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Polly Diamond #1
Polly Diamond and the Magic Book
The hit chapter book, now in paperback!
"An enchanting adventure of magic and mishaps." —Kirkus Reviews
"Upbeat and lovable, Polly Diamond brings the magic of imagination to life." —Booklist, starred review
The first in a delightfully funny and magical chapter book series perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean, Amelia Bedelia, and Dory Fantasmagory!
Polly loves words. And she loves writing stories. So when a magic book appears on her doorstep that can make everything she writes happen in real life, Polly is certain all of her dreams are about to come true. But she soon learns that what you write and what you mean are not always the same thing!
"An enchanting adventure of magic and mishaps." —Kirkus Reviews
"Upbeat and lovable, Polly Diamond brings the magic of imagination to life." —Booklist, starred review
The first in a delightfully funny and magical chapter book series perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean, Amelia Bedelia, and Dory Fantasmagory!
Polly loves words. And she loves writing stories. So when a magic book appears on her doorstep that can make everything she writes happen in real life, Polly is certain all of her dreams are about to come true. But she soon learns that what you write and what you mean are not always the same thing!
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2018
26 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Alice Kuipers
25 books358 followers
Free Online Writing Course? Sign up here: eepurl.com/bA03lH
I was born in London, England, and I moved to Canada in 2003 when I fell in love with a Canadian. We live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which took a while for me to learn how to spell. I have four children, a girl and three boys.
My first novel, Life on the Refrigerator Door, was published in 29 countries, won several awards and was named as a New York Times book for the Teen Age. My second is called Lost For Words in the US, and The Worst Thing She Ever Did everywhere else. It won the Arthur Ellis Award, was shortlisted for the White Pine and Willow Awards, and was published in eight territories. 40 Things I Want To Tell You is my YA book published in 2012. The Death of Us, a CLA honour book, in 2014. My newest YA novel is Me (and) Me.
Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Bookworm Book is my first picture book. It was published with Little, Brown Books For Young Readers in December 2014, and the sequel Violet and Victor Write The Most Fabulous Fairy Tale is available now.
Find me at www.alicekuipers.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 27, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for this review copy!
This is a sweet and magical story that is perfect for grades K-2 - it's intended for a young audience and would be a great read aloud for kiddos just starting to be ready for them, as well as a great beginning chapter book. The illustrations are adorable and I love the illustrations and lists sprinkled throughout the book. This looks to be a promising start to a new series.
Highly recommended for the early chapter book readers of the world, and for grade 1 and 2 classrooms and libraries!
This is a sweet and magical story that is perfect for grades K-2 - it's intended for a young audience and would be a great read aloud for kiddos just starting to be ready for them, as well as a great beginning chapter book. The illustrations are adorable and I love the illustrations and lists sprinkled throughout the book. This looks to be a promising start to a new series.
Highly recommended for the early chapter book readers of the world, and for grade 1 and 2 classrooms and libraries!
February 6, 2018
This is a real winner for students ready for the longer transitional chapter titles like Ivy and Bean. Full of magic, humour with a focus on the power (quite literally in this case!) of writing. Lovely, true to life family dynamics. Excited to include this series in my classroom collection.
November 22, 2024
“I liked the part the disappearing”
“I liked it when she was invisible and also when she turned her sister into a banana and told Shaylene that her sister was a banana”
“I liked the part when Polly Diamond thought Anna was a banana”
“I liked the part with Anna get a banana”
“I loved when it was banana at all”
“I liked when Anna turned into a banana with a skirt on”
“I liked when Polly Diamond turned her little sister into a banana and also I liked when her room had fish in it”
“I liked the part when Polly Diamond was a mermaid”
“I like when I saw a new baby brother”
“I liked when she turned into a banana”
“I liked when Anna the banana is saying ‘help’!
“I liked when she turned her sister into a banana and she was invisible”
“My favourite part was when the baby brother”
“I liked it when she was invisible and also when she turned her sister into a banana and told Shaylene that her sister was a banana”
“I liked the part when Polly Diamond thought Anna was a banana”
“I liked the part with Anna get a banana”
“I loved when it was banana at all”
“I liked when Anna turned into a banana with a skirt on”
“I liked when Polly Diamond turned her little sister into a banana and also I liked when her room had fish in it”
“I liked the part when Polly Diamond was a mermaid”
“I like when I saw a new baby brother”
“I liked when she turned into a banana”
“I liked when Anna the banana is saying ‘help’!
“I liked when she turned her sister into a banana and she was invisible”
“My favourite part was when the baby brother”
November 14, 2017
By: Aurelia and Tasman (ages 6 and 8)
It only took us one day to finish reading Polly Diamond. It was a Friday in November and we were home from school for a PD Day. Mom read us chapter after chapter. We all agreed that it was a cool book and we would like to read it again soon.
At first, the book sounded very familiar – like Owl Diaries or Ivy and Bean, but once the magic book arrived, the story went in an amazing direction of its own – a fun-filled, dancing armadillo, sibling-rivalry, boring babysitter, club sandwich, chess-board floor and perfect house direction that kept us asking mom to read another chapter.
