Witches of Brooklyn

July 20, 2020
When 11-year-old Effie’s mother dies, she is given into the care of her elderly aunt Selimene and partner, Carlota,
acupuncturists and herbalists living in Brooklyn. At first angry and hurt, Effie rails against the women but is soon won over by their big personalities and rambling home, visually detailed in satisfying bird’s-eye view cross-sections. Lucking into a pair of good friends on her first day of school, Effie is settling into her new life when her favorite pop star secretly comes to the house, looking for help. Through this arrival, Effie discovers that her aunts’ healing methods veer into the magical and begins to realize her own magical powers. Escabasse’s character design stands out, particularly wonderfully distinct faces and variously shaped bodies that populate a stylish, boldly colored world. Though initial exposition and character relationships feel rushed, each individual displays a unique personality, and the straightforward plot allows for a focus on evolving relationships. A warm story of found family and healing that stands on its own while setting the stage for further adventures. Ages 8–12. Agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary. (Sept.)■

December 17, 2021

Gr 3-7-Brooklyn's community of witches expands as Effie, who appears to be Asian, officially joins her aunts' circle. Beyond magic and spells, the members of this inclusive group "all have one thing in common...They're all people taking care of people." Effie's social life includes Oliver, who is white; Berrit, who is tan; and a new classmate from France, Garance, who is Black. Garance's quick and easy popularity vexes Effie and distracts her from her studies, whether in school or the magic arts. Self-centered frustration gives way to reflection as Effie eventually welcomes Garance into her community. Escabasse's artwork depicts many kinds of magic throughout wintry Brooklyn, whether in the form of a goose-shaped seeing-eye cane, meditation circle, transformations, or communication between spirits. The cast's many coats and sweaters keep them and the visuals bright and cozy. VERDICT This snowy sequel finds Effie continuing to learn and grow from the witches around her while finding new friendship from abroad; readers will be enchanted.-Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2021
A humorous, magical romp about a modern-day apprentice witch who is struggling to be a good friend. Effie, a young apprentice witch, is back in the sequel to Witches of Brooklyn (2020). In her first outing, Effie learned she was a witch and began figuring out her magical powers. Now Effie learns more about the caring witching community and helps them create a clever solution to a cursed neighborhood intersection. Effie also works through friendship woes, kicked off by the appearance of Garance, a new French girl at school. Is Garance the source of all Effie's problems, or could she possibly be a part of the solution? At its heart a relationship story, this modern fantasy with a realistic setting is lighthearted and whimsical. Humor and emotion are conveyed through dialogue using a wide variety of typefaces. The comedic timing of sequential panels is especially strong, creating mini-episodes within larger chapters. The characters' specificity, from their facial expressions to apparel, adds even more humor, and the witches are delightfully diverse in body shape, skin color, gender presentation, profession, and more. While this title works as a stand-alone, the story is much richer when experienced as a sequel. In the previous title, visual elements hinted at Effie's Asian/White heritage. Garance is Black; Effie's lesbian aunts read as White, and secondary characters represent the diversity of New York City. Stellar comedic timing and whimsy galore combine in this magical friendship story. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

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