Tennessee is a state awash in folk tales, legends and tall tales including the well-known stories of Davy Crockett, Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind and Casey Jones. A Snicker of Magic is a charming tale filled with magical realism that fits right in with the spirit of Tennessee storytelling. Although this story takes place in the present, A Snicker of Magic shows how sometimes you need to look to the past to be able to move forward into the future.
A Snicker of Magic is a playful story filled with humor, warmth and a deep appreciation for words and language. Felicity Pickle is always moving from town to town with her mother and her younger sister, Frannie Jo, in their car, the “Pickled Jalapeno”. Felicity, who has tired of her nomadic life, longs to settle down and have a place to belong to. Their newest home, Midnight Gulch, is a place her mother once lived and where her aunt currently lives. While in Midnight Gulch, Felicity makes her first real friend: Jonah, who belongs to a secret club with the mission to secretly help others and bring them happiness.
Felicity starts hearing about the legends of Midnight Gulch and how it used to be a place of magic. Felicity herself has a bit of magic: she can see words floating around people, so she always knows how they are feeling. When her mother decides it’s time to move on again, Felicity must find a way to stay in Midnight Gulch, a place that feels like home. To do that, she will need to learn Midnight Gulch’s secrets which include famous magician brothers from long ago, a mysterious town resident, and an old family curse. She will also have to overcome her stage fright and battle in a duel (of words) at the school’s talent show.
A Snicker of Magic is a truly “splendiferous” story which celebrates family, friendship and kindness and is a book the whole family will enjoy!
Awards: Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production, An ALA Notable Book, E. B. White Read Aloud Honor Book, NPR Best Book of 2014, Parents Magazine Best Children’s Book of 2004, Top Ten Kids Indie Next Pick, Junior Library Guild Selection, SIBA Okra Pick, SIBA Children’s Book Award Finalist, 2015 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Winner of Children’s Literature, A Mighty Girls Best Book of 2014 for Tweens, 2014 Nerdy Book Club Award Winner, 2015 Charlotte Huck Recommended Title, NYPL sharable Title for 2014, 2016 Georgia Children’s Book Award Winner