We really liked Polly herself. We liked ‘hearing’ her thoughts. We liked how she described her teacher, Ms. Hairball. We also liked how she didn’t panic went things went wrong. She was devious, intelligent, creative and more, but she also realized the importance of fixing her mistakes. Our mom is forever making us put things right and now we know why.
We laughed out loud at the list of “Names NOT to Call Your New Baby Brother” and at “Anna is a banana.” We groaned at everything about Shaylene, and we secretly wanted the magic book to come and help us with some renovations at our house.
We learned that writing can be fun and infuriating. We learned about how to choose our words carefully. And now we are attacking our mom’s occasional word salad with a vengeance.
We can’t wait to read about more adventures of Polly and the magic book. Thank you for this wonderful story.
It only took us one day to finish reading Polly Diamond. It was a Friday in November and we were home from school for a PD Day. Mom read us chapter after chapter. We all agreed that it was a cool book and we would like to read it again soon.
At first, the book sounded very familiar – like Owl Diaries or Ivy and Bean, but once the magic book arrived, the story went in an amazing direction of its own – a fun-filled, dancing armadillo, sibling-rivalry, boring babysitter, club sandwich, chess-board floor and perfect house direction that kept us asking mom to read another chapter.
We really liked Polly herself. We liked ‘hearing’ her thoughts. We liked how she described her teacher, Ms. Hairball. We also liked how she didn’t panic went things went wrong. She was devious, intelligent, creative and more, but she also realized the importance of fixing her mistakes. Our mom is forever making us put things right and now we know why.
We laughed out loud at the list of “Names NOT to Call Your New Baby Brother” and at “Anna is a banana.” We groaned at everything about Shaylene, and we secretly wanted the magic book to come and help us with some renovations at our house.
We learned that writing can be fun and infuriating. We learned about how to choose our words carefully. And now we are attacking our mom’s occasional word salad with a vengeance.
We can’t wait to read about more adventures of Polly and the magic book. Thank you for this wonderful story.
February 2, 2021
Polly and her sister Anna are waiting for the arrival of their new baby brother when she receives a package. Polly loves writing, and is thrilled to discover she’s received a new turquoise notebook. But a very strange and wonderful thing happens when she writes in the book – the notebook writes back, and everything she writes comes to life!
This is a great transitional chapter book. It can be read aloud by caregivers to early readers, or it would be a good choice for a beginner chapter book for children who are around gr.1-3 and are becoming comfortable reading on their own. There are illustrations throughout, making this a fun and magical read. A great pick for fans of the Ivy + Bean and Zooey and Sassafras series.
One thing I did NOT like was the brief mention of the 14 year old babysitter on a diet!? No.
This is a great transitional chapter book. It can be read aloud by caregivers to early readers, or it would be a good choice for a beginner chapter book for children who are around gr.1-3 and are becoming comfortable reading on their own. There are illustrations throughout, making this a fun and magical read. A great pick for fans of the Ivy + Bean and Zooey and Sassafras series.
One thing I did NOT like was the brief mention of the 14 year old babysitter on a diet!? No.
November 4, 2017
This ARC was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a super cute and fun book. Polly gets a new book that makes what she writes come true and she has an adventure with the book . I think this book will quickly become a favorite among teachers and kids. I will definitely be buying it for my classroom when it comes out! I absolutely loved it!
December 7, 2017
This is an adorable book about Polly and a magical book that grants her her wildest dreams!
Polly and her little sister, Anna, are going to have to share a room because their baby brother is about to be born. Polly thinks her house is too small and crowded, so when she finds the magic book, she wishes for bigger, better, and more fantastical things. But she soon realizes that her family (and house) might be perfect just the way they are.
It's a sweet chapter book filled with cute illustrations. I also loved Polly's imagination! I will definitely get a physical copy for my daughter, I think it's a book she'll enjoy when she's older.
Thank you to Chronicle Books and Netgalley for an ARC.
Polly and her little sister, Anna, are going to have to share a room because their baby brother is about to be born. Polly thinks her house is too small and crowded, so when she finds the magic book, she wishes for bigger, better, and more fantastical things. But she soon realizes that her family (and house) might be perfect just the way they are.
It's a sweet chapter book filled with cute illustrations. I also loved Polly's imagination! I will definitely get a physical copy for my daughter, I think it's a book she'll enjoy when she's older.
Thank you to Chronicle Books and Netgalley for an ARC.
June 26, 2024
I also had to read this book for school Worst book I ever read so tiny and so many pictures. It basically felt like a picture book would not recommend unless you are five years old or under
April 25, 2018
A cute, whimsical story about a girl who is dealing with the arrival of a new baby through the use of her imagination and a magic book, very imaginative. Perfect for younger children. I loved the subtle humor in Ms. Kuipers voice too, it made the story more enjoyable for me as well.
December 1, 2020
An okay middle-grade books that kids who like Magic Treehouse and Junie B. Jones. I was a little underwhelmed by it, but I'm not the target audience, and anything that gets kids reading is okay by me.
