Words, Words, Everywhere!

“In all my years of word collecting, I've learned this to be a tried and true fact: I can very often tell how much a person loves another person by the way they say their name. I think that's one of the best feelings in the world, when you know your name is safe in another person's mouth. When you know they'll never shout it out like a cuss word, but say it or whisper it like a once-upon-a-time.” ~ Felicity Pickle, A Snicker of Magic

Felicity Pickle sees words around people and items, so she collects and keeps track of them. She finds them all over the places, especially because Felicity, her mom, and her younger sister are travelers. They never stay in any place very long, that's just the Pickle way. When they visit Midnight Gulch, the town where her mama grew up, Felicity finally finds the place she wants to call home. Maybe it’s because she meets her best friend in the whole world, Jonah, there. He fills her in on all the unique parts of the town and even takes her to meet the person who makes the ice cream the town is known for. I mean who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream with mysterious powers that can make you brave, or remember something, and the names are just as interesting as the flavors. Jonah has a secret – pumpernickel. He not only shares it with Felicity and lets her in on what “The Beedle” is and how much he helps people, but he also challenges her to participate in “The Duel”. Now Midnight Gulch has been known for the magic in its people. Unfortunately since many years ago when the two Weatherly brothers decided to duel to see whose magic was better there’s only been a snicker of magic in the town. Just a hint of magic in every nook and cranny. Will Felicity get her wish and get to stay in Midnight Gulch? Will she be able to overcome her fears about public speaking and talk at “The Duel”? How can the magic come back to the town and its people? Will Felicity ever be brave enough to try the memory ice cream? You'll have to read this spindiddly story to find out!

When I met the author Natalie Lloyd at the Connecticut Children's Book Fair, I wanted to read her story because she seemed so sweet and interesting. When I started reading A Snicker of Magic I immediately fell in love with the writing. Natalie Lloyd has a lyrical way with words that lull you into the story while the characters worm their way into your heart. I love the character of Felicity and her ability to see words. As someone who loves words and reading I thought it was the coolest thing ever to be able to see words hovering in different places and above people. The words she collects are unique, eclectic and sometimes brand-new. I was sad when the story ended because I wanted to find out more about Midnight Gulch and its unique magic. I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who love a good story about family, friendships, and magic. I definitely plan to read more by Natalie Lloyd.

Has anybody else read A Snicker of Magic? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

Follow my blog with Bloglovin