Alyssa and the Spell Garden

In a summer filled with unexpected challenges, 11-year-old Alyssa discovers her magical abilities while staying with her estranged family. She must harness her newfound powers to save the Spell Garden from danger.

In Alyssa and the Spell Garden, 11-year-old Alyssa finds herself spending her summer holiday with her mother's family, whom she has never met. This unexpected visit leads to the awakening of her latent magical abilities, which she soon discovers are both powerful and unpredictable. Her great aunt operates a secret school within the enchanting Spell Garden, where local children learn to harness their magical gifts. This garden is not just a place of learning; it is also a repository of magical ingredients that have safeguarded their family and community since they immigrated from Jamaica in the 1960s.

As Alyssa delves deeper into her new surroundings, she learns that the Spell Garden is in jeopardy. The magic that has long protected her family and the neighborhood is dwindling, and time is running out. With her newfound powers still in their infancy, Alyssa faces the daunting challenge of restoring the garden's magic before it is too late. The stakes are high, and she must navigate the complexities of her abilities while forging connections with her family and the wider community.

Set against the backdrop of a small North London community grappling with the pressures of eviction and gentrification, Alyssa and the Spell Garden weaves a tale of magic, resilience, and the importance of family ties. The story is beautifully illustrated by Bex Glendining, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere of Alyssa's journey as she learns to embrace her powers and the legacy of her family's magic.