did make me laugh. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
I thought I would love this, because I like tales told out of chronological order (it's kind of how I read, anyway), and this seemed as though it might be Phantom-Tollbooth-like (though perhaps it's just the cover design). It wasn't, though, and went on and on and on. Some of it was funny, yes, and clever, but I couldn't keep track of everything, and kept running up against the suspension of disbelief, because I'm more used to fantasies with deeply-drawn worlds that interlock and make sense. I kept getting thrown out of this one because I didn't believe a lot of it, and I know that wasn't the point, but I was also just confused about so much of it. I think it was trying to be more like Discworld, but as insane as Discworld is, it still makes an absurd kind of sense. I couldn't keep track of all the characters in this, and most of them were unlikeable except for Bernadette and her goats. I guess I was not the right reader for this after all. What I liked best was that in the audiobook version, each "moral" was sandwiched between two goat sounds, which did make me laugh. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What drew me to this book was the title and the cover and I'm very glad I decided to pick it up. The story opens on a forward by the author where he explains how he came up with the title of the story and the fact that it starts in medias res (in the middle of things). It begins on Chapter 13 and continues on from that point.
The story follows a young girl named Bernadette who is a goatkeeper. She lives in a kingdom whose king's castle rests on the backs of twenty-four goats. One day one of the goats escapes and Bernadette has to go on a mission to bring it back along with also trying to save her beloved turtle friend.
With the chapters all out of order, the reader goes on quite an interesting journey with Bernadette, a forgetful wizard, a Boat That Does Not Grant Wishes, the author of the story himself, Steve the three-legged goat, and many other characters. I have always loved books with interesting formats and this is one of the best I have found for younger readers. It is quite a fun story. Though the formatting may confuse some readers if they do not pay attention to what is going on.
Loved Philip Stead's sense of humor and the absurdity of the many different characters in this book. The idea of the story being all out of order was such a cool idea and I found it to work very well for me. It feels like a longer fairy tale. Also, the narrator Daniel Henning did a wonderful job creating voices for each of the characters.
I will definitely get a copy of this book for my collection and I look forward to seeing his illustrations for the book.
*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Phillip C. Stead for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
The story follows a young girl named Bernadette who is a goatkeeper. She lives in a kingdom whose king's castle rests on the backs of twenty-four goats. One day one of the goats escapes and Bernadette has to go on a mission to bring it back along with also trying to save her beloved turtle friend.
With the chapters all out of order, the reader goes on quite an interesting journey with Bernadette, a forgetful wizard, a Boat That Does Not Grant Wishes, the author of the story himself, Steve the three-legged goat, and many other characters. I have always loved books with interesting formats and this is one of the best I have found for younger readers. It is quite a fun story. Though the formatting may confuse some readers if they do not pay attention to what is going on.
Loved Philip Stead's sense of humor and the absurdity of the many different characters in this book. The idea of the story being all out of order was such a cool idea and I found it to work very well for me. It feels like a longer fairy tale. Also, the narrator Daniel Henning did a wonderful job creating voices for each of the characters.
I will definitely get a copy of this book for my collection and I look forward to seeing his illustrations for the book.
*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Phillip C. Stead for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
April 18, 2026
This book felt like getting lost in a magical maze!✨📚
A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic by Philip C. Stead was a wildly clever, laugh-out-loud adventure that completely played with my brain and I loved every second of it!
From the very first page, I was thrown into a kingdom where a castle stands on the backs of twenty-four goats yes, goats 🐐, and somehow that’s not even the strangest part. Following Bernadette on her quest to retrieve a runaway goat felt like chasing a story that refused to stay in one place in the most chaotic, magical way.
The chapters are out of order, the narrator literally inserts himself into the story, and the ending loops back on itself like a clever little riddle. At times I felt delightfully disoriented but that’s kind of the point. This book leans all the way into absurdity, breaking the fourth wall and sprinkling in humor that feels both childlike and surprisingly sharp.
And can we talk about the vibes?? It gave me cozy fairytale energy mixed with quirky, almost Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland chaos. Add in a forgetful wizard, a boat that refuses to grant wishes, and 24 morals that may or may not help you and you’ve got a story that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
What I loved most is how this book celebrates storytelling itself, the messiness, the magic, and the way stories can twist into something completely unexpected.