September 23, 2022
i love it
February 17, 2020
Juvenile Fiction
2018
This is a cute book, more likely something a child/patron/student would read if they were on the higher level of the primary K-2 reading level. This fits the Juvenile Fiction category because it does have chapters, a few pictures on each page, and the words are starting to increase both in complexity and quantity.
This book borders on the family theme - it focuses quite a bit on Polly Diamond - the main character. However, there is a case to be made that it can be included in the family theme as I hope to demonstrate.
I chose the book because I liked the idea of the main character having a magic book and I wanted to learn more about that. I thought this might also interest younger patrons as the book has special abilities - such as changing the world around you - with limits.
We are introduced to Polly on the very first page and we can tell she is very imaginative. She swears her pet rock smiled at her! She discusses how her house is too small and crowded - though her parents call it cozy. She has one younger sibling, Anna, and her mother is pregnant and due any day with a new baby brother. On this particular day, a package is dropped off for her, a notebook in her favorite color. When she starts to write in it, she realizes that it is responding to her with writing of its own.
Chapter Two introduces us to Polly's mother, shown as quite pregnant, her younger sister, and her father. Polly's father is white and her mother is of another nationality (they don't discuss this aspect, but it is is suggested in the illustrations). Which also makes this book culturally generic. While Polly is excited by the prospect of a new sibling (she writes lists of what she thinks the new baby's name should be), she is annoyed by the fact that she will now have to share a room with her much younger little sister. She also makes lists of how to keep Anna, her sister, out of her room. My favorite reason was to tell her it's haunted. When we are introduced to her father, we find that he has lots of little nicknames for Polly and seems to be rather pleasant. When he asks Polly to make breakfast and she uses different ingredients than listed, he is very patient and suggests different ways of going about making breakfast.
Through all of this, Polly starts writing more in her book. She asks the book to paint her room aquarium blue and when she comes back, her walls look like a literal aquarium with real fish swimming. At this point, her father gets the call that new baby Diamond is on the way. Polly is left to really see what the book holds for her. When she gets annoyed with her sister - she turns her into a banana. She even turns herself invisible. Later, she decides to try to make the house bigger. It is so cramped and with the new brother on the way, she feels they need to have a larger house. The book complies, adding all different kinds of rooms. These include - a room for Anna who loves tutus, pink, and sparkles - also if she has her own room, she won't have to share with Polly. Many books for the entire family. A room with games where they can play together as a family and a special room for the new baby. She is constantly thinking of her family, even when they are not around. The house goes through quite a few changes, but by the end of the book, Polly thinks that the way the house looked originally is just the way it should be. She asks the book to change the house back. Once it's basically intact - the babysitter gets the call that Polly and Anna have a new baby brother. Anna and Polly set out to make big welcome signs for Finn and they draw a picture with him in the middle.
This is a cute, diverse, fun-to-read story. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to younger patrons looking for a new series.
2018
This is a cute book, more likely something a child/patron/student would read if they were on the higher level of the primary K-2 reading level. This fits the Juvenile Fiction category because it does have chapters, a few pictures on each page, and the words are starting to increase both in complexity and quantity.
This book borders on the family theme - it focuses quite a bit on Polly Diamond - the main character. However, there is a case to be made that it can be included in the family theme as I hope to demonstrate.
I chose the book because I liked the idea of the main character having a magic book and I wanted to learn more about that. I thought this might also interest younger patrons as the book has special abilities - such as changing the world around you - with limits.
We are introduced to Polly on the very first page and we can tell she is very imaginative. She swears her pet rock smiled at her! She discusses how her house is too small and crowded - though her parents call it cozy. She has one younger sibling, Anna, and her mother is pregnant and due any day with a new baby brother. On this particular day, a package is dropped off for her, a notebook in her favorite color. When she starts to write in it, she realizes that it is responding to her with writing of its own.
Chapter Two introduces us to Polly's mother, shown as quite pregnant, her younger sister, and her father. Polly's father is white and her mother is of another nationality (they don't discuss this aspect, but it is is suggested in the illustrations). Which also makes this book culturally generic. While Polly is excited by the prospect of a new sibling (she writes lists of what she thinks the new baby's name should be), she is annoyed by the fact that she will now have to share a room with her much younger little sister. She also makes lists of how to keep Anna, her sister, out of her room. My favorite reason was to tell her it's haunted. When we are introduced to her father, we find that he has lots of little nicknames for Polly and seems to be rather pleasant. When he asks Polly to make breakfast and she uses different ingredients than listed, he is very patient and suggests different ways of going about making breakfast.
Through all of this, Polly starts writing more in her book. She asks the book to paint her room aquarium blue and when she comes back, her walls look like a literal aquarium with real fish swimming. At this point, her father gets the call that new baby Diamond is on the way. Polly is left to really see what the book holds for her. When she gets annoyed with her sister - she turns her into a banana. She even turns herself invisible. Later, she decides to try to make the house bigger. It is so cramped and with the new brother on the way, she feels they need to have a larger house. The book complies, adding all different kinds of rooms. These include - a room for Anna who loves tutus, pink, and sparkles - also if she has her own room, she won't have to share with Polly. Many books for the entire family. A room with games where they can play together as a family and a special room for the new baby. She is constantly thinking of her family, even when they are not around. The house goes through quite a few changes, but by the end of the book, Polly thinks that the way the house looked originally is just the way it should be. She asks the book to change the house back. Once it's basically intact - the babysitter gets the call that Polly and Anna have a new baby brother. Anna and Polly set out to make big welcome signs for Finn and they draw a picture with him in the middle.
