A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic by Philip C. Stead

What worked:

Readers will immediately recognize that this is no ordinary book. The foreword reflects on the author’s thought process, including why the book has two titles. Or why the story begins with chapter 13. After a bit of plot, the story goes back to chapter two. Chapter one is saved for later. The narrator explains why the story jumps around and how it makes sense. Also, the author is one of the characters, as he tries to figure out what to write next. The story seems destined to evolve in its own way, so can his ideas match what’s happening? Later in the book, the author becomes a physical character in the story that he’s writing.

The story is chock-full of humor, and it comes in a variety of forms. Some of it is physical, as evidenced by people frequently jumping out of the castle window and landing atop Bernadette’s shelter. She uses scrap materials to build a net that saves leapers from injury and keeps them from breaking her table. The author enjoys using Latin terms, as do other characters, and definitions are included. However, the meanings don’t always fit the context of the narrative. Repetition of phrases or paragraphs adds to the amusement. Bernadette’s best friends are a turtle named Perseverance and a three-legged goat named Steve. A tree that won’t grant wishes and an old, forgetful magician join Bernadette on her quest, and the magician’s addled mind contributes funny comments. Twenty-four morals are woven into the story, with some included for amusement while others might actually apply to readers’ lives.

What is the story about? Bernadette is a kind, thoughtful young girl who is loyal to her friends. She has always wanted to have courage, so she introduces herself as Bernadette the Brave. She’s obedient to the king’s orders, even though he is a self-centered, pompous nut case. Readers may be shocked at how his aides are so subservient and ridiculously try to keep him happy. This includes jumping out of the castle window! Bernadette goes to great lengths to help the goats tasked with supporting the castle, and she’s determined to locate the missing one that ran away. She also won’t stop until she keeps Perseverance from becoming the main ingredient in the king’s soup. Bernadette’s love and her dream for a happily ever after ending motivate her to never stop trying.

What didn’t work as well:

The author is also an excellent illustrator, and all of the characters are shared at the very beginning. Readers might expect some pictures of them mixed into the story. I read an advanced copy, and additional illustrations will be in the final version. Also, jumping around to different parts of the plot may confuse some readers. The first chapter is actually saved for the very end; it’s even after the acknowledgment pages.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to readers looking for a different kind of humor. In some ways, it reads like an expanded fairy tale with a disliked king, a quest, and an innocent victim being held captive. I suggest you try this book for yourself.