If you’re looking for a traditional, linear fantasy this is NOT that. But if you want something imaginative, funny, and totally unique, this one is pure magic.
✨Thank you Holiday House and Philip C. Stead for sharing A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic with me!
A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic by Philip C. Stead was a wildly clever, laugh-out-loud adventure that completely played with my brain and I loved every second of it!
From the very first page, I was thrown into a kingdom where a castle stands on the backs of twenty-four goats yes, goats 🐐, and somehow that’s not even the strangest part. Following Bernadette on her quest to retrieve a runaway goat felt like chasing a story that refused to stay in one place in the most chaotic, magical way.
The chapters are out of order, the narrator literally inserts himself into the story, and the ending loops back on itself like a clever little riddle. At times I felt delightfully disoriented but that’s kind of the point. This book leans all the way into absurdity, breaking the fourth wall and sprinkling in humor that feels both childlike and surprisingly sharp.
And can we talk about the vibes?? It gave me cozy fairytale energy mixed with quirky, almost Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland chaos. Add in a forgetful wizard, a boat that refuses to grant wishes, and 24 morals that may or may not help you and you’ve got a story that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
What I loved most is how this book celebrates storytelling itself, the messiness, the magic, and the way stories can twist into something completely unexpected.
If you’re looking for a traditional, linear fantasy this is NOT that. But if you want something imaginative, funny, and totally unique, this one is pure magic.
✨Thank you Holiday House and Philip C. Stead for sharing A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic with me!
May 28, 2026
I don’t entirely know what I just read, but it involved a saintly goalkeeper, 24 goats, and a thoroughly remixed world full of whimsy, ineptitude, and magic. Philip Stead is known for subtle but emotionally resonant picture books, and while this novel retains some of that quiet power, it also reads like a Dadaist allegory crossed with a mixed-up fairy tale and a sideways pilgrimage narrative.
At the center of this medieval-coded story is Bernadette, a humble goatkeeper sent on a quest. The tale unfolds out of order and features a stifled author, a forgetful wizard, and an astonishing number of sheep spanning the full spectrum of irritability. Along the way, readers encounter moral lessons tucked between goats and an entire “boatload” of whimsical fantasy, including a wishing tree that very much does not want to grant wishes.
It’s an experimental read, especially for middle grade audiences. The tone feels almost classically literary at times, with lyrical prose and echoes of Monty Python and the Holy Grail peeking through the absurdity. Oddly enough, it hardly matters that the story is told out of order. The narrative eventually closes its loop, and the fragmented structure becomes part of the charm.
What I keep wondering, though, is whether kids will go for it.
Because I really did. But I’m also an adult who doesn’t mind a book getting gloriously wonky and time-wimey for stretches at a time. I’m genuinely curious to see how my students respond when I start handing it to them this fall. The constant Latin one-liners are delightful, the illustrations are pitch-perfect, and the overall cheeky tone lands beautifully. As the book itself puts it: “Perhaps you too have come to expect a lot and nothing from yourself at the same time.”
At the center of this medieval-coded story is Bernadette, a humble goatkeeper sent on a quest. The tale unfolds out of order and features a stifled author, a forgetful wizard, and an astonishing number of sheep spanning the full spectrum of irritability. Along the way, readers encounter moral lessons tucked between goats and an entire “boatload” of whimsical fantasy, including a wishing tree that very much does not want to grant wishes.
It’s an experimental read, especially for middle grade audiences. The tone feels almost classically literary at times, with lyrical prose and echoes of Monty Python and the Holy Grail peeking through the absurdity. Oddly enough, it hardly matters that the story is told out of order. The narrative eventually closes its loop, and the fragmented structure becomes part of the charm.
What I keep wondering, though, is whether kids will go for it.
Because I really did. But I’m also an adult who doesn’t mind a book getting gloriously wonky and time-wimey for stretches at a time. I’m genuinely curious to see how my students respond when I start handing it to them this fall. The constant Latin one-liners are delightful, the illustrations are pitch-perfect, and the overall cheeky tone lands beautifully. As the book itself puts it: “Perhaps you too have come to expect a lot and nothing from yourself at the same time.”
June 2, 2026
It is important not to be wasteful.
There is no use paddling in a river that cannot decide which way it is going.
The unintended side effects of wish-granting rarely make the granting of wishes worthwhile.
A thing stored in the brain is never as important as a thing kept in the heart.
