Capetta, A.R. Hocus and Pocus and the Spell for Home. Charlene Chua, Illus. Hocus and Pocus; bk. 1. Candlewick, 05/2024. 96pp. Fiction. Trade $16.99. 978-1-53622-492-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.
Young adult author A.R. Capetta has successfully created an early chapter book series that combines magic, rescued puppies, and diverse gender representation. Hocus and Pocus are two pups still waiting to be adopted from the Shelter for Slightly Magical Pets after their littermates have all found homes. Full-color illustrations show witches and wizards with a variety of skin tones and hair colors and styles as they visit the pups and introduce themselves along with their pronouns. This simple modeling of pronoun usage and the inclusion of a non-binary character are unique but they also work seamlessly within the story. Beginning readers will be clamoring for additional adventures with these two magical mischief makers.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District