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The Lost Bookshop #0
The Witch With the Glitch
Nina, Ivy and Oswald know a huge secret. There is a hidden room in the Lost Bookshop and the books inside are magic, transporting the children to untold adventure. When they find themselves zapped by the wand of a witch with a glitch they begin a race against time to reverse the spell. They must find the mysterious Izzy before the clock strikes midnight on Halloween or risk being stuck in the fairytale land forever. The Witch with the Glitch is an exciting, funny and thrilling book that's sure to have you desperate for just one more page.
164 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2015
361 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 1, 2023
Endearing story about three friends transported to a magical forest where they set up to help a witch who's suffering with the glitch. Sweet and charming with a dash of humour it's a great read.
February 27, 2016
Cute story for anyone. The focus is on mystery and adventure and it hits the mark. Read it with a little one last night and she stayed interested throughout.
November 14, 2015
Modern Day Enid Blyton
I love children's stories and this is now on my list of favourites. Very exciting and well written. It is the story of three children, with a secret. They hold the key to a very magical room in The Lost Bookshop Once opened, the books within this room transport the friends on a magical adventure inside the pages.
This is a Halloween FREEBIE (Available at other times as well)
Belinda is The Witch with the Glitch and with a flick of her wand turns the children into monsters. A vampire, werewolf and a ghost. In order for the children to be turned back to normal they must first go off on a quest for the witch.
The story is funny and flows well, the characters are likeable and it will be a great story to share with the whole family. Even at bedtime because like the classic Blyton books the children are good and kind.
Don't just take my word for it, go try it for yourselves.
Happy Reading :-)
I love children's stories and this is now on my list of favourites. Very exciting and well written. It is the story of three children, with a secret. They hold the key to a very magical room in The Lost Bookshop Once opened, the books within this room transport the friends on a magical adventure inside the pages.
This is a Halloween FREEBIE (Available at other times as well)
Belinda is The Witch with the Glitch and with a flick of her wand turns the children into monsters. A vampire, werewolf and a ghost. In order for the children to be turned back to normal they must first go off on a quest for the witch.
The story is funny and flows well, the characters are likeable and it will be a great story to share with the whole family. Even at bedtime because like the classic Blyton books the children are good and kind.
Don't just take my word for it, go try it for yourselves.
Happy Reading :-)
October 31, 2015
The Witch With The Glitch is a humorous and well thought out Halloween tale that will be enjoyed by all ages but mostly by tweens and adults reading it to younger children.
Fitting into what I would call the ‘no scare category’ it has enough funny incidents to elicit a chuckle from everyone.
The scene that stayed in my memory after finishing the book was the owl carrying Nina away thinking she was a bat - followed by a clever solution.
The imagery throughout was good and the allusion to a couple of fairy tales very fitting to make this an all ages tale. The story is well written and a quick read – perfect for a bedtime story.
The theme of a Lost Bookshop sets thing up nicely for a very long, nonsensical, series.
Fitting into what I would call the ‘no scare category’ it has enough funny incidents to elicit a chuckle from everyone.
The scene that stayed in my memory after finishing the book was the owl carrying Nina away thinking she was a bat - followed by a clever solution.
The imagery throughout was good and the allusion to a couple of fairy tales very fitting to make this an all ages tale. The story is well written and a quick read – perfect for a bedtime story.
The theme of a Lost Bookshop sets thing up nicely for a very long, nonsensical, series.
November 12, 2015
Nina, Oswald and Ivy enter a different world whilst they are visiting the Lost Bookshop. They meet a witch, have a spell put on them and find themselves in the middle of a magical situation in which there is a race against time to get out of. The story is fast paced, exciting and entertaining.
The book introduces the characters in a quirky, magical, setting (the bookshop). The three children are believable, full of character and have realistic friendships and bickering. Nina’s Uncle and Aunty’s magical rambling bookshop is an excellent portal from which adventures can spring. I enjoyed the way that the book talk to the reader at times during the story and the imaginative humour and excitement throughout the story. This is the first book I have read in the ‘Lost Bookshop Adventures’ series and I will certainly look for more. Highly recommended.
The book introduces the characters in a quirky, magical, setting (the bookshop). The three children are believable, full of character and have realistic friendships and bickering. Nina’s Uncle and Aunty’s magical rambling bookshop is an excellent portal from which adventures can spring. I enjoyed the way that the book talk to the reader at times during the story and the imaginative humour and excitement throughout the story. This is the first book I have read in the ‘Lost Bookshop Adventures’ series and I will certainly look for more. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2016
I just spotted this free little book being promoted by the author on Twitter. I was instantly attracted to it. Mystery? Magic? A cute cover? Um, count me in!
