Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch

Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch written by Derek Keilty, illustrated by Magda Brol (Scallywag Press Ltd London - NewSouth Books) PB, Chapter Book RRP $18.99 ISBN 9781915252180

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine.

Ivy Newt and The Storm Witch is the first book of the brand-new chapter book series, by Derek Keilty and Magda Brol. It is a delightful journey into a whimsical world that will enchant young readers imaginations.

Ivy Newt, a determined young witch, embarks on an extraordinary adventure on her birthday to save her parents, the King and Queen of the Sand Witches, from the sinister Storm Witch. Accompanied by her loyal shape shifting friend Tom, Ivy navigates the magical yet perilous land of Miracula, where danger and wonder lurk.

Keilty’s narrative is a rollercoaster of excitement, filled with clever twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The dialogue sparkles with wit, while the plot’s pace ensures that there’s never a dull moment. Brol's lively black and white illustrations add depth and charm to the narrative, making the world of Miracula come to life.

Ivy's journey is more than just a rescue mission; it's a voyage of self-discovery and growth, teaching young readers the importance of perseverance, friendship, courage, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself.

Recommended for readers aged between 5 years and upwards, reluctant readers and/or newly independent readers. Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch is a must-read for any child with a love for magic and adventure, and a lovely addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.

Ivy Newt and the Time Thief

Ivy Newt and the Time Thief by Derek Keilty and Magda Brol (Scallywag Press) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 978915252333

This is a fast-paced adventure for emerging readers, in which Ivy and Tom solve the mystery of a spooky house that appears only at Halloween. Second in a highly illustrated chapter book series for ages 5-7 featuring Ivy, an unstoppable and lovable young witch, and her friend and familiar Tom. Every Halloween at sunrise, a spooky haunted house appears near Newt Castle, only to disappear again at the stroke of midnight. Ivy and Tom set out to solve the mystery, stumbling upon an imprisoned witch, a powerful sorcerer, and a curse they must break before time runs out... 

Ivy Newt and the Time Thief

Ivy Newt and the Time Thief by Derek Keilty and Magda Brol (Scallywag Press) PB ISBN 9781915252333

On the island of Miracula, Ivy Newt lives in Newt Castle with her Sand Witch parents King Lucius and Queen Fenella. The book starts on Halloween morning when Ivy excitedly tells her familiar, Tom Wolf (which can morph into many shapes), to stop sleeping. Ivy has a new mystery to solve: why does the spooky house over the bay only appear at Halloween? In a race against time, Ivy, and Tom (who’s now morphed into a boy), must break a powerful spell and outwit a crazy sorcerer, all before the last stroke of midnight.

This is the second book about Ivy Newt: the first was Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch. It was highly praised by Lancashire Evening Post which said, ‘The perfect book to launch youngsters into a lifetime of reading.’ Book for Keeps wrote, ‘A satisfying mix of jeopardy and laughter.’

Like the first book, this latest book is frequently illustrated with black and white line and wash pictures, starting with a labelled map of Miracula, and going on to display portraits of characters which appear in the book, such as Thaddeus Creep, Magpie Meg, Felicity Ticks, and four animals. Some illustrations are full-page, and there’s an illustration at the top of each chapter.

This book is suitable for readers aged 8+ years.