This is a cute, diverse, fun-to-read story. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to younger patrons looking for a new series.
December 12, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
I had high hopes for Polly Diamond and it didn't quite live up to them. I loved that Polly was a precocious little girl who loved words and books and making lists. I loved that she found a magic book that allowed her imagination to come to life. Despite all that I loved about the book, it didn't do enough for me - where it should have sparked the reader's imagination and encouraged flights of fancy, it left me flat. I think it has potential to be very enjoyable for a younger reader - I can't imagine it appealing much beyond second grade.
I had high hopes for Polly Diamond and it didn't quite live up to them. I loved that Polly was a precocious little girl who loved words and books and making lists. I loved that she found a magic book that allowed her imagination to come to life. Despite all that I loved about the book, it didn't do enough for me - where it should have sparked the reader's imagination and encouraged flights of fancy, it left me flat. I think it has potential to be very enjoyable for a younger reader - I can't imagine it appealing much beyond second grade.
November 11, 2017
Polly Diamond by Alice Kuipers was a quick, funny, engaging read. I can see how young children will be drawn to Polly and her wild journal calamities. Kuipers does a wonderful job including vocabulary development, imagination and factual information in her young readers novel. The story was easy to read, but had new and challenging words spread throughout. I think that readers of all kinds will enjoy diving into Polly's world with her magical new journal. This book made me wish for my own magic book!
December 20, 2017
This book follows a little girl named Polly who goes on an adventure with a mysterious book she receives that can not only write back answers to her but can basically make a whole bunch of magical things happen
I rated this a 4 out of 5 stars overall for the following reasons:
What I liked:
I liked how the book starts off super positively. Characters had fun names like Polly Diamond and Mrs. Hairball. I love that the book teaches you about similes, hyperboles, alliterations, & other grammar and language lessons while simultaneously making it fun. I like that the book includes names of other popular middle-grade literature for reference to the kinds of things the main character Polly likes to read. I do like that Polly has a vivid imagination and that it teaches children that it's ok to use your imagination.
What I didn't like about it:
In places, it went from one idea to the next out of nowhere and with no segue. I didn't like that everything in the book worked out so perfectly good. There was too much magical realism that I feel a middle-grade child wouldn't necessarily understand.
Would I recommend or allow my middle-grade child to read this?:
Yes, absolutely without a doubt I would allow him and even recommend him to read this book because over-all I thought it was very well written, enjoyable and extremely fun to read!
********** I normally do not give out 5 stars for middle-grade books as a general rule, however, there are instances where I actually will give a 5 star to a middle-grade book but they would have to completely over the top wow me. That being said this was an arc I received by net galley in exchange for my honest review. ************
I rated this a 4 out of 5 stars overall for the following reasons:
What I liked:
I liked how the book starts off super positively. Characters had fun names like Polly Diamond and Mrs. Hairball. I love that the book teaches you about similes, hyperboles, alliterations, & other grammar and language lessons while simultaneously making it fun. I like that the book includes names of other popular middle-grade literature for reference to the kinds of things the main character Polly likes to read. I do like that Polly has a vivid imagination and that it teaches children that it's ok to use your imagination.
What I didn't like about it:
In places, it went from one idea to the next out of nowhere and with no segue. I didn't like that everything in the book worked out so perfectly good. There was too much magical realism that I feel a middle-grade child wouldn't necessarily understand.
Would I recommend or allow my middle-grade child to read this?:
Yes, absolutely without a doubt I would allow him and even recommend him to read this book because over-all I thought it was very well written, enjoyable and extremely fun to read!
********** I normally do not give out 5 stars for middle-grade books as a general rule, however, there are instances where I actually will give a 5 star to a middle-grade book but they would have to completely over the top wow me. That being said this was an arc I received by net galley in exchange for my honest review. ************
December 21, 2017
This book follows a little girl named Polly who goes on an adventure with a mysterious book she receives that can not only write back answers to her but can basically make a whole bunch of magical things happen
I rated this a 4 out of 5 stars overall for the following reasons:
What I liked:
I liked how the book starts off super positively. Characters had fun names like Polly Diamond and Mrs. Hairball. I love that the book teaches you about similes, hyperboles, alliterations, & other grammar and language lessons while simultaneously making it fun. I like that the book includes names of other popular middle-grade literature for reference to the kinds of things the main character Polly likes to read. I do like that Polly has a vivid imagination and that it teaches children that it's ok to use your imagination.
What I didn't like about it:
In places, it went from one idea to the next out of nowhere and with no segue. I didn't like that everything in the book worked out so perfectly good. There was too much magical realism that I feel a middle-grade child wouldn't necessarily understand.
