What they had to say about the books
“A thoughtful and entertaining story about human gullibility and pigheadedness, the fact that magic and science each contain a little of the other, and the way two people can be right and wrong at the same time” – Guardian
“A refreshing variation on the witches and wizards that now crowd children’s fiction” – Sunday Times
“A delightfully witchy story that has its feet fully planted in reality…some very clever plot twists” – Booklist, American Library Association
“A delightful comedy from Emma Barnes?a serious story cleverly wrapped in a funny one” Glasgow Herald
“An engaging debut” – Shelf Life, Scottish Book Trust
“Deliciously ridiculous, delightfully incredible and celebrates eccentricities big-time?this very assured and entertaining book ends on a happy high” – Irish Times
“This is about much more than witchcraft: the fears of a child about her parents’ divorce, a girl’s scientific ambitions, and the curious chemistry of friendships” – Independent
“A well-observed, entertaining take on family tensions” – Independent Magazine
“Roald Dahl meets Jacqueline Wilson” – Financial Times
“Emma Barnes tells a lively, spellbinding story” – Daily Mail
“The themes of parental problems and the plight of the children caught in the crossfire have rarely been treated with such a humorous, yet sympathetic, touch” – Waterstones Books Quarterly
“readers who enjoyed the witty, fast-moving story of the sparky Jessica Haggerthwaite as Witch Dispatcher will be delighted with the sequel…perfect for the seven to ten year olds” – Financial Times
“kids will love the high-spirited antics of the bubbly Jessica and her crazy magical mum” – Waterstones Books Quarterly
“Emma Barnes creates a wonderful cast of characters in an eminently readable, fast-paced and funny story” – Financial Times
“terrific entertainment” – The Scottish Herald
“perfect for 10s and over – a terrific comic adventure with many a hair-raising episode” – Times Educational Supplement
“A real cracker of a book” – Armadillo
“Funny, clever and satisfying…thoroughly recommended” – Books for Keeps – Book of the Week
“This delightful story is an ideal mix of love and loyalty, stirred together with a little magic and fantasy” – Carousel
“A delightful book” – The Bookbag
