The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow (The Okay Witch)

by Emma Steinkellner

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow is the second book in the Okay Witch graphic novel series by Emma Steinkellner. Released 6th July 2021 by Simon & Schuster on their Aladdin imprint, it's 272 pages and will be available in hardback, paperback, and ebook formats.

This is such a wonderfully engaging story. The characterizations are all strong and with Moth, the protagonist, we get a sympathetic and understandable character on top of everything else. It's easy for readers to put themselves in Moth's shoes, and even though she's an actual magic using witch from a long line of powerful witches, she still deals with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. She wants to fit in and not be geeky, not be bullied, and not be "dorky". When she acquires a powerful magical amulet she decides to change her story herself; what could possibly go wrong?

This book is wonderfully well plotted and such a good tale. It's certainly an engaging story, but there are worthwhile deeper takeaways as well: the meaning of true friendship, kindness, compassion, heart, found family (and the biological kind as well), honesty, and love.

I love that the adults who care about Moth aren't perfect, but they are good role models and they genuinely care about her. I like that she's a person of color, and it's not a huge deal in the story (it is mentioned in passing and it does have some relevance to the plot - but it's not harped on). I like that there are healthy (and unhealthy) friendship models included.

The art deserves its own review. It's simple and so open, but the expressiveness of the characters is amazing. The facial expressions and emotions are conveyed so deftly. It supports and enhances the narrative perfectly.

I also adore Mr. Laszlo (the cat). He's just pure 100% distilled wonderfulness.

Five stars. This is a worthwhile all-ages read. It would be good for public or school library acquisition, and personal library. I really hope there are many more stories to come.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.