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Just Add Magic #1
Just Add Magic Lib/E
MP3 CD Format Now an Amazon Streaming Series
Take three friends. Add an old cookbook. Combine with cute boys and a pinch of magic . . . and see what kind of chaos ensues!
When Kelly Quinn and her two BFFs discover a dusty old cookbook while cleaning out the attic, the girls decide to try a few of the mysterious and supposedly magical recipes that are inside. To their surprise, the Keep 'Em Quiet Cobbler actually silences Kelly's pesky little brother and the Hexberry Tart puts a curse on mean girl Charlotte.
Is it possible that the recipes really are magic? Who wrote them and where did they come from? And most importantly of all, when boys get involved, what kind of trouble are the girls stirring up for themselves?
Take three friends. Add an old cookbook. Combine with cute boys and a pinch of magic . . . and see what kind of chaos ensues!
When Kelly Quinn and her two BFFs discover a dusty old cookbook while cleaning out the attic, the girls decide to try a few of the mysterious and supposedly magical recipes that are inside. To their surprise, the Keep 'Em Quiet Cobbler actually silences Kelly's pesky little brother and the Hexberry Tart puts a curse on mean girl Charlotte.
Is it possible that the recipes really are magic? Who wrote them and where did they come from? And most importantly of all, when boys get involved, what kind of trouble are the girls stirring up for themselves?
Audio CD
First published October 12, 2010
236 people are currently reading
1347 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Callaghan
15Ìýbooks176ÌýfollowersCindy Callaghan is an award-winning and producer. She's best knows for Just Add Magic and Just Add Magic 2: Potion Problems which were developed into an Emmy-nominated Amazon Original series distributed worldwide via Nickelodeon. She has also published five mega-popular Lost in books: London, Ireland, Paris, Rome, and Hollywood, and two stand-alones: the award-winning Sydney MacKenzie Knocks ‘Em Dead and Saltwater Secrets. Saltwater Secrets is set up with a major studio.
The Girl Who Ruined Christmas has been an Instagram sensation.
Be on the lookout for My Big Heart-Shaped Fail this fall.
When asked what it is about her books that tweens love, she chuckles and says, “The funny! Without a doubt, it’s the funny situations, characters and dialogue.�
In addition to writing, Cindy’s passions include animal advocacy, running, movie-going, reading, podcasts, wine and girlfriends, all of which take a backseat to her three children, husband and menagerie of rescued-pets.
Cindy holds an MA and MBA, and has over twenty years of business experience. The Delawarian (by way of Los Angeles (USC)) is a Jersey girl at heart. She lives in Wilmington, and escapes to her PA mountain retreat whenever time will allow.
The Girl Who Ruined Christmas has been an Instagram sensation.
Be on the lookout for My Big Heart-Shaped Fail this fall.
When asked what it is about her books that tweens love, she chuckles and says, “The funny! Without a doubt, it’s the funny situations, characters and dialogue.�
In addition to writing, Cindy’s passions include animal advocacy, running, movie-going, reading, podcasts, wine and girlfriends, all of which take a backseat to her three children, husband and menagerie of rescued-pets.
Cindy holds an MA and MBA, and has over twenty years of business experience. The Delawarian (by way of Los Angeles (USC)) is a Jersey girl at heart. She lives in Wilmington, and escapes to her PA mountain retreat whenever time will allow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
April 2, 2016
On this rare occasion, the adaptation (Amazon television series) is far better than the book.
February 2, 2019
The Amazon television series that is based on this book far exceeds the quality of the book. The tv show contains actual magic, while the incidents in this book all seem like coincidence. Some of the plot points in the book seem superfluous. While the ending wraps up the story, it's more of an explanation than a resolution. The writing is awkward at times; the book contains some verb tense issues and the sporadic direct audience address feels strange.