And I do have to say that I liked the book, but I do have to pull 0.5 star of the book as it was a sequel/part of a series, though there was no mention it was that. I was quite utterly confused at the beginning. How did they discover the room? Does anyone else know about it, and if yes, do they also go on adventures? What determines the adventures? Since they were quite used to it, I wonder how many adventures they already had. I felt as if I missed a big portion of the book, and that is just a shame. :(
But as the story really begins, I have to say I lost my confusion and just enjoyed the trip. It mixes Hans and Gretel's story, makes it new, and also adds Van Helsing. :P As you can imagine it makes for an interesting story, and I love how the author turned it into his own blend, his own story. He did a great job at that.
I did feel sorry for the witch though, the poor thing just wants to party with the villagers (and later it turns out she wants a bit more than that), but no one understands her. She also lost something precious to her and thus can't do magic. Well, she can, but she makes glitches. Thus being named the Witch with the Glitch. :P
She also changed our 3 children. In 3 monsters, and I just had a laugh at what they got changed in, Nina seemed to most comfortable with it all, making full use of her new powers.
Of course they want to change back, but with a witch glitching around that won't be easy, so they have to find the witch's precious and bring it back. Before midnight, or they will be stuck forever.
And thus their funny, hilarious journey begins, and I can tell you that I really liked it.
The addition of the storyteller was fun. It is always something I love in books, a storyteller who talks to the reader.
The ending was cute, and I was happy for everyone. However, as they went back to their own world, I was wondering, how much time did pass? Didn't the adults notice the kids missing? Yes, more questions.
But all in all, I did enjoy this short story, and it was quite well executed. Would I recommend it? Yes. Though I guess one first needs to find what the first book is in this series.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
And I do have to say that I liked the book, but I do have to pull 0.5 star of the book as it was a sequel/part of a series, though there was no mention it was that. I was quite utterly confused at the beginning. How did they discover the room? Does anyone else know about it, and if yes, do they also go on adventures? What determines the adventures? Since they were quite used to it, I wonder how many adventures they already had. I felt as if I missed a big portion of the book, and that is just a shame. :(
But as the story really begins, I have to say I lost my confusion and just enjoyed the trip. It mixes Hans and Gretel's story, makes it new, and also adds Van Helsing. :P As you can imagine it makes for an interesting story, and I love how the author turned it into his own blend, his own story. He did a great job at that.
I did feel sorry for the witch though, the poor thing just wants to party with the villagers (and later it turns out she wants a bit more than that), but no one understands her. She also lost something precious to her and thus can't do magic. Well, she can, but she makes glitches. Thus being named the Witch with the Glitch. :P
She also changed our 3 children. In 3 monsters, and I just had a laugh at what they got changed in, Nina seemed to most comfortable with it all, making full use of her new powers.
Of course they want to change back, but with a witch glitching around that won't be easy, so they have to find the witch's precious and bring it back. Before midnight, or they will be stuck forever.
And thus their funny, hilarious journey begins, and I can tell you that I really liked it.
The addition of the storyteller was fun. It is always something I love in books, a storyteller who talks to the reader.
The ending was cute, and I was happy for everyone. However, as they went back to their own world, I was wondering, how much time did pass? Didn't the adults notice the kids missing? Yes, more questions.
But all in all, I did enjoy this short story, and it was quite well executed. Would I recommend it? Yes. Though I guess one first needs to find what the first book is in this series.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 27, 2015
It's an awful long time since I read a children's book or perhaps this should be called a tweenie's book. I'm not sure of the exact target age of the book. Nevertheless, I want to say right off the bat that The Witch With The Glitch was a pleasant, fun and short read.
There were some aspects of Maxwell's writing that I found particularly endearing. The first of these was the "breakout" from the story, where the author addresses the readers directly. This is almost like a narrator speaking directly to the camera, in a movie. I found this enjoyable and felt it worked well and would work well for the target audience. The other aspect of Maxwell story was his allusions to other stories and fairy tales, which were peppered throughout the tale. Some of these would no doubt go straight over the top of the young people's heads, but provided a nice "aha" moment for any adults who might be reading the story to their children or grandchildren. A nice touch Mr Maxwell.
The whole idea of a mystery room in Uncle Bill's bookshop where the books come alive and suck the children into the story, is probably one that's been done before, but that doesn't make it any the less endearing. Our three heroes; Nina, Ivy and Oswald regularly rendezvous at the bookshop to undertake another journey literally into the literary world. In this particular iteration the three end up in a land that bears a more than passing resemblance to that of Hansel and Gretel.