Never hold your umbrella aloft in a lightning storm.
It is easier to remember a thing if it is written down.
Never underestimate the strength of a goat.
Never underestimate the willingness of a fool to follow through on a bad idea.
Grow a strong shell, and know when to hide in it.
Have at least a slight idea of what you're trying to do before you do it.
Never stand up in a rowboat.
Details matter.
Even the lowly have their limits.
Imprecise wishes lead to imprecise results.
Sometimes you have to go forward to go backward.
There's always tomorrow.
Uncareful stories bring trouble to your doorstep.
It is better to do one thing well than two things poorly.
Always wear a helmet when riding a bike.
It is never lucky to be unkind.
Sometimes you've got to get to where you're going before you can find out where you should've been all along.
Sometimes you've got to leave the story you're in and head out to look for a better one.
It is important to always be polite.
You are who you choose to be.
There is no use paddling in a river that cannot decide which way it is going.
The unintended side effects of wish-granting rarely make the granting of wishes worthwhile.
A thing stored in the brain is never as important as a thing kept in the heart.
Never hold your umbrella aloft in a lightning storm.
It is easier to remember a thing if it is written down.
Never underestimate the strength of a goat.
Never underestimate the willingness of a fool to follow through on a bad idea.
Grow a strong shell, and know when to hide in it.
Have at least a slight idea of what you're trying to do before you do it.
Never stand up in a rowboat.
Details matter.
Even the lowly have their limits.
Imprecise wishes lead to imprecise results.
Sometimes you have to go forward to go backward.
There's always tomorrow.
Uncareful stories bring trouble to your doorstep.
It is better to do one thing well than two things poorly.
Always wear a helmet when riding a bike.
It is never lucky to be unkind.
Sometimes you've got to get to where you're going before you can find out where you should've been all along.
Sometimes you've got to leave the story you're in and head out to look for a better one.
It is important to always be polite.
You are who you choose to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC courtesy of RBmedia, thank you!
This was such a chaotic and genuinely fun listen.
If you like Roald Dahl-style stories that lean a little silly but are also clever and full of heart, this will probably work for you. I always enjoy when a story doesn’t fully follow the rules, and this one really commits to that.
The out-of-order chapters add a lot to the charm. It makes the story feel a bit like a puzzle, but you do have to pay attention to keep up with what’s going on.
There are also these recurring Latin phrases that give the characters this slightly ridiculous, over-the-top sense of importance. It’s very much that “trying to sound intelligent by using complicated words” energy, which actually becomes funnier the more it’s repeated.
The narration worked really well for this. Daniel Henning gives each character a distinct voice without making it feel overdone, and his delivery really helps carry the humor and the pacing of the story.
For me, this landed at 4 stars instead of 5 because it did miss a bit of emotional depth. It’s fast-paced, which fits the story, but I sometimes felt like I didn’t fully connect on a deeper level with what was happening.
🖤 Final thoughts:
A playful, unconventional story that leans into its chaos and creativity. It might not hit as deeply emotionally, but it makes up for it with charm and originality.
📌 Best for: readers who enjoy whimsical, slightly chaotic storytelling, especially if you liked The Princess Bride.
This was such a chaotic and genuinely fun listen.
If you like Roald Dahl-style stories that lean a little silly but are also clever and full of heart, this will probably work for you. I always enjoy when a story doesn’t fully follow the rules, and this one really commits to that.
The out-of-order chapters add a lot to the charm. It makes the story feel a bit like a puzzle, but you do have to pay attention to keep up with what’s going on.
There are also these recurring Latin phrases that give the characters this slightly ridiculous, over-the-top sense of importance. It’s very much that “trying to sound intelligent by using complicated words” energy, which actually becomes funnier the more it’s repeated.
The narration worked really well for this. Daniel Henning gives each character a distinct voice without making it feel overdone, and his delivery really helps carry the humor and the pacing of the story.
For me, this landed at 4 stars instead of 5 because it did miss a bit of emotional depth. It’s fast-paced, which fits the story, but I sometimes felt like I didn’t fully connect on a deeper level with what was happening.
🖤 Final thoughts:
A playful, unconventional story that leans into its chaos and creativity. It might not hit as deeply emotionally, but it makes up for it with charm and originality.
📌 Best for: readers who enjoy whimsical, slightly chaotic storytelling, especially if you liked The Princess Bride.
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