Book Reviews: ‘Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy’ series inspires and teaches young readers

Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy is an effervescent and exciting new illustrated series from author Kallie George and with illustrations by Lorena Alvarez Gomez.

Aimed at readers ages 5-8 (or K-3), this all-new series of chapter books teaches young readers the secrets to becoming a Disney Fairy Godmother and wielding useful, creative magic through funny characters.

There are three books in the series so far. The first two have been released and are available now; the third will be released in April 2023.

Volume 1: Rory and the Magical Confusions

Rory Spellington is all excited as she begins her first year at the prestigious Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy! But Fairy Godmother may not be as easy as she thought, especially because Rory has always struggled with spelling, i.e. magic spelling. During her first week at the academy, Rory discovers that being a good fairy godmother is about more than magic, and she will learn that she has her own talents that set her apart.

Volume 2: May and the delicate transformation

Determined to make her wand twinkle at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Ball, Mai Magicwhisp decides to do all of her spells at once. But her plan to perform the most magical transformation ever is put on hold when she accidentally turns one of her classmates, Tatia Shine, into a unicorn! Now Mai must work with Tatia to reverse the transformation before Tatia is stuck as a unicorn forever.

Volume 3: Ophelia and the magical excursion

Ophelia is thrilled to join the fairy tale excursion to Atlantica so she can visit the Wishing Whirlpool. There’s only one problem: Ophelia can’t help but be helpful! Whenever she’s about to go off on her own, she’s distracted by someone who needs her help. But when she meets her sea witch cousin, Octavia, Ophelia might learn what true help means.

At first glance, these books undeniably contain adorable illustrations and enchanting colors. Once readers get into the stories, they’ll find that they’re divided into chapters, much like any novel. I thought it was an inspirational layout for young readers bridging the gap between very early reading material and moving into longer books. The chapters aren’t intimidating, as the language and story still make for easy reading and the books aren’t too long. Rory’s story also includes opportunities to learn how to spell certain key words, which again helps bridge the gap.

In addition to the aesthetic and practical aspects of the books, the characters discover that there’s more to being a good fairy godmother than just magic, and they learn that their own talents set them apart (even if that means they can’t be good). at everything). Each tale provides great lessons for developing your own unique skills and learning what is and isn’t for you. The importance of trying is essential, and if you don’t succeed initially, it doesn’t matter – you will learn from it and you will always be encouraged to try again.

Brimming with beauty pleasing to the eye, the heart, and young developing brains, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy the stories belong in schools, homes and the journey in the backpack of every aspiring fairy godmother.

Rory and the Magical Confusions and May and the delicate transformation are available now. Ophelia and the fairy excursion will be released on April 11, 2023.