Lily Halfmoon: The Magic Gems

'Lily Halfmoon: the Magic Gems' is a graphic novel with occasional field-guide-type pages scattered throughout giving extra information about magic gems, fantasy creatures, and important plants in the book’s universe. There is also a recipe for ‘cleaning slime’ that students will be able to make at home.

'The Magic Gems' is reminiscent of stories such as 'The Worst Witch' and 'Harry Potter', in that a child, Lily, discovers they have magical powers and attends a special school to learn about magic.

In order to become a witch, Lily has to complete three tasks: the first two of these tasks are completed within six pages, and another two-thirds of the book passes before the final task is mentioned again and then resolved. I found this a bit disjointed and wished that the author had spent more time focussing on the tasks and the effort put into their completion. That being said, this is probably not something that students will even notice, let alone care about.

The book is visually very appealing. There is a watercolour feel to the pictures, and some look as if they’re glowing, adding to the magic theme of the book. Students will be attracted to the cute animal guardians, racially diverse characters, and world building that happens in the book.

'The Magic Gems' ends with a strong set up for a sequel, and book 2 (The Witches Council) is teased, with pictures of its cover featured both in the final pages and on the back cover.

I am sure my students will love 'Lily Halfmoon' and there will be requests for me to purchase the rest of the books in the series as they are released.