I enjoyed this book as a small distraction from my usual heavier fare of books. As a children's book The Witch With The Glitch certainly succeeds in telling a fun tale, with some interesting dialogue and arcs. All in all, a satisfying read and qa good four star book. Well done!
There were some aspects of Maxwell's writing that I found particularly endearing. The first of these was the "breakout" from the story, where the author addresses the readers directly. This is almost like a narrator speaking directly to the camera, in a movie. I found this enjoyable and felt it worked well and would work well for the target audience. The other aspect of Maxwell story was his allusions to other stories and fairy tales, which were peppered throughout the tale. Some of these would no doubt go straight over the top of the young people's heads, but provided a nice "aha" moment for any adults who might be reading the story to their children or grandchildren. A nice touch Mr Maxwell.
The whole idea of a mystery room in Uncle Bill's bookshop where the books come alive and suck the children into the story, is probably one that's been done before, but that doesn't make it any the less endearing. Our three heroes; Nina, Ivy and Oswald regularly rendezvous at the bookshop to undertake another journey literally into the literary world. In this particular iteration the three end up in a land that bears a more than passing resemblance to that of Hansel and Gretel.
I enjoyed this book as a small distraction from my usual heavier fare of books. As a children's book The Witch With The Glitch certainly succeeds in telling a fun tale, with some interesting dialogue and arcs. All in all, a satisfying read and qa good four star book. Well done!
October 2, 2016
Charming adventure of Nina and her two friends Ivy and Oswald who frequently meet in her Aunt and Uncle's bookshop. Doesn't sound like the place for a real adventure? Well, it turns out there is a hidden room in the bookshop, and once Nina places the key in the lock the children are on their way to a journey into the unknown. This time the children find themselves in the parlor of a gingerbread house. To their chagrin the three friends find themselves transformed into a vampire, ghost, and a werewolf!
They will meet a witch who has a problem using and controlling her powers, a village of strange little people, two kidnapped children, and a magical cat named Izzy. The three friends will have to learn to control their new identities and transform themselves. If they are unable to find Izzy before midnight, Belinda the witch will be unable to undo their spells, and they will be trapped forever. Will they be able find their way back to the bookstore and their families?
The author combines fairy tales, adventure, paranormal and lots of humor to keep the plot interesting. Characters are well-developed and the dialogue crisp and clever. This book is perfect for readers in grades three to six. Chapters are short and vocabulary provides enough challenge while not being overwhelming for the early reader. A few illustrations would have enhanced the book's appeal. This could be a fun story to share with a family or class around Halloween.
They will meet a witch who has a problem using and controlling her powers, a village of strange little people, two kidnapped children, and a magical cat named Izzy. The three friends will have to learn to control their new identities and transform themselves. If they are unable to find Izzy before midnight, Belinda the witch will be unable to undo their spells, and they will be trapped forever. Will they be able find their way back to the bookstore and their families?
The author combines fairy tales, adventure, paranormal and lots of humor to keep the plot interesting. Characters are well-developed and the dialogue crisp and clever. This book is perfect for readers in grades three to six. Chapters are short and vocabulary provides enough challenge while not being overwhelming for the early reader. A few illustrations would have enhanced the book's appeal. This could be a fun story to share with a family or class around Halloween.
July 12, 2017
Great book for book loving kids
This was a random free eBook I thought sounded interesting, and funny, just based on the title. And it was indeed fun and very clever.
The conceit is that 3 kids find a secret room in a bookshop (owned by one of the girls' uncle) in which they are whisked off onto an adventure according to the book they first pick up.
This story integrates Hansel and Gretel but with a twist!
This was a random free eBook I thought sounded interesting, and funny, just based on the title. And it was indeed fun and very clever.
The conceit is that 3 kids find a secret room in a bookshop (owned by one of the girls' uncle) in which they are whisked off onto an adventure according to the book they first pick up.
This story integrates Hansel and Gretel but with a twist!
March 26, 2016
Brilliant! My kids who r 6 and 5 adored it.
Brilliant! My kids who r 6 and 5 adored it. Great surprise find from out of the blue please try it and use characters voices. Love it
Brilliant! My kids who r 6 and 5 adored it. Great surprise find from out of the blue please try it and use characters voices. Love it
October 30, 2017
This is... alright.
It tried to be atmospheric but there was nothing spooky about it.
The dialogue was a bit cringeworthy at times and I think I enjoyed Oswald as a silent dog better than a child.