Would I recommend or allow my middle-grade child to read this?:
Yes, absolutely without a doubt I would allow him and even recommend him to read this book because over-all I thought it was very well written, enjoyable and extremely fun to read!
********** I normally do not give out 5 stars for middle-grade books as a general rule, however, there are instances where I actually will give a 5 star to a middle-grade book but they would have to completely over the top wow me. That being said this was an arc I received by net galley in exchange for my honest review. ************
I rated this a 4 out of 5 stars overall for the following reasons:
What I liked:
I liked how the book starts off super positively. Characters had fun names like Polly Diamond and Mrs. Hairball. I love that the book teaches you about similes, hyperboles, alliterations, & other grammar and language lessons while simultaneously making it fun. I like that the book includes names of other popular middle-grade literature for reference to the kinds of things the main character Polly likes to read. I do like that Polly has a vivid imagination and that it teaches children that it's ok to use your imagination.
What I didn't like about it:
In places, it went from one idea to the next out of nowhere and with no segue. I didn't like that everything in the book worked out so perfectly good. There was too much magical realism that I feel a middle-grade child wouldn't necessarily understand.
Would I recommend or allow my middle-grade child to read this?:
Yes, absolutely without a doubt I would allow him and even recommend him to read this book because over-all I thought it was very well written, enjoyable and extremely fun to read!
********** I normally do not give out 5 stars for middle-grade books as a general rule, however, there are instances where I actually will give a 5 star to a middle-grade book but they would have to completely over the top wow me. That being said this was an arc I received by net galley in exchange for my honest review. ************
July 30, 2018
In this over the top fantasy, young imaginative Polly Diamond discovers a mysteriously delivered gift placed at the front door, labeled "Special Delivery from the Writing and Spelling Department." The timing is perfect because her parents are just going to the hospital, her mother is about to have a new baby. Along with her annoying little sister Anna, Polly has a completely self absorbed baby sitter, who is supposed to be watching them. Polly is delighted when she opens her gift and finds it's an empty book for writing stories, her favorite activity! As soon as she opens it, and starts writing, the magic book responds with a "Hello Polly Diamond." She begins to experiment with requests to see how the book will respond. The book honors her request to make herself invisible, turn her little sister into a banana, and transform her home to that big house she always wanted, to name only a few of her many requests. The house becomes so big she is flummoxed, yet the requests continue from Polly, with extravagant responses such as rooms of books and libraries, series of doors that go on forever, and fish swimming in her wallpaper to name a few. She realizes her imagination has gotten the best of her in this fantasy where magical action continues to occur nonstop.The black and white collage and ink illustrations are whimsical and attractive. Kids who enjoy stories that are unbelievable will find this quirky series starter entertaining.
February 29, 2020
This book is about a magic book. Polly's dad was a contractor. Polly's mother was about to give birth to a baby. So Polly and Anna needed to share a room, but Polly didn't like Anna had too much pink. Mom and dad needed to go to hospital. So Polly's teacher's daughter would come to babysit them.
Polly received a book. Polly found out that the book was magic. It could write back to Polly and made things happen. With the help of the Magic book, Polly changed Anna into a banana. The babysitter almost ate the "banana". And Polly became invisible so the babysitter could find her. Polly wanted the book to make the world peaceful, but the book could't do it. Polly was hungry, so she told the book she wanted a club sandwich. when she got the sandwich, there was a real club and two slices of bread. So the book gave her another sandwich, but this time it was two slices of bread with a playing card. next, the book asked whether it was a club like a lot of people.
Polly wanted a bigger house so Anna wouldn't need to share the room with Polly. So the house became a very big house, with a trillion doors. Polly opened a lot of doors. then finally she got to her bedroom. Polly wanted the house to change back. However, the book changed the house to other's normal house. so Polly needed to write down very specifically about the house it was, and the book changed the house back.
The teacher came, and they decorated the baby room.
Polly received a book. Polly found out that the book was magic. It could write back to Polly and made things happen. With the help of the Magic book, Polly changed Anna into a banana. The babysitter almost ate the "banana". And Polly became invisible so the babysitter could find her. Polly wanted the book to make the world peaceful, but the book could't do it. Polly was hungry, so she told the book she wanted a club sandwich. when she got the sandwich, there was a real club and two slices of bread. So the book gave her another sandwich, but this time it was two slices of bread with a playing card. next, the book asked whether it was a club like a lot of people.
Polly wanted a bigger house so Anna wouldn't need to share the room with Polly. So the house became a very big house, with a trillion doors. Polly opened a lot of doors. then finally she got to her bedroom. Polly wanted the house to change back. However, the book changed the house to other's normal house. so Polly needed to write down very specifically about the house it was, and the book changed the house back.
The teacher came, and they decorated the baby room.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2018
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
“Today something amazing is going to happen.”
