Book Review of Esme and Griswald Search for a Potion
Sponsored* | All opinions are our own
The Children’s Book Review
Esme and Griswald Search for a Potion
Written by Jacqueline Criddle
Illustrated by Dazzling Media
Ages 7+ | 70 Pages
Publisher: Amazon KDP (2024)
What to Expect: Friendship, problem-solving, self-reliance, magic, and responsibility.
Stories about magical education never get old, and Esme and Griswald Search for a Potion fits beautifully into the long-standing tradition of witty, witchy school stories.
Esme, the witch, is supposed to be doing her mending magic homework by helping Mrs. Hubbard with her leaky roof. However, when she sees an amazing racing broom zoom past the window, she can’t resist making one for herself and trying it out. However, this is a BIG mistake because the Grand High Witch has had enough of Esme’s flights of fancy—before she can say “Super Spellyspin,” Esme has been expelled and lost her magic powers!
The Grand High Witch offers her one chance—if she can cure poor little Prince Boris’ boils before midnight, she can have her powers and her place at school back. But how will she manage the task without magic? With the help of her familiar Griswald, Esme will have to draw on other powers—like reading, bravery, and quick thinking.
Esme and Griswald are an enticing pair of protagonists whose growth from irresponsible pleasure-seekers to compassionate boil-curers is both fun and satisfying to follow. Their quest is filled with fingernail-biting moments, from nearly being eaten by a flying pig to riding on the back of a gigantic, spiky flying monster.
Best of all, the magical world is brought to life with whimsically outlandish vocabulary (“Snozzlebozzle,” “Whizzwhoosh,” “Wirzlwhump”) and Halloween-worthy magical details (like a teacher who can turn a “grisly shade of green”). With its short chapters, abundant dialogue, and vibrant digital artwork, the story is a perfect transition for young readers stepping into chapter-book reading.
Esme and Griswald Search for a Potion is not just a fun-filled adventure but also a tale that imparts the values of self-sufficiency and responsibility. It’s a story that will leave young readers feeling enlightened and inspired.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Jacqueline Criddle is an experienced primary school teacher passionate about creating a world that absorbs the child completely and helps stimulate their imagination.
Having taught reading for many years, she believes that character-led stories with lots of humor help motivate children to read.
Sometimes referred to as Criddle the Fiddle, Jacqueline plays fiddle in a ceilidh band and is also learning to play tenor guitar. In 2015, she participated in the world record for the largest bodhran playing session in Dublin, which was incredible fun!
Read our Exclusive Interview: Magic, Morals, and Mischief: A Conversation with Jacqueline Criddle, Creator of Esme and Griswald
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Esme and Griswald Search for a Potion. Learn more about getting a book review …