For some reason, I’m not a huge fan of narrators addressing the reader and there was a surprising amount of that in this story.
It tried to be atmospheric but there was nothing spooky about it.
The dialogue was a bit cringeworthy at times and I think I enjoyed Oswald as a silent dog better than a child.
For some reason, I’m not a huge fan of narrators addressing the reader and there was a surprising amount of that in this story.
March 30, 2016
Very cute fantasy story for children.
It is always fun to read children books :) :)
It is always fun to read children books :) :)
July 13, 2016
I love it book
I like this book because it had nice words. I am going to read another one in this series. So says Regina, second grader.
I like this book because it had nice words. I am going to read another one in this series. So says Regina, second grader.
November 23, 2017
Very cute and ideal for a Halloween read aloud in school or at bedtime.
June 24, 2016
The Witch with The Glitch centers on three friends - Ivy, Oswald and Nina - who help out in a bookstore owned by Nina’s aunt and uncle. The friends cut corners when tidying up so they have plenty of time to go on adventures. In this particular adventure they meet a witch who lives in a gingerbread house and turns the trio into a werewolf, a ghost and a vampire. They must find the mysterious Izzy before midnight or they’ll remain little monsters forever.
This was a quirky, humorous children’s chapter book. It’s only 69 pages, but the author includes a great deal of action-packed adventure for young readers. There’s a nod to Dracula, Hansel and Gretel and even Ghost Busters that may or may not go over a youngster’s head. The author inserts some personal commentary here and there throughout the book that some readers might find distracting, but I felt it went along with the book’s quirkiness.
As a book lover, I appreciated the idea of a group of friends working in a bookstore and getting caught up in book-related adventures. This is certainly a unique and unusual children’s book that I think is worth reading!
5 of 5 Stars, http://ebookreviewgal.com
This was a quirky, humorous children’s chapter book. It’s only 69 pages, but the author includes a great deal of action-packed adventure for young readers. There’s a nod to Dracula, Hansel and Gretel and even Ghost Busters that may or may not go over a youngster’s head. The author inserts some personal commentary here and there throughout the book that some readers might find distracting, but I felt it went along with the book’s quirkiness.
As a book lover, I appreciated the idea of a group of friends working in a bookstore and getting caught up in book-related adventures. This is certainly a unique and unusual children’s book that I think is worth reading!
5 of 5 Stars, http://ebookreviewgal.com
April 2, 2017
Kindle Unlimited for #1 #2 while #3 seems to be permafree maybe, cute but not cutesy, my grandkids would like these. Some of the others are ku some not.
The Lost Bookshop
The Mystery of the Missing Monkey: A Detective Mystery Adventure 1 - The Search for the Sheriff's Star: A Lost Bookshop Adventure 2 -
The Witch With The Glitch: A Fairy Tale Adventure 3 permafree? The Lost Bookshop Box Set:A Middle Grade Fantasy Series Kids Age 6-11
The Perilous Present Predicament: A Kids Christmas Book Full Of Adventure 4
The Defective Detective
1 Murder on the Links - 2 Cat Chaser - 3 The Curious Case of the Kilchester Courier
NOT FOR KIDS
A Kilchester Caper
The Dali Deception 1
The Lost Bookshop
The Mystery of the Missing Monkey: A Detective Mystery Adventure 1 - The Search for the Sheriff's Star: A Lost Bookshop Adventure 2 -
The Witch With The Glitch: A Fairy Tale Adventure 3 permafree? The Lost Bookshop Box Set:A Middle Grade Fantasy Series Kids Age 6-11
The Perilous Present Predicament: A Kids Christmas Book Full Of Adventure 4
The Defective Detective
1 Murder on the Links - 2 Cat Chaser - 3 The Curious Case of the Kilchester Courier
NOT FOR KIDS
A Kilchester Caper
The Dali Deception 1
February 25, 2016
This was a cute book for grades 1-2. One of my students picked it out to read. I loved the way it got the kids talking about how they can get really caught up in a good book. There was a little "Magic Tree House"styling with, "Hansel and Gretal", a vampire, a werewolf, a ghost and even "Van Helsing." It was a great way to show the kids that every book can offer many great things and be very different than the cover art. I had several boys wince at the idea of reading this story but as a boy had chosen last time, it was girl's choice. They all seemed to enjoy the book.
February 19, 2017
This is a very entertaining read. I loved the premise of the Lost Bookshop. It is similar to the Magic Treehouse books, but is more humorous than educational.
