
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the fear of being separated from a friend or sibling, or if they are navigating the complexities of finding where they truly belong. It is a comforting choice for children in foster or adoptive situations, or those who feel their unique 'quirks' make them harder to love. The story follows Hocus and Pocus, two magical puppies who cause chaos at a shelter because they are terrified of being adopted separately. Through a magical mishap involving a color-changing tortoise and giant bees, the story explores themes of loyalty, teamwork, and the idea that home might be closer than we think. This gentle chapter book is perfectly paced for ages 6 to 9, offering a whimsical yet emotionally grounded look at chosen family and self-acceptance. Parents will appreciate the effortless inclusion of diverse identities and the reassuring message that being 'different' is exactly what makes someone a perfect match for the right home.
Themes of feeling unwanted or fear of being separated from a loved one.
None.
A 7-year-old child who feels like a 'misfit' or who is currently experiencing anxiety about a change in their living situation. It is particularly resonant for children in foster care or blended families who worry that their needs or behaviors might make them 'unadoptable' or difficult to love.
This book can be read cold. The inclusion of diverse gender identities and family structures is seamless and requires no prior explanation other than acknowledging them as a normal part of the world. A child expressing that they are 'bad' or 'broken' because they don't fit into a traditional mold, or a child who is acting out because they are afraid of losing a person they love.
Younger readers (ages 6-7) will be drawn to the slapstick humor of the magical mishaps and the charm of the puppies. Older readers (ages 8-9) will more deeply process the nuance of the puppies' fear of separation and the validation of non-binary identities among the apprentices.
This book stands out by blending high-concept animal fantasy with an incredibly inclusive world where non-binary identities and diverse family structures are presented as default reality, all while addressing the very real emotional weight of adoption anxiety.
Hocus and Pocus are two magical puppies living at a shelter. Hocus can see slightly into the future, and Pocus can transform negative emotions into edible bubbles. Fearing they will be separated, the pair intentionally sabotages adoption attempts through magical mischief. When a witch named Jinx uses a locator spell for a tortoise, the puppies interfere with the potion to ensure they are adopted together. The resulting magical chaos involves shrinking spells and oversized bees, but ultimately leads to the puppies finding a permanent home with Jinx and her three apprentices: Archer, Ofelia, and Tam.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review