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November 26, 2023Super cute story about a girl who dreams of being a chef, and finds a magic recipe book. Along with her two besties, she forms a cooking club and uses some of the recipes with mixed results, mainly because most of the recipes they try are for causing your enemies harm, and karma is a total witch with a b!
I thought that the girls all talked/acted a lot younger than they were supposed to be, and that the younger brother and mean neighbor were almost cartoonishly awful, but I can definitely see a younger reader who wants to read "up" about middle schoolers doing more teenager-type things in a very PG way loving this. And the food all sounded divine, though I would hate to accidentally eat anything with the secret magical ingredient in it!
I thought that the girls all talked/acted a lot younger than they were supposed to be, and that the younger brother and mean neighbor were almost cartoonishly awful, but I can definitely see a younger reader who wants to read "up" about middle schoolers doing more teenager-type things in a very PG way loving this. And the food all sounded divine, though I would hate to accidentally eat anything with the secret magical ingredient in it!
December 4, 2010
Just Add Magic was a delightful debut by Cindy Callaghan. Kelly Quinn was a sweet and likable main character and reading about her adventures was a lot of fun.
When Kelly discovers an old recipe book in her attic she's beyond excited. It's Kelly's dream to grow up and be a famous chef. I loved reading about all the different recipes Kelly made and most of them sounded delicious. It definitely made me in the mood to bake! But when Kelly and her friends start cooking things out of the secret recipe book they find mysterious events start occurring. For one, Kelly's mischievous brother stops talking after he eats some of the Keep 'Em Quiet Cobbler and the Hexberry Tart brings pain to Kelly's enemy, Charlotte...
Just Add Magic was an adorable middle grade novel with a twist of mystery and excitement. Kelly was dealing with a lot of things normal seventh graders do, like mean girls and boys. But on top of this Kelly has to deal with the freaky outcomes of her new recipes.
I loved Kelly's two best friends, Hannah and Darbie. They were both really sweet and understood Kelly better than anyone. All of the characters in this novel were unique and added a little something to the story. Kelly also had a really nice family who supported her cooking endeavors throughout the story. I also love how there are some recipes included in the back of the book. I can't wait to try them out!
The mystery angle of this book was great and always kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next and how everything would turn out for Kelly and her friends.
Overall, I definitely recommend Just Add Magic, it will attract a variety of middle school readers who will love experiencing Kelly's adventures and I think older readers will enjoy it as well. I can't wait to see what's next for Cindy!
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
When Kelly discovers an old recipe book in her attic she's beyond excited. It's Kelly's dream to grow up and be a famous chef. I loved reading about all the different recipes Kelly made and most of them sounded delicious. It definitely made me in the mood to bake! But when Kelly and her friends start cooking things out of the secret recipe book they find mysterious events start occurring. For one, Kelly's mischievous brother stops talking after he eats some of the Keep 'Em Quiet Cobbler and the Hexberry Tart brings pain to Kelly's enemy, Charlotte...
Just Add Magic was an adorable middle grade novel with a twist of mystery and excitement. Kelly was dealing with a lot of things normal seventh graders do, like mean girls and boys. But on top of this Kelly has to deal with the freaky outcomes of her new recipes.
I loved Kelly's two best friends, Hannah and Darbie. They were both really sweet and understood Kelly better than anyone. All of the characters in this novel were unique and added a little something to the story. Kelly also had a really nice family who supported her cooking endeavors throughout the story. I also love how there are some recipes included in the back of the book. I can't wait to try them out!
The mystery angle of this book was great and always kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next and how everything would turn out for Kelly and her friends.
Overall, I definitely recommend Just Add Magic, it will attract a variety of middle school readers who will love experiencing Kelly's adventures and I think older readers will enjoy it as well. I can't wait to see what's next for Cindy!
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
March 18, 2017
Light easy read (with actual recipes at the end of the book), but the television version of it (on Amazon Prime - there's 2 seasons now) is even better than the book. Much more elaborate storytelling, deeper plot, engaging mysteries, fully developed characters, and of course a plethora of magical recipes with corresponding catches.
