This story was adorable and really shows what outrageous magic middle-grade novels can get away with. Cordelia is plucky and determined, her secret friend Goose discovers bravery, and Sam definitely steals the show. The magical ingredients and their properties and uses were delightful and unexpected, and I definitely enjoyed the footnotes/glossary explaining them when they appeared. The villains were cartoonish and dastardly, and the showdown outlandish and improbable, but also delightful. The Hatmakers were all wonderful characters and I adored the concept of magical milliners to the king and clothing created to imbue the wearer with desired feelings/characteristics. I look forward to the next book.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Children’s UK for providing an e-arc to review.
Whimsical Dragonette 