And so opens this darling early reading chapter book about the creative and imaginative Polly Diamond by Alice Kuipers. Polly loves words and writing. She loves writing lists and above all she loves writing stories. Polly’s family is going through some big changes – her parents are expecting a new baby any day now, which means Polly has to share a room with her little sister now. Ugh! Her house is clearly TOO SMALL (although her mom says it’s perfectly cozy)! One day a magical turquoise (her favorite color!) notebook appears at Polly’s front door just begging for her to write in it. This notebook may be exactly what Polly needs in her life right now, but she soon learns to be careful what she wishes for…
Oh, this one is SO cute y’all! It’s perfect for Kinder-2nd grade or so, and would make a fun read aloud but would also be easy enough to read alone, with varying fonts, short chapters, and wonderful illustrations (by the talented Diana Toledano) to break up the words. Polly is a super sweet child who loves her family and wants to be helpful, but isn’t afraid to express her frustrations, too! Highly recommend! POLLY DIAMOND AND THE MAGIC BOOK is on shelves now – I’m definitely going to pick up a copy of my own!
“Today something amazing is going to happen.”
And so opens this darling early reading chapter book about the creative and imaginative Polly Diamond by Alice Kuipers. Polly loves words and writing. She loves writing lists and above all she loves writing stories. Polly’s family is going through some big changes – her parents are expecting a new baby any day now, which means Polly has to share a room with her little sister now. Ugh! Her house is clearly TOO SMALL (although her mom says it’s perfectly cozy)! One day a magical turquoise (her favorite color!) notebook appears at Polly’s front door just begging for her to write in it. This notebook may be exactly what Polly needs in her life right now, but she soon learns to be careful what she wishes for…
Oh, this one is SO cute y’all! It’s perfect for Kinder-2nd grade or so, and would make a fun read aloud but would also be easy enough to read alone, with varying fonts, short chapters, and wonderful illustrations (by the talented Diana Toledano) to break up the words. Polly is a super sweet child who loves her family and wants to be helpful, but isn’t afraid to express her frustrations, too! Highly recommend! POLLY DIAMOND AND THE MAGIC BOOK is on shelves now – I’m definitely going to pick up a copy of my own!
May 28, 2018
When aspiring writer Polly Diamond finds a book that makes everything she writes actually happen, she's thrilled at first. But the book takes everything she says and then writes literally, which causes some problems, including her sister becoming a banana. The book misunderstands her use of certain words too, which causes frustration but also amusement; for instance, when she is hungry and wants a club sandwich, the book delivers two pieces of bread wrapped around a club, and then a card with clubs on it for its next attempt. The word play and confusion make the book funny and a good title to use to demonstrate to budding writers about the precision of words and what writers write. Of course, this is all over the top as things get increasingly crazy until Polly's teacher, Ms. Hairball (!) arrives with the news that the sisters have a new baby brother. There are plenty of illustrations to add to the fun. I would share this with second or third graders since it offers some reading challenges but isn't so hard to read that they'd become frustrated. They'll like the glitter on the cover that seems to indicate there's something special inside too.
May 6, 2019
where was this book when I was a kid? I love everything about this book. What kid wouldn't want their own stories to come to life? This book takes creativity to a whole new level. Polly receives her magic book and can't wait to make all of her dreams and stories come true. Sometimes what we write isn't exactly what we mean. This book is for readers ages 6-9. The illustrations are great as well. The book is full of humor and excitement. The book will get kids imaginations flowing. I would use it in a classroom setting. One activity could be to have the kids make up their own story that they would want to come to life. You could even have guided discussion about what they would want to happen and what they would do in a scenario like Polly's. What happens when your words and the actions that follow don't correlate to be exactly what you wanted. Then you have to find a way to get yourself out of a mess that you accidentally created. This looks like a great series to come. Even as an adult I would love to be able to write exactly what I want and get it. Hopefully, it comes to life correctly.
November 9, 2021
Polly Diamond has a bold imagination, when she receives a magic book that makes all her ideas come to be she lets her imagination go wild. Fantasies are fun but not always for the best.
I love the way Polly’s narrative plays with words. Polly loves subtle forms of writing style like alliteration and homonyms, and lessons are imparted to the reader in silly scenarios. Polly Diamond and the Magic Book would be great for emerging readers, especially younger readers grades kindergarten to second grade, the silliness of the humor would appeal only to younger audiences. Despite being somewhat similar to the Dory Fantasmagory series the humor isn’t oddball enough to attract a wider audience and have lasting appeal. This might be a personal pet peeve, but I did not like that a 14 year old ditsy babysitter was on a diet, it was such an unnecessary detail to include. I take a lot of issue with toxic diet culture being used as a joke, it’s never funny.
Overall, Polly Diamond and the Magic Book is a fun story about an imaginative girl and her loving family. I can imagine Polly Diamond growing into a popular series for young readers.
I love the way Polly’s narrative plays with words. Polly loves subtle forms of writing style like alliteration and homonyms, and lessons are imparted to the reader in silly scenarios. Polly Diamond and the Magic Book would be great for emerging readers, especially younger readers grades kindergarten to second grade, the silliness of the humor would appeal only to younger audiences. Despite being somewhat similar to the Dory Fantasmagory series the humor isn’t oddball enough to attract a wider audience and have lasting appeal. This might be a personal pet peeve, but I did not like that a 14 year old ditsy babysitter was on a diet, it was such an unnecessary detail to include. I take a lot of issue with toxic diet culture being used as a joke, it’s never funny.