July 22, 2018
This was interesting and cute source material, but I think the TV show did a better job.
February 14, 2021
It is an amazing book, the storyline and the plot twists are so mysterious that it really brings curiosity to the reader's mind.
If fantasy and friendship is your thing: go for this one!
If fantasy and friendship is your thing: go for this one!
May 26, 2012
I received this book in a GoodReads first-read giveaway. ps to the author: Thank you for the matching bookmarks and for signing my copy, it was a lovely surprise! :)
I have to say Just Add Magic is a fantastically cute and well-written book for young girls .. and even the older girls too!
Kelly Quinn is a typical 12-year-old, wanna-be chef extraordinaire who, with her two BFF's, Darbie and Hannah, forms a 'Secret Cooking Club' after she finds a very old, very mysterious and possibly magic recipe book hidden inside an encyclopedia while cleaning in her parents attic.
With intriguing recipe titles, like the "Keep 'Em Quiet Cobbler" and "Love Bug Juice" the girls can't wait to get in the kitchen and begin experimenting. They can only imagine what might happen if those mysteriously named dishes were served to their friends ... or enemies.
But are the results of their experiments merely eerie coincidences or are the recipes truly magical? Depending on superstitious beliefs, it's certain that the results may or may not turn out as one might think.
The story flowed easily and held my attention through to the end. The main characters were young and fresh and their conversations fun to follow. Complete with dorky code words and giggly, preteen innocence... It certainly brought back memories of myself and my silly friends at that age! LOL
All in all, the story was a great concept, the plot, while being somewhat predictable was still quite interesting and the characters were just completely normal and likeable (even the ornery and annoying ones) and honestly, Just Add Magic was a sweet breathe of fresh air to read.
I will recommend to my friends and/or their young daughters.
I have to say Just Add Magic is a fantastically cute and well-written book for young girls .. and even the older girls too!
Kelly Quinn is a typical 12-year-old, wanna-be chef extraordinaire who, with her two BFF's, Darbie and Hannah, forms a 'Secret Cooking Club' after she finds a very old, very mysterious and possibly magic recipe book hidden inside an encyclopedia while cleaning in her parents attic.
With intriguing recipe titles, like the "Keep 'Em Quiet Cobbler" and "Love Bug Juice" the girls can't wait to get in the kitchen and begin experimenting. They can only imagine what might happen if those mysteriously named dishes were served to their friends ... or enemies.
But are the results of their experiments merely eerie coincidences or are the recipes truly magical? Depending on superstitious beliefs, it's certain that the results may or may not turn out as one might think.
The story flowed easily and held my attention through to the end. The main characters were young and fresh and their conversations fun to follow. Complete with dorky code words and giggly, preteen innocence... It certainly brought back memories of myself and my silly friends at that age! LOL
All in all, the story was a great concept, the plot, while being somewhat predictable was still quite interesting and the characters were just completely normal and likeable (even the ornery and annoying ones) and honestly, Just Add Magic was a sweet breathe of fresh air to read.
I will recommend to my friends and/or their young daughters.
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
While cleaning out the attic, Kelly Quinn discovers an old book. Normally, that might not catch her eye, but when she opens it, she discovers recipes. Kelly adores cooking and she can't wait to try out some new recipes.
Now that she and her two BFFs are starting seventh grade, it could be time to start their very own cooking club. As she reads the recipes, some of the ingredients are unfamiliar to her. She wanders into a store to gather the ingredients. After purchasing the items, the store owner tells her to beware of the laws of return.
Kelly doesn't think much of this warning at first. It isn't until she witnesses the results of their cooking experiments that she become suspicious. Did she make her brother stop talking? Did she hex her frenemy? Did she cause her cranky old neighbor to fall dangerously ill?
Kelly isn't sure if it's the book working its magic or if these incidents are simply coincidences. Either way, the magic is ruining her life. She's forced into helping her frenemy. Her best friends aren't happy with her. Can she reverse all of the spells she's cast through her cooking?
I enjoyed this tween read - a great novel about friendship, karma, and mistakes. I loved the magical elements combined with cooking. I enjoyed Kelly's pesky younger brother, the craziness that ensued due to the spells, the bits with Charlotte, and the friendship between the three girls.
While cleaning out the attic, Kelly Quinn discovers an old book. Normally, that might not catch her eye, but when she opens it, she discovers recipes. Kelly adores cooking and she can't wait to try out some new recipes.
Now that she and her two BFFs are starting seventh grade, it could be time to start their very own cooking club. As she reads the recipes, some of the ingredients are unfamiliar to her. She wanders into a store to gather the ingredients. After purchasing the items, the store owner tells her to beware of the laws of return.
Kelly doesn't think much of this warning at first. It isn't until she witnesses the results of their cooking experiments that she become suspicious. Did she make her brother stop talking? Did she hex her frenemy? Did she cause her cranky old neighbor to fall dangerously ill?
Kelly isn't sure if it's the book working its magic or if these incidents are simply coincidences. Either way, the magic is ruining her life. She's forced into helping her frenemy. Her best friends aren't happy with her. Can she reverse all of the spells she's cast through her cooking?
I enjoyed this tween read - a great novel about friendship, karma, and mistakes. I loved the magical elements combined with cooking. I enjoyed Kelly's pesky younger brother, the craziness that ensued due to the spells, the bits with Charlotte, and the friendship between the three girls.
June 10, 2016
Really Good!
February 13, 2017
not as good as I thought. the shows were better glad I saw them first! :-)
April 15, 2019
I think this book was a little better than the first one, but seriously; just skip the books and watch the Prime Shows- they are great!!
August 22, 2018
A pesar de no ser un libro para mà (va dirigido especialmente a chicas de 8 a 12 años), logró entretenerme (aunque me pareció muy predecible) y recordarme muchas lecciones importante.
Un grupo de amigas que deciden armar un Club de Cocina y tienen como base un recetario misterioso con el cuál aprenderán muchas cosas, especialmente que todo lo que haces tiene una consecuencia, y que si actúas mal tarde o temprano eso se devolverá.
Si quieren hablar con los chicos acerca de la importancia de actuar bien con los demás, este libro es perfecto.
Un grupo de amigas que deciden armar un Club de Cocina y tienen como base un recetario misterioso con el cuál aprenderán muchas cosas, especialmente que todo lo que haces tiene una consecuencia, y que si actúas mal tarde o temprano eso se devolverá.
Si quieren hablar con los chicos acerca de la importancia de actuar bien con los demás, este libro es perfecto.
April 14, 2020
I just loved this series on TV - with no more seasons to watch I decided to read the book. It's good but a little bit of an anti climax if you've seen the TV series.
I think on this occasion the TV actually made a better story out of the book.
I think on this occasion the TV actually made a better story out of the book.
May 28, 2021
Review coming soon.
stephanietiner.weebly.con
stephanietiner.weebly.con
September 12, 2023
The TV show was actually better in this case! The kids and I watched together and we’re excited to read books but it’s lacking the magical quality the show had.
October 10, 2024
This has to be one of the most boring children’s books I’ve ever read.
Where was the magic???
Where was the magic???
February 21, 2025
Cute little girls book. I’m obviously not the target audience for this, but I enjoyed myself and it was free.
will be continuing this series because i liked these rambunctious friends
will be continuing this series because i liked these rambunctious friends
January 15, 2017
J'ai voulu lire ce lire car j'ai découvert une série (pour les kids, oui oui je n'ai pas honte de le dire) produite par amazon (la saison 1 est disponible sur amazon prime vidéo (si vous êtes premium, vous y avez accès directement, sinon il faut payer) et qui est en fait une adaptation de ce livre.
La série porte le même nom.
J'ai directement accroché à la série TV où on suit 3 amies qui découvrent dans le grenier de l'une d'elles, Kelly, un livre de cuisine magique.
L'idée de départ du roman est quasi similaire mais... je n'ai pas autant accroché au livre qu'à la série. En général, c'est pour ça que j'aime lire un livre avant de voir son adaptation, car sauf rares exceptions, si j'ai vu l'adaptation avant, ben je préfère l'adaptation et c'est clairement ce qui s'est passé ici.
Bien que la série soit jeunesse (kids), j'ai trouvé l'intrigue et les personnages bien plus travaillés que ceux du livre. En fait, c'est toujours le problème des livres jeunesse (pour les 8 - 12 ans, donc pas YA), c'est que l'on reste trop en surface. Je n'ai pas retrouvé les 3 amies que j'apprécie tant dans la série que ce soit dans leur physique ou même dans leur comportement.
Dans la série, une véritable intrigue se développe autour de ce livre de cuisine magique, avec un fil rouge qui se suit tout au long des 13 épisodes de la saison 1. Dans le livre, on suit juste 3 gamines qui vont s'amuser à cuisiner des recettes magiques, soit pour leur bénéfice personnel, soit pour embêter les gens qu'elles n'aiment pas... avec évidemment des conséquences avec la fameuse "Law of Returns" (La loi du retour qui dit que quand vous faites qqch de mal, qqch de mal vous arrive).
Bref, c'était une petite lecture sympa mais à côté de la série dont je suis tombée folle dingue (j'ai déjà englouti la saison 2 (en me connectant sur amazon.com, j'ai réussi à y avoir accès vu qu'avec son compte amazon, on a accès à tous les sites amazon) et là , il me tarde déjà de voir la saison 3 mais à mon avis, il va falloir attendre vu que la saison 2 a été rendue disponible le... 12 janvier 2017 !!!
Bref, je conseille plus la série TV que le livre. Il reste plaisant mais il lui manque vraiment de la profondeur, que ce soit au niveau des personnages et même de l'intrigue... qui est bien plus recherchée et stressante (chaque fois qu'un épisode se termine, on veut voir le suivant) dans la série TV !
La série porte le même nom.
J'ai directement accroché à la série TV où on suit 3 amies qui découvrent dans le grenier de l'une d'elles, Kelly, un livre de cuisine magique.
L'idée de départ du roman est quasi similaire mais... je n'ai pas autant accroché au livre qu'à la série. En général, c'est pour ça que j'aime lire un livre avant de voir son adaptation, car sauf rares exceptions, si j'ai vu l'adaptation avant, ben je préfère l'adaptation et c'est clairement ce qui s'est passé ici.
Bien que la série soit jeunesse (kids), j'ai trouvé l'intrigue et les personnages bien plus travaillés que ceux du livre. En fait, c'est toujours le problème des livres jeunesse (pour les 8 - 12 ans, donc pas YA), c'est que l'on reste trop en surface. Je n'ai pas retrouvé les 3 amies que j'apprécie tant dans la série que ce soit dans leur physique ou même dans leur comportement.
Dans la série, une véritable intrigue se développe autour de ce livre de cuisine magique, avec un fil rouge qui se suit tout au long des 13 épisodes de la saison 1. Dans le livre, on suit juste 3 gamines qui vont s'amuser à cuisiner des recettes magiques, soit pour leur bénéfice personnel, soit pour embêter les gens qu'elles n'aiment pas... avec évidemment des conséquences avec la fameuse "Law of Returns" (La loi du retour qui dit que quand vous faites qqch de mal, qqch de mal vous arrive).
Bref, c'était une petite lecture sympa mais à côté de la série dont je suis tombée folle dingue (j'ai déjà englouti la saison 2 (en me connectant sur amazon.com, j'ai réussi à y avoir accès vu qu'avec son compte amazon, on a accès à tous les sites amazon) et là , il me tarde déjà de voir la saison 3 mais à mon avis, il va falloir attendre vu que la saison 2 a été rendue disponible le... 12 janvier 2017 !!!
