Clover's Luck

January 19, 2015
The Magical Animal Adoption Agency series gets off to a promising start, introducing a girl named Clover whose self-professed bad luck shows signs of improving when she snags a volunteer gig with an agency devoted to finding good homes for cursed toads, miniature fairy horses, and other outside-the-norm creatures. After a witch sneaks into the agency and cuts off a unicorn’s tail, it’s the beginning of a whirlwind adventure for the resourceful and determined Clover, an easy heroine to root for. George’s warm storytelling and Boiger’s equally inviting pencil illustrations quickly establish the story’s enchanting and sometimes dangerous setting. Readers will be envious of the world of magic that Clover becomes ensconced in and eager to read future installments. Ages 7–10. Author’s agent: Emily Van Beek, Folio Literary Management. Illustrator’s agent: Marcia Wernick, Wernick & Pratt.

November 15, 2014
Clover might have a lucky name, but she is sure that she's the unluckiest girl ever.Clover believes in luck, and she's tried everything to improve hers. She painted her room green (the color of clovers), she hung a horseshoe above her bed, and she carries a wishbone everywhere. Nothing works. Now her best friend, Emma, has gotten the last space at Pony Camp, and Clover will be alone all summer. When her pet canary escapes through a hole in her window, Clover chases the bird into the dark and forbidding Woods that surround the town. She doesn't catch the bird, but she sees an ad for volunteers at an animal adoption agency posted on a tree. When she finds the cottage on Dragon Tail Lane, she learns that Mr. Jams fosters magical animals. He accepts her as a volunteer but must leave on a special rescue mission almost immediately. He places Clover in charge. Can she do the job without her bad luck tripping her up-especially with a wicked witch about? George kicks off her Magical Animal Adoption Agency series with the tale of how Clover discovers her luck isn't what she thought it was. All works out appropriately conveniently for the audience, and the solidly written, gentle tale of magic and self-reliance will entertain confident new independent readers. Clover's sweet story is a good next step for lovers of the Magic Tree House. (Fantasy. 6-10)

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February 1, 2015

Gr 2-4-Clover believes that she has bad luck. She keeps losing her pets and her best friend got into horse camp without her. She is dreading her summer. This changes when her latest pet, a bird, escapes after a baseball breaks a hole in her window. She follows her bird into the scary woods where no one is willing to go. Clover soon finds a sign advertising the need for animal lovers to volunteer at an agency called the M.A.A.A. She follows the directions, discovering an animal shelter that is like nothing she has ever seen. It is full of magical creatures like unicorns and dragons. Clover's summer is now far from terrible, but she must keep her job a secret. When the youngster is left in charge for several days, she must deal with a pesky princess and a wicked witch while finding magical animals a good home. This story is cleverly told and Clover is an endearing protagonist. George writes descriptively, making readers feel at home in the cottage filled with visual wonders, delicious cinnamon toast, and surrounded by a forest carpeted with feathery moss. VERDICT This new chapter book series is perfect for young readers who love animals and fairy tales.-Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2015
Clover faces an unlucky summer without any pets or her best friend. When she discovers the hidden Magical Animal Adoption Agency, she decides to volunteer there. By the end of summer, she foils an evil witch to save the day. George's series-starter is a quick adventure story with a positive message of believing in yourself. Light pencil sketches break up the text.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)