Overall, Polly Diamond and the Magic Book is a fun story about an imaginative girl and her loving family. I can imagine Polly Diamond growing into a popular series for young readers.
May 3, 2018
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This charming story is perfect to read aloud or starter chapter book. Perhaps best for the 8 and under crowd, I do think slightly older children and whimsical adults would find this magical adventure equally enjoyable.
Polly Diamond’s imagination comes to life when she receives a mysterious package in which a magic book is enclosed. Dealing with the arrival of a new sibling and the energy of little sister, Anna, Polly is enamored with her new book that can take her ideas and turn them into reality – from turning Anna into a literal banana and her ‘aquarium blue’ paint into an actual aquarium.
I particularly enjoy the love of language and writing interspersed throughout the story that gives a very subtle lesson to readers about grammar.
As Polly might say, it is “fantabulous!”
My 4 year old daughter says “it was a funny and silly story. I liked it a lot and it made me laugh!”
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This charming story is perfect to read aloud or starter chapter book. Perhaps best for the 8 and under crowd, I do think slightly older children and whimsical adults would find this magical adventure equally enjoyable.
Polly Diamond’s imagination comes to life when she receives a mysterious package in which a magic book is enclosed. Dealing with the arrival of a new sibling and the energy of little sister, Anna, Polly is enamored with her new book that can take her ideas and turn them into reality – from turning Anna into a literal banana and her ‘aquarium blue’ paint into an actual aquarium.
I particularly enjoy the love of language and writing interspersed throughout the story that gives a very subtle lesson to readers about grammar.
As Polly might say, it is “fantabulous!”
My 4 year old daughter says “it was a funny and silly story. I liked it a lot and it made me laugh!”
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 8, 2025
In "Polly Diamond and the Magic Book" by Alice Kuipers, the main character, Polly, receives a magical book that has the power to bring her written stories, ideas, and words to life. After finding out that the book uses her literal words to turn her visions into reality, like when she transforms her little sister into a banana, Polly discovers the power of words and their meanings. Thus, throughout the story, Polly learns to be cautious about what she writes and begins to appreciate the life that she already has. Polly also embraces the love she has for writing throughout the story, explains different types of figurative language such as similes and hyperboles to young readers, and uses many vocabulary words with multiple meanings (hymonyms).
Overall, I loved this book! It was such a fun and silly read, but the book is also extremely powerful. The story displays the power of words and their meanings, showing how words can have both figurative and literal meanings, a valuable lesson for young students to hear. I also appreciated how Kuiper used a variety of vocabulary words throughout the book, explaining the meanings of the words in a digestible way for young readers. Notably, the book uses italics for key vocabulary and illustrations, which serves as a teaching oppurtunity for readers to begin to understand and appreciate language. All and all, I greatly enjoyed how the book teaches readers figurative language and vocabulary in a way that is both understandable and fun. This is definitely a book I can see myself using in my own classroom.
More specifically, I would use this book as a class read aloud, pausing to discuss the defintions of the vocabulary words and figurative language used throughout the book. I would then transition into teaching students about figurative language, using vocabulary like similie and hyperbole (as elluded to in the book). Then, I would have students complete several activities or centers to gain more exposure to the different types of figurative language. Thus, this book provides a fun gateway into discussing figurative language with young students.
Overall, I loved this book! It was such a fun and silly read, but the book is also extremely powerful. The story displays the power of words and their meanings, showing how words can have both figurative and literal meanings, a valuable lesson for young students to hear. I also appreciated how Kuiper used a variety of vocabulary words throughout the book, explaining the meanings of the words in a digestible way for young readers. Notably, the book uses italics for key vocabulary and illustrations, which serves as a teaching oppurtunity for readers to begin to understand and appreciate language. All and all, I greatly enjoyed how the book teaches readers figurative language and vocabulary in a way that is both understandable and fun. This is definitely a book I can see myself using in my own classroom.
More specifically, I would use this book as a class read aloud, pausing to discuss the defintions of the vocabulary words and figurative language used throughout the book. I would then transition into teaching students about figurative language, using vocabulary like similie and hyperbole (as elluded to in the book). Then, I would have students complete several activities or centers to gain more exposure to the different types of figurative language. Thus, this book provides a fun gateway into discussing figurative language with young students.
March 31, 2018
As Polly might say: fantastic, terrific, phenomenal! I can't wait to read this one with my granddaughter. When Polly writes in her magic book, whatever she writes comes true. It's so much fun because like the Amelia Bedelia books, her magic book takes her ideas dictionary definition literally. I love the part where she writes that her walls are aquarium blue and then her sister can pull a fish right out of the wall when she comes in.
The illustrations really warm the pages and make a great story even greater as it comes to life even better than a graphic novel filling the pages as they flow through the words. You nailed it, ladies, it's perfect.
The book is didactic in parts, explaining alliteration, for example, but in a chatty, playful way.
I highly recommend this one. I hope I get to read more about Polly in the future. (I received an advanced reader's copy in a goodreads giveaway.)