A great book for young readers. The language is simple, but the adventures are funny. The events are often silly and humorous. I loved the scene where we first meet the mob.
The author often interjects and speaks directly to the reader, giving the narration a fun and casual tone.
I really enjoyed this book. Also, that cover. Simply adorable.
A great book for young readers. The language is simple, but the adventures are funny. The events are often silly and humorous. I loved the scene where we first meet the mob.
The author often interjects and speaks directly to the reader, giving the narration a fun and casual tone.
I really enjoyed this book. Also, that cover. Simply adorable.
February 17, 2016
Delightful mix of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (the secret room reminding me of the wardrobe), and Hansel and Gretel. Good introduction to vampire lore (they can't enter a house without being invited in by the owner) and a bit of remedial Van Helsing. An easy read that would keep children interested. My only slight criticism is that the ending was very quick, and a bit blunt. But overally, a fun, fairy tale twist.
February 21, 2016
I like the name of the book, but that's it. The wardrobe from Narnia meets the Grimm Fairytales for Halloween. The character's actions seem staged and forced by the narrator, who at times tries to be funny, but not really.
I know it's a children's book, but so is Harry Potter, or Chronicles of Narnia for that matter. Many I've set my expectations too high. Oh well, not everyone can be Clive Staples.
I know it's a children's book, but so is Harry Potter, or Chronicles of Narnia for that matter. Many I've set my expectations too high. Oh well, not everyone can be Clive Staples.
September 29, 2016
A hidden room in the Lost Bookshop is where the children have all the adventures.
In this book, the children find themselves in the forest, where they encounter a witch living in a house made of candy. But this is no ordinary witch—this is a witch with a glitch. A magic faux paus suddenly turn the children into a ghost, a vampire, and a werewolf. Now the kids have until midnight to fix the broken spell or stay like that forever.
A cute, simple kids tale.
In this book, the children find themselves in the forest, where they encounter a witch living in a house made of candy. But this is no ordinary witch—this is a witch with a glitch. A magic faux paus suddenly turn the children into a ghost, a vampire, and a werewolf. Now the kids have until midnight to fix the broken spell or stay like that forever.
A cute, simple kids tale.
February 20, 2016
Combine an old bookshop with use a secret room for 3 young characters to use for their private adventures. This story used aspects of Hansel and Gretel. I was disappointed near the middle of the story where the author danced around the topic of kidnapping without addressing how to avoid such a common event in today's society. That part left me disturbed.
March 24, 2016
A light reading for children in simple English. The author has spelled out the tale of three friends lost in a mystical world with expression of fear,joy,courage and drama. My son thoroughly enjoyed each reading session and was eager to listen more every evening till finished. What can be a better proof of a good story that binds a four year old.
June 16, 2016
Cute story, much in the vein of "The Magic Tree House" books. In this series, there is a hidden room in an old bookstore that opens to a world for three children. In this novel, the children are taken back to a medieval time where a witch who can't properly do spells turns them into a Halloween creatures. While I liked this book, I didn't love it. It would be a so-so purchase for me.
August 6, 2019
These are the stories childhood is made of, fantasy and make believe. Oswald and his friends find wonderful adventures in the bookstore with books that never seem to end, just like a child! They find a secret room where the adventures begins. This story is full of imagination and adventure. The aunt and uncle add spark to the story too.
July 15, 2017
A fun book for kids that like fairytale creatures, oddball crossover, and using their head to figure things out. The only real issue I have is that the book is written for a very wide age range. The best audience might be older kids that just want to read something very simple yet entertaining, such as when they're ill.
February 20, 2016
An okay story
This book is for a 2nd grade level, maybe 3rd. The story was written like someone was speaking to you. I did not find much humor in it. It reminded me of the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, combined with Hansel and Gretal. Not very original.
This book is for a 2nd grade level, maybe 3rd. The story was written like someone was speaking to you. I did not find much humor in it. It reminded me of the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, combined with Hansel and Gretal. Not very original.
December 17, 2016
A fast read with a really cute story about three friends, a magic book shop, and straightening out a hapless witch. This is great for younger readers. Or adults who love books geared toward younger audiences.
February 2, 2017
This is a cute story of three friends who stumble into a bumbling witch's home, and are caught in her misguided spell. Their adventures in trying to undo the spell have entertained my grandson, as I read a chapter to him before bed each night. I would recommend this story!
May 11, 2017
This was a cute little story that I think would benefit from being read aloud. I picked it up on Amazon for free, and it's apparently part of a series! If you're looking for a cute, entertaining kid's fantasy - this is a good one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews