Review by Booklist Review
Wells' third Pocket Cats offering finds ceramic cat Ollie coming to life to help Maddy solve a new problem. Assisted by feline magic, Maddy casts a spell enabling best friend Rachel to shine during ballet auditions; as a result, Rachel is given the role of Clara in The Nutcracker. But pride in her powers soon turns to jealousy, since Maddy had been counting on the part herself. Wells' breezy style, an emphasis on friendship concerns, and Harrison's attractive black line illustrations will make this popular with newly independent readers, especially those who love cats and ballet. Three more titles are promised.--Weisman, Kay Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
Maddy is delighted when her tiny ceramic cats (from Paw Power) work their magic again. Black cat Nibs helps her prevent cousin Chloe from running away (Shadow), and tabby Ollie gives Maddy's best friend confidence to show off her ballet skills (Charm). These simple, illustrated chapter books are appealing, but Briticisms may be confusing. [Review covers these Pocket Cats titles: Feline Charm and Shadow Magic.] (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Shadow Magic, 2011). Maddy and Rachel are anxious about the ballet tryouts for The Nutcracker. Their favorite ballerina, Snow Bradley, is going to be the Sugarplum Fairy, and all the girls just know that Maddy will be chosen as Clara. Rachel dances too, but she suffers from such stage fright that it's clear that she is about to give up--which is a shame, because she is quite a dancer when she is alone. Ollie, the third ceramic cat, soon comes to life. Ollie is all vanity, but he has an author's gift for dramatic tension, even keeping his mission secret until absolutely necessary. Part of a series, the book's formula is clear: The tiny cat can switch back and forth from ceramic to flesh, understands the problem and can make humans change their behavior. When Rachel ends up summoning her skills and courage, Maddy has to face the fact that her place as the best dancer in the troupe is no longer secure, and her response almost costs the girls their friendship. The British vocabulary and spelling (practise, tetchily, panto and strop, for instance) add a level of challenge to a book for children just transitioning from beginning readers. The sweet storyline, appealing characters and just the right touch of magic make this an endearing series for new, cat-loving readers who are ready for a little bit of adventure in their vocabulary. (Fantasy. 7-10)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
