Autumn Moonbeam loves gymnastics and dance so when Sparkledale Dance Academy have tryouts for their competitive dance team, Black Cats, she thinks it’s the most broom-tastic opportunity ever! Just one problem, Autumn is nervous and worries she won’t make it onto the team. And then she discovers that her nasty neighbour Severina Bloodworth, who is always throwing unpleasant comments her way, is trying out too.
But with her best friend Batty by her side can Autumn overcome her shyness, lack of confidence and magical mishaps to be chosen to join Sparkledale Dance Academy?
A fun read about a witch who wants to join her local dance academy's dance team. Its witchy, sparkly and lots of fun. I loved each of the characters and how the witchy puns where sprinkled throughout the book. Its a great message about working together and being nice without it feeling overdone. I think this is a great easy read for many kids and the illustrations really help bring it to life.
I have been reading Children's books to better recommend them when working at my library.
A magical tale about a young witch who dreams of being in Sparkledale Dance Academy. Magical dance is not just about the moves, the witches create magical images, sounds & feelings to adorn each step. This story is full of fab puns, humour and set in an adorable witchy world. The illustrations are delightful and full of detail, helping new readers to enjoy the story and world further. I especially love that there are instruction of how to do the dance routine Autumn learns in the auditions. I can see lots of young readers eager to recreate this and imagine their own routines too.
A recommended must-read for any young child who likes lovely fun witches, magic, dance & humour. And for keen readers another Autumn book 'SpookySleepover' will be out in October.
I absolutely adored this spell-tacular tale of twirling witches, ghostly grandmas and an audition for a truly magical dance academy. Autumn Moonbeam is a great lead character in this enchanting new series that’s packed with wit and wonder.
It has brilliant incidental rep, as well as important messages about believing in yourself and giving things a try. Beautifully illustrated throughout and with a charming cast of characters. It'll make your budding dancers hop, skip and cartwheel with delight. A spookly, sparkly five stars!
The child that still exists in my heart is filled with rainbows after reading this gorgeous chapter book. Such an adorable story that will be on every dancing child's shelf!
As a child dancer, gymnast, and lover of all things witchy, this book would have undoubtedly been top of my read again pile! Whimsical, joyful, and inventive. A beam of sunshine. And complemented by the most gorgeous illustrations! I loved it!
Thank you to Graeme & Uclan Publishing for our gifted copy of the book and for having us along for this fun filled pirouette 🌀
I LOVED this book!! I wish I’d had this book in my dancing childhood 🥰 I loved the witchy magical elements throughout, down to the name of the cereal: beetlebix and the spell-a-vision!
The story is inclusive and full of beautiful illustrations which complement the story perfectly.
Raff and I had a little go at Autumns dancing too! We can’t wait for the next instalment of Autumn Moonbeam in October!
I will be sharing some fun items across the summer which you might like to try yourself 😍
A magical book for little ones and for adults who enjoy a beautifully descriptive and captivating children's book.
I'm especially glad we don't have to wait long till the next book in the series is available. Book 2 - Spooky Sleepover, will be available 2022 and is available now for pre-order.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I highly recommend this book for children aged 6 to 12.
Bravo Emma on an amazing debut. Can't wait to see what Autumn does next. 💜
A gorgeous chapter book about sparkly dancing witches! Emma creates an amazing world of family and friendships, as we are introduced to the lovely Autumn. Can't wait for the next book! An absolute treat.
I loved this book! The author has created a wonderful world of magic with some great characters which stay with you once you have finished the book. I really felt for Autumn as she had to overcome the obstacles in front of her as she tries to get into Dance School. The character names are worthy of a Roald Dahl novel! Some great humour along the way as well, especially the spooky food on offer!
This is a bit younger than most of the things I review, but I’ve known Emma on Twitter for years and I was so excited to finally be able to read something from her. It’s the story of a girl named Autumn, who is auditioning to become part of a magical dance school, even though there are only a few spots available and she may not get in. The characters are all so sweet, from Autumn to her friends Batty and Leif, to her family and even her arch enemy Severina Bloodsworth. The incidental representation was so lovely to see, particularly given the intended young age range as it normalises that everybody is different but deserves to be treated fairly and equally. I’m looking forward to another dose of this adorable world and cute characters soon! #TeamAutumnMoonbeam forever!!
I absolutely loved this book. From the heartwarming friendships and family dynamics to the fun of the dance magic itself, and the overall message of the story, which is very much rooted in conquering your confidence wobbles to go after what you want. It's a lovely, uplifting read.
The writing is fabulously lively and imaginative. I adored all the witchy spins on every day objects/life in Autumn's world (shout out to Beetle-bix and the Aaarghlympics) and the words are perfectly complemented by Heidi Cannon's beautiful illustrations.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone with smalls looking for their new favourite chapter book series and can't wait to pick up the next one!
I really enjoyed this! Emma sprinkles every aspect of the story with little details true to Autumn's world, from names to places and events. Loved the illustrations too (Severina's sneer!!). A great story to explore the importance of perseverance, self-belief and empathy.
This is a sparkly joyful story about a young witch who overcomes shyness to follow her dreams. Wonderful word-play and gorgeous illustrations. Autumn Moonbeam is spooktacular. Children will love her. The perfect chapter book.