Asha Nehemiah’s Trouble with Magic was the very first book we read at my very first reading programme. And I loved it. So, when I learned that after all these years, there was a sequel …
Writing a sequel to a lovely book is challenging, even more challenging than writing a new book–because there are expectations. But A Pinch of Magic lives up to them.
Let’s begin with the blurb. It made me frown. How was it possible to write a whole book about a spoon? And then, as I read the book, I smiled and chuckled. Because yes, that’s what A Pinch of Magic is about. Aunt Malu’s special pinching spoon is broken, and she needs another. The premise is just that simple. And in Asha Nehemiah’s grand, humorous style, we dive into a story about a spoon.
There’s so much I love about the story! I love how similar the first line of A Pinch of Magic is to the first line of Trouble with Magic. We know it’s a bad idea to listen to Veena’s ideas or to ask for her help, BUT … Already, I have a smile on my face!
I love the guru’s address and the fact that until very recently, mail was delivered to the address that says, clearly, ‘Second Largest Eechamaram, After the third Korattykanjiram with the J-shaped branches, Opposite Devil’s Horn Thorn Bush, Harrabharrapazham P.O.’ How much clearer could an address be, right?
And so, with the enterprising aunt-niece duo, we go on a mad, fun journey – all to find the perfect pinching spoon!
| Title | A Pinch of Magic |
| Author | Asha Nehemiah |
| Tags | Chapter Book, hOle Book, adventure |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4.5 |
| Age-group | 7+ |
Thanks so much for this review Varsha. Your thoughtful and perceptive reviews make your blog a great resource.
Thank you! I see it as a win-win for me. I love reading, I love writing, I love writing about reading … It all comes together!