Wanda Broom by Ciara Geraghty and Fay Austin

Wanda Broom is a real page turner. It is written by Irish author Ciara Geraghty, and is a cute children’s book. The fabulous illustrations, which are just as important especially in children’s literature is really nice too, and beautifully done by English illustrator, Fay Austin, (who wrote and illustrated her first book AT 5 YEARS OF AGE!). The illustrations are in black and white, but still pop out and are really, really cool.

It was first published, this year by Eiru, which is an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, and this is Ciara’s first children’s book, (she has penned 10 adult books). The cover is a bright one, with Wanda Broom, her mum and her gran and was a great witchy read for me, as whilst I type this up, it is Halloween!

I borrowed this book from my local library in Gorey, Co Wexford. My children unfortunately have out-grown being read too, as they are now 14 and 12 years old. However, I still love being read to, especially on my bed-bound days, but I am eating children’s literature at the moment as I am almost at the end of my second draft of my own children’s book, so research is so very important. Sarah Webb told us we must read current children’s fiction, as books have changed immensely since I was a child. I read Noddy, by Enid Blyton, when I was little, and whilst they were classic books they are definitely NOT PC friendly, NOW.

Wanda Broom deals with the themes of being different, trying to fit in, especially at school, friendships, and perseverance to do well in tests and in life in general. The age rating for this book is suggested at 6 to 9-year olds, but advanced readers may read this before the age of 6 and older children than 9, may both enjoy and find this book fitting for their reading ability level.

Wanda Broom: the blurb at the back of the book

WANDA’S mother is a witch, but Wanda wishes she wasn’t.

Following yet another of her mother’s failed spells, Wanda has to move to a new town.

Things get worse when Esmerelda receives a letter from the World Wide Web of Witches and Warlocks, informing her that she has to undergo an assessment carried out by Mr Pincer, the chief whip, who is determined to put an end to Esmerelda’s witching career, once and for all.

Wanda is certain her mother will fail the test. Part of her wants her to. Then her mother wouldn’t be a witch anymore and Wanda would get what she has always wanted … an ordinary life.

This easy to read book will have kids sucked in from the very start until the very end. With its creative storyline, children can use their imaginations with the aid of the big drawings inside of this magical little tale. The chapters are short, the language is simple and fun, and the book is just under 170 pages, at 168 in total. It would make a great Christmas gift, underneath the Christmas tree! Reading is a gift for the young and the old.