The Courage of Cat Campbell (Poppy Pendle)

by Natasha Lowe

“Lowe echoes the whimsy of J.K. Rowling with…charismatic characters.” —Publishers Weekly
“Fans of Matilda…will be happy to meet another spunky girl.” —School Library Journal

Cat Campbell is a late-blooming witch whose magical abilities have yet to be mastered in this charming coming-of-age story set in the world of The Power of Poppy Pendle.

Cat Campbell has had magical powers since the day she was born, but she didn’t always know that. Cat’s mother believes magic ruins lives, and even as Cat’s passion for magic grows over the years, no one suspects she has the gift. But she has indeed inherited the coveted magic gene of her famed great-great-grandmother Mabel, a discovery she makes in a most surprising way. And when she comes across a book called The Late Bloomer’s Guide to Magic, she finds the encouragement she needs and spells that actually work. Then the town of Potts Bottom is threatened by a notoriously feared witch, and Cat has the chance to help her family and town—and to prove herself in the process. Because, as The Late Bloomer’s Guide to Magic proclaims, “believing in your magic and yourself is half the battle.”

• ISBN10: 148141870X
• ISBN13: 9781481418706
• Publish Date: 6 January 2015
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Imprint: Paula Wiseman Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 288
• Language: English

Reviews

[celinenyx]

Cat Campbell wants nothing more than to be a witch and go to the local school for witchcraft. But although the gene runs in her family, Cat doesn't show a spark of magic for years. Then she accidentally finds her mom's old wand, and turns a spider into a rainbow of colours. Now she only has to convince her mother to let her be a witch.

I could so relate to Cat. When I was young, I wanted to be a witch too and go to Hogwarts! Now, in Cat's case, magic actually exists, and she's faced with the girls that go to the magic school every day. They ride around on broomsticks and have pretty purple uniforms, and she'd give just about anything to be one of them.

The Courage of Cat Campbell is a very sweet story about carving out your own path, even if that goes against the wishes of your parents. Now I'm personally ambiguous about the message the book gives - I do think you shouldn't follow the path your parents make up for you just because they decided on it, but on the other hand there is such a thing as impossible dreams (like deciding to become a princess). In The Courage of Cat Campbell Cat's dream is a very obtainable one, so I didn't mind her setting her sights on magic, even though her mom is strongly opposed to it.

Though this is a sequel, you don't need to have read The Power of Poppy Pendle to enjoy this one. Almost the entire Poppy story is recapped in Cat Campbell, so you will know exactly what has happened before. On the other hand, you will also get spoiled about the resolution of the Poppy Pendle story.

I loved the setting of the book in Potts Bottom. The otherworldly objects have clever names, without being over the top. The whole story is well though-out, and there is an adorable friendship between Cat and the boy that's practically her cousin. I recommend this book for all those peoples out there that want to follow their dreams (preferably magic ones), despite what other people think.