Little Witch: Secrets and Spells by Aleesah Darlison

Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781925520101
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Courtney is going to be stuck in Mixton Bay for her summer holidays. She won't have any friends, TV or pizza as her parents redecorate and ready her unknown grandmother's house for sale. Courtney might not be happy but the trip is also hard on her Dad. He hadn't seen or spoken to Delia, his mother, for a very long time and didn't even attend her funeral.
As Courtney explores the house, she discovers a box labelled with her name. Inside is a spell book, her grandmother's spell book. Courtney is now more excited to be in Mixton Bay and meeting 12 year old surfer, Justice, also helps. Thanks to Justice's friendship with her grandmother, Courtney starts to learn more and more about Delia including the fact that she was a witch and helped people. Throw in a talking cat and Courtney never wants to leave. Now, she just needs to get her Dad to believe and then persuade him and her Mum to stay.
Secrets and Spells is set somewhere in an Australian beachside community. It has just enough intrigue to keep readers reading, giving just a small taste of magic with some funny results. The text is descriptive and easy to read and a great introduction to this first book in a new series. It is highly recommended for readers aged 8+ and will appeal to girls.
Kylie Kempster