Bref, je conseille plus la série TV que le livre. Il reste plaisant mais il lui manque vraiment de la profondeur, que ce soit au niveau des personnages et même de l'intrigue... qui est bien plus recherchée et stressante (chaque fois qu'un épisode se termine, on veut voir le suivant) dans la série TV !
September 15, 2013
This books really good!! It has magic, crushes, sports, BFF's, enemies, and so many more things girls in 7th grade like or do. Kelly Quinn is the main character and her two best friends are Hannah Hernandez and Darbie O'Brien. Kelly also has an enemy that keeps reappearing and her name is Charlotte Barney. Kelly LOVES to cook and one day over the summer Darbie and her were cleaning the attic when she stumbles upon a Secret Recipe Book hidden in and encyclopedia. In the book there are secret recipes that are actually potions. All of the recipes have a special ingredient that comes from isla de cedros, a Mexican island off the Pacific Ocean. The girls make a secret cooking club that they make the recipes in and the recipes gives them bad karma and bad inks happen to them. Darbie becomes a major klutz, Hannah got stung by bees all over her body and Kelly has to carry the books of Charlotte. Also in the book there is a Chili-Cook off that Kelly and her more enter every year. Also Mrs. Rusumano, mother of Frankie and tony Rusumano, also enters and she has been winning for 4 years in a row. Darbie made a bet with Charlotte for Kelly that if Kelly looses the cook off she has to wear anything that Charlotte picks. The girls make a love potion to give to Frankie for he can love Hannah since Hannah has a MAJOR crush on Frankie but when they give Frankie the drink Tony has some of it and he starts getting feelings for Kelly and Kelly is starting to get a crush on Tony too. I recommend this book to girls the ages 11-13 because girls in that age group can relate to the book and girls younger would not understand it and girls older may think that it is childish. To figure out what happens with the cook off, the bet, the magic recipe book and with Tony and Jelly check this book out. I guarantee that you will love this book and not want to put it down.
December 30, 2023
Plot: 3/5
Pacing: 3/5
Writing: 2.5/5
Characters: 2.5/5
General Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Average: 2.9 stars
This is one of the rare occasions where the screen adaptation is light years better than the original book. The book wasn’t bad, per se, but compared to the masterfully plotted, meaningful, and emotionally satisfying TV show, this was a bit of a letdown. Let’s start off with the good: I can definitely say it was a cute, fun story for kids that I would have read in a single afternoon when I was 8 and never picked up again. I liked the explanation of where the magic came from, which the show didn’t really have. But the book lacked the depth of intricate properties attached to the spices that the show had, the depth of relationships between the three girls, and complex characters for all three, which I would have seen as a problem even if I hadn’t watched the show.
If I was just rating this book without having watched the show, it would probably be 3.5-4 stars. That may seem slightly unfair, but the show points out (and changes!) a lot of the problems with the book. The romantic elements were strained, and the show removed them entirely (zero romance in the entire show!). The plot was pretty basic; the show turns it into some of the best, cleanest storytelling I’ve ever watched. The lore behind the spices was interesting and explanatory, but not totally satisfying; the show makes it intricate while not overwhelming.
I’ve never said this before, and I’ll probably never say it again: Definitely watch the show, but the book isn’t really worth it.
Pacing: 3/5
Writing: 2.5/5
Characters: 2.5/5
General Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Average: 2.9 stars
This is one of the rare occasions where the screen adaptation is light years better than the original book. The book wasn’t bad, per se, but compared to the masterfully plotted, meaningful, and emotionally satisfying TV show, this was a bit of a letdown. Let’s start off with the good: I can definitely say it was a cute, fun story for kids that I would have read in a single afternoon when I was 8 and never picked up again. I liked the explanation of where the magic came from, which the show didn’t really have. But the book lacked the depth of intricate properties attached to the spices that the show had, the depth of relationships between the three girls, and complex characters for all three, which I would have seen as a problem even if I hadn’t watched the show.
