LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
This is the story of Maggie Sparks, a feisty little witch who is not thrilled with the arrival of a new baby brother. Her new little brother Arthur seems to be the centre of her parents’ world, and in her eyes she feels unloved. With the help of her pet chameleon Bat, and an understanding grandfather, she tries to deal with the issue in her own way.
This is a lovely little story, dealing with the common issue of jealousy when a new baby arrives in a family. There are many picture books dealing with this issue, but it is unusual and refreshing to have a ‘story’ book written with a positive message for all those older siblings!
It is written with both humour and understanding. Maggie’s references to her distaste for her mother ‘swapping a big tummy for a baby,’ to how she is far happier when the new baby is in its cage (cot.)
Bat the chameleon is a loyal pet and manages to change colour not to match its surroundings but to match her moods.
The whole family are witches, with the ability to cast magic spells, but none of them seem very able and various mishaps ensue as a result. Happily, all is resolved and peace reigns.
The book moves at a good pace for young children, with short, well-paced sentences and lots of DINGS, POPS and YUMS, combined with expressive illustrations by Esther Hernando to encourage the child to read this book enthusiastically and for general enjoyment.
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About
Maggie Sparks and the Monster Baby Synopsis
Maggie Sparks does NOT want a baby brother! Especially not one who is noisy, smelly and gets ALL the attention. The good thing is, Maggie's a witch. A super powerful, super smart, super talented witch ... who sometimes gets her spells wrong. But that won't stop her finding a way to win back her mum and dad from the evil monster baby. Especially when she's got Bat, her pet chameleon, to help. All she needs is a little magic ...
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781782267133 |
| Publication date: |
1st November 2021 |
| Author: |
Steve Smallman |
| Illustrator: |
Esther Hernando |
| Publisher: |
Sweet Cherry Publishing |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
112 pages |
| Series: |
Maggie Sparks |
| Suitable For: |
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Author
About Steve Smallman
Steve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for over 40 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. When he’s not writing or drawing, Steve enjoys watching films and television, gardening, and walking in the countryside. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo).
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
"I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing."
More About Steve Smallman
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About the Maggie Sparks series: Step into the magical world of Maggie Sparks: the mischievous little witch who turns every day into an adventure. Join Maggie as she learns how to tackle school, make friends and most confusing of all: understand her emotions - when she's not facing dragons and meeting aliens, that is! Perfect to bridge the gap between Isadora Moon and Amelia Fang for young readers aged 5+.
Cecilia Bennett, Sweet Cherry’s Managing Editor, said: “We love the humour Steve brings to Maggie’s magical adventures, which happen in the real world and involve everyday situations that readers will be very familiar with. Like Maggie, children around the age of 5-7 experience a lot of emotions that they haven’t worked out how to express yet so they’re sure to relate to Maggie, who always uses her magic as a shortcut to try and fix things!”
And the author, Steve Smallman added: “I can’t wait to introduce the world to Maggie Sparks! She’s a little witch with a big personality, a slightly strange best friend, a pet chameleon and an annoyingly cute baby brother. I’ve had such fun writing about Maggie’s magical misadventures, and I hope my readers enjoy them, too!”
