Hocus and Pocus and the Spell for Home (Hocus and Pocus #1)
by A R Capetta (Author) Charlene Chua (Illustrator)
From award-winning author A. R. Capetta comes a new first-chapter-book series delivering plenty of puppies, magic, and charm.
Puppies Hocus and Pocus are still waiting to be adopted from the Shelter for Slightly Magical Pets. Even though Hocus can see two minutes into the future and Pocus can turn bad feelings into bubbles (which he eats!), nobody seems to want them. This could be because the two keep causing mischief so they won't be separated.
When Jinx the witch uses a "spell for home" potion to help a color-changing tortoise find his match, the puppies know what to do: sneak both their hairs into the mixture to ensure they get adopted together. But with these two, anything can happen--from a shrinking spell to giant bees! Can the puppies, along with Jinx and her young apprentices--witch Archer (he/him), wizard Ofelia (she/her), and warlock Tam (they/them)--fix the magical mess? And will they finally find a home, maybe even right under their noses?
This adorable new series takes readers to a vibrant world full of magic, community, surprises, and welcoming homes.
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Publishers Weekly
When ebullient, bohemian witch Jinx deposits a litter of stray puppies at the Shelter for Slightly Magical Pets, the establishment's manager predicts that offers for adoption will quickly follow because they're all "more than slightly adorable." But Hocus, who can see two minutes into the future, and Pocus, who can turn bad feelings into edible bubbles, have strong opinions about their fates. Determined to not be separated, the two eponymous pups hatch a scheme with the endgame to be adopted by the witch herself. The ensuing pages of this rambunctious chapter book by Capetta (The Heartbreak Bakery) see Hocus and Pocus embarking on an adventure that's both slapstick and heartfelt. Peppy, digital spot illustrations by Chua (Boys Don't Fry) that tip a witch's hat to classic animation portray the floppy-eared duo as they steal into Jinx's house, win the hearts of her three young apprentices, and wreak havoc with the witch's cauldron collection. In the end, Jinx can't resist the pups' charms and notes that Hocus and Pocus are actually "highly magical puppies"--a prescient setup for the series' successive entries. Human characters have varying skin tones. Ages 5-8. (May)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3--Stories featuring cute dogs or magic are always popular, and this book will be no exception. This series centers puppies who are "slightly magical and more than slightly adorable." Hocus and Pocus are littermates who want to stay together and be adopted into the same home. They create quite a bit of mischief to make sure they are not separated, even stowing away in the bag of Jinx the witch to reach her house. While looking for potions the puppies meet Jinx's apprentices, who live with her while they train. Can these mischievous canines use the "spell for home" to find their own forever family? Digital illustrations capture the caramel and cocoa colors of Hocus and Pocus, the magenta of Jinx's hair, and other vivid tones that bring the story to life. The expression on Hocus's face as she enjoys a belly rub, and the frightened look of Pocus as he is chased by gigantic bees add to the characterization in the text. The theme of acceptance and belonging is reinforced by the diversity of the apprentices in appearance and gender; they each mention which pronouns they use (he/him, she/her, they/them) as they introduce themselves. VERDICT A first chapter book that combines pets, potions, and a happy ending; perfect for readers who enjoy lighthearted mischief and canine cuddles.--Suzanne Costner
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
These magical, mischievous pooches prove irresistible.
Review quotes
"If your young reader loves the enchanting hijinks of The Princess in Black, introduce them to this illustrated chapter book about Hocus and Pocus. . . . My family read this story together in one sitting, laughing at the inevitable magical messes, enjoying the slew of colorful, joy-filled illustrations, and looking forward to the next book in the series." —LitHub
"Adorable. . . . This is so much fun, and I love the diverse range of pronouns used by characters." —Book Riot
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
Magic
Witches
Apprentices
Puppies
Animal shelters
Witchcraft