If I was just rating this book without having watched the show, it would probably be 3.5-4 stars. That may seem slightly unfair, but the show points out (and changes!) a lot of the problems with the book. The romantic elements were strained, and the show removed them entirely (zero romance in the entire show!). The plot was pretty basic; the show turns it into some of the best, cleanest storytelling I’ve ever watched. The lore behind the spices was interesting and explanatory, but not totally satisfying; the show makes it intricate while not overwhelming.
I’ve never said this before, and I’ll probably never say it again: Definitely watch the show, but the book isn’t really worth it.
September 24, 2016
"Just Add Magic" by Cindy Callaghan is great. This book shows a lot of detail and imagination which I really liked. I love how Cindy talks about these three girls as if she already met them and she has known them all her life. Her details in the characters were so well-written that I felt that I knew what the characters looked like in my head. She also does not forget to include how strong their friendship is. In the introduction, she gives a very good description about the characters, so you can get to know them a little bit. The plot is amazing as well. Throughout the story, she wants you to know what is going to happen next. I could not put the book down! Her imagination for the book made me feel like I was experiencing everything the characters side by side. I'm really glad that I got a chance to read this book and I can't wait to read more books like hers in the future!
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February 3, 2014I recently finished just add magic and I really enjoyed the book. It is about 3 girl and they find an old cook book and decide to try some of the recipes. All the recipes have strange names like keep me quiet cobbler. They figure out that it is a magic cook book and that it really works. But later bad things happen and they have to balance there act of bad with acts of good. I really enjoy the book and recommend it. Also in the back of the book there are some of the recipes the three friends used and you can try out which I thought was funny.
April 2, 2018
Three girls find a magic cookbook in the attic and start trying out recipes, only to discover that the Rule of Returns applies in a big way.
This is a case of the (Amazon) show being much better than the book, I'm afraid, and the show is quite a bit different, too. The girls in the book are borderline mean and only feel repentant, it seems, because they suffer consequences and not because they actually feel bad about any hurt they've caused. Plus, neither magic nor the backstory for the cookbook itself is nearly as interesting here.
This is a case of the (Amazon) show being much better than the book, I'm afraid, and the show is quite a bit different, too. The girls in the book are borderline mean and only feel repentant, it seems, because they suffer consequences and not because they actually feel bad about any hurt they've caused. Plus, neither magic nor the backstory for the cookbook itself is nearly as interesting here.
January 21, 2018
All in all it was a cute little story that little kids who are into magic will love. It's adorable and fine. I love the Amazon show much more (I think it's much more creative and interesting, plot-wise) but this book is cute and gets its job done. I would recommend it to kids just starting out reading chapter books. There's nothing too hard for kids to read and I think it will be just interesting enough to keep kids' attention.
June 7, 2015
This was a mother-daughter (7 year-old) shared read-aloud. Here's what Lizi has to say about it:
I gave it five stars because I like it. I like the mystery of this book. Even at the end, you still don't know who the friends were or who the blind guy was.
I gave it five stars because I like it. I like the mystery of this book. Even at the end, you still don't know who the friends were or who the blind guy was.
May 3, 2021
In my opinion,this book isn't as good as the movie.The girls don't seem to care much and it's suppposed plot(magic cookbook) doesn't get mentioned much in the book.Wonder why it got Amazon Prime's movie?...
March 28, 2018
Ok, honestly this probably deserves one star, but I'm gonna be generous and give it two, because the TV show is so. Freaking. Adorable.
January 25, 2018
A lot less mysterious and more teenagers than the Amazon tv series. Strange to actually run across the book Second and the tv version first. Still love the fun premise of magic spices going awry.
November 9, 2023
this book/show made me who i am today
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