Magic Wanda

Midwest Book Review - June 2021

"Magic Wanda" is a thoroughly charming and 'kid friendly' picture book for ages 4-8 and is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite 5 star review

Lois Wickstrom's Magic Wanda celebrates the closeness of a child and her grandmother, and the gift of the magical wandas that have been passed down from the elder to the younger. Wickstrom's magical wandas are tantalizing in their potential from the very start as the adventure-loving Lily Wanda takes Carrie on a journey she couldn't have envisioned was possible. I especially loved how all this magic was happening as Carrie's mom was busy getting ready for her party, a party Carrie feels intimidated by. Francie Mion's pen and wash illustrations are marvelous; they lend a classic atmosphere to the tale, and her depictions of the Wandas are inspired. Each panel is beautifully drawn and colored, and they work to enhance the magical nature of the story. Magic Wanda: Grandma's Closet, Book 3 is most highly recommended.

?MomReadIt Rosemary Kiladitis, MLIS

There's a positive, playful relationship between Carrie and her grandmother, and I like the use of videochat to show the two staying in touch. Grandma always seems to have some magical fun up her sleeve, which adds to the enjoyment and might even prompt a child or two to see their grandparents a little differently: after all, who knows what magic they have to share?