The Magic Cap: A Picture Book

by Mireille Messier, Charlotte Parent (Illustrations)

A heartwarming tale about devotion and generosity for all lovers of gnomes and whimsical forest creatures

Many moons ago, in a tiny, thatched cottage at the edge of the woods, lived two children named Isaura and Arlo with their hedgehog, Crispin. When their beloved pet becomes ill, Isaura suggests that they seek the magical healing power of gnomes. Convinced this will heal it, the children set off into the woods with humble offerings, hoping to attract the gnomes. The trick does not seem to work, however, and gnomes are nowhere to be seen despite the children’s good intentions. Isaura and Arlo will have to remain hopeful and wish for a magical solution!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Fairy Tales

48 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2023

Reviews

[Marta Cava]

Quina llàstima que no surti la coberta perquè és un àlbum il·lustrat cuquíssim

[alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of a few books that I picked up at the library to read to some daycare kiddos this week, and this was the one I was most unsure about. I thought the story might be a bit long and lose their attention - but the illustrations absolutely had those children in a trance. They loved picking out all the hidden gnomes throughout the woods, and the hedgehog Crispin is SO cute!

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messier and Parent create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of classic fairytales where miraculous intervention may come at any turn. We readers see gnomes (or at least their red pointed caps) peeking out from behind flora, watching the children and their ill hedgehog as the children set out a bowl of milk and then a bowl of berries and mushrooms as offerings for the gnomes. Although the children do not spy a gnome on either venture into the woods, their faith in the gnomes and the gnomes' ability to revive the hedgehog never wavers. The children's love for their pet shines through as they do all in their power - and then turn to an external power - to heal him. The gnomes ultimately aid the hedgehog with the children aren't looking, giving him a magic cap. The children do not question this remedy, nor do they expect more from the gnomes in the future. Themes of love and faith leave the reader reassured by this heartwarming story. The Magic Cap is a sweet story to read again and again.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| THE MAGIC CAP ||
#gifted/@mandagroup
🌳
Such a cute, heartwarming story of kindness and generosity.

My daughter enjoyed this whimsical story about two children who are hoping for some magical healing for their beloved pet hedgehog who has fallen ill. Into the forest they go to leave an offering for the gnomes, even though they have little to give. They dont give up easily and their kindness doesn't go unnoticed.

The illustrations in this were so cute and nostalgic of picture books I remember from childhood.


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[Vincent Desjardins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming fairy tale with two independent children, their pet hedgehog named Crispin, a slew of forest animals and lots of magical gnomes. The lesson of this book seems to be that even though things don't always go as planned, with good intentions, things will work out anyway. Or maybe the lesson is Gnomes work in mysterious ways. Either way this is a cute book and I think kids will love searching for the many magical red gnome caps that pop up throughout the colorful illustrations of the magical woodland setting.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting premise: Two children live independently deep in the forest in a house with bare cupboards, yet they care more about finding a remedy for their sick hedgehog than their own welfare. They seek the help of gnomes and end up receiving abundant supply for everyone’s needs by dint of their efforts on behalf of their ailing pet. Whimsical illustrations of this magical world show how beautiful and abundantly blessed life can be when we live from the heart and practice loving kindness as a way of life.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd call this a modern cottagecore fairytale. It's sweet and cute with a hint of magic in the forest.

This book is originally from Canada in French.

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Yaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this children's book very much! Liked the illustration and story.

[Juli Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle and whimsical.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is straight out of a vintage fairytale! It reminds me so much of old fairytales in its style, illustrations and its cozy feel.

My daughter and I previewed this book- and she immediately wanted to read it again! She loved searching for all the little red caps hidden in the forest, and we both loved the snuggly little hedgehog.

I also used this as a read-aloud with my grade 1 students- who had recently completed a fairytale unit. They LOVED it. And they also were super engaged as they looked around for clues of the little gnomes in the forest.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um, this story started off well, about two children who own a pet hedgehog who's very ill. They know that gnomes have magical powers and maybe they can catch a gnome and ask him to help cure their hedgehog of its illness. Okay, but it just got solved too easily and I thought it missed a huge opportunity. The illustrations were okay. My rating - 2/5

[LS Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

delightful, imaginative translated picture book

[Andi Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things might not happen exactly as you hope or expect, but those things can still be good, and in a roundabout way, still give you what you need.

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pair of kids' (with no parents?) pet hedgehog is sick. They try to make offerings to the gnomes of the forest for magical help. The kids never see the gnomes, but we, the readers, do.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical with a hygge and/or cottagecore feel.

[rvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

illustrations are so beautiful! it was sweet, but i'm not quite sure how to feel about the story/lesson? suppose it is a story of generosity.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book that molded me into the person I am today.

[amélie lafleur · Rating 3 out of 5]

J’aime beaucoup les dessins où l’on voit tous les traits de couleurs.
C’est aussi amusant de repérer les petits bonnets rouge vif qui se dissimulent dans la forêt.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute cute cute! A book about children who look for the help of gnomes to save their hedgehog friend. Wonderful illustrations.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical tale featuring two children who try out different remedies to make their pet hedgehog well.

[Oriol - Feel The Brain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ben guanyat el premi d’il•lustració. La història és una mica fluixeta.