The illustrations really warm the pages and make a great story even greater as it comes to life even better than a graphic novel filling the pages as they flow through the words. You nailed it, ladies, it's perfect.
The book is didactic in parts, explaining alliteration, for example, but in a chatty, playful way.
I highly recommend this one. I hope I get to read more about Polly in the future. (I received an advanced reader's copy in a goodreads giveaway.)
July 23, 2018
-Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book— all opinions are my own-
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Dive into this magical tale with Polly Diamond and the Magic Book by Alice Kuipers and Diana Toledano. Polly Diamond has a beautiful imagination and a love of words. She has words for everything! When she discovers a magical book that can actually change her surroundings based on what she writes, she uses it to create places and things around her! Soon, though, she realizes that the book is taking things literally. Before she knows it, her house has been transformed! Will she be able to change it before her parents return?
This story was fun, engaging and has great illustrations! The characters are easy to connect with and you immediately connect to Polly’s plight. The authors weave humor, fun, and bit of adventure in this tale and capture the magic of imagination, writing and reading all in one. I recommend this book to any child who enjoys some humor and adventure!
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Dive into this magical tale with Polly Diamond and the Magic Book by Alice Kuipers and Diana Toledano. Polly Diamond has a beautiful imagination and a love of words. She has words for everything! When she discovers a magical book that can actually change her surroundings based on what she writes, she uses it to create places and things around her! Soon, though, she realizes that the book is taking things literally. Before she knows it, her house has been transformed! Will she be able to change it before her parents return?
This story was fun, engaging and has great illustrations! The characters are easy to connect with and you immediately connect to Polly’s plight. The authors weave humor, fun, and bit of adventure in this tale and capture the magic of imagination, writing and reading all in one. I recommend this book to any child who enjoys some humor and adventure!
February 25, 2019
Polly Diamond and the Magic Book by Alice Kuipers, illustrated by Diana Toledano, 107 pages. Chronicle Books, 2018. $15.
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Polly is thrilled when she learns that her new notebook can write notes back to her. Even better, her notebook starts to make the things she writes come true. This leads to a bit of trouble when she writes about living in a huge house and can’t find food or her family. In the end, Polly realizes that life is pretty great as it is.
Polly is a likable little character who will appeal to creative young readers. She is curious with big dreams and a mild case of oldest sibling superiority. The book is easy to read and a good introduction to longer books.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Polly is thrilled when she learns that her new notebook can write notes back to her. Even better, her notebook starts to make the things she writes come true. This leads to a bit of trouble when she writes about living in a huge house and can’t find food or her family. In the end, Polly realizes that life is pretty great as it is.
Polly is a likable little character who will appeal to creative young readers. She is curious with big dreams and a mild case of oldest sibling superiority. The book is easy to read and a good introduction to longer books.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 8, 2018
* Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
For my full review, please check out my blog.
A very fun transitional chapter book aimed at kids K-2 who are really starting to get comfortable reading on their own. It not only is a fun book encouraging children in the early years of their reading adventures, but it encourages children to write and be creative. Win-Win in my book. My 7 year old read it and absolutely adored it.
Kids will really enjoy the way words really have a variety of meanings and realize how important it is to say what you actually mean. The fun black & white pictures help keep them entertained and bring the story to life. A definite winner for kids ready to read slightly longer books.
For my full review, please check out my blog.
A very fun transitional chapter book aimed at kids K-2 who are really starting to get comfortable reading on their own. It not only is a fun book encouraging children in the early years of their reading adventures, but it encourages children to write and be creative. Win-Win in my book. My 7 year old read it and absolutely adored it.
Kids will really enjoy the way words really have a variety of meanings and realize how important it is to say what you actually mean. The fun black & white pictures help keep them entertained and bring the story to life. A definite winner for kids ready to read slightly longer books.
January 10, 2020
Polly Is my favorite book in the world. I finished it last night while reading for my school readathon.
I wanted to get to a thousand minutes, so I decided, why not? I’ll read all night.
But unfortunately, I couldn’t read all night because I had school the next day. At least I finished this book.
PD is my favorite character in the world. She has a little sister named Anna, and a brother in her mother’s tummy. One day, Polly is writing notes to herself when there’s a ding dong at the door. A package comes from the Writing Department. She looks down. She rips it open as if it were so valuable she would have to do it straight away. It’s a notebook! Once she starts writing in it, she realizes it’s magic, because it writes to her, and everything she writes in it comes true.
But what more trouble can it bring when she uses wishes that she’s always wanted?
I wanted to get to a thousand minutes, so I decided, why not? I’ll read all night.
But unfortunately, I couldn’t read all night because I had school the next day. At least I finished this book.
PD is my favorite character in the world. She has a little sister named Anna, and a brother in her mother’s tummy. One day, Polly is writing notes to herself when there’s a ding dong at the door. A package comes from the Writing Department. She looks down. She rips it open as if it were so valuable she would have to do it straight away. It’s a notebook! Once she starts writing in it, she realizes it’s magic, because it writes to her, and everything she writes in it comes true.
But what more trouble can it bring when she uses wishes that she’s always wanted?
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