Beatrice's Spells

Reach for this book when your child feels like they are the only one doing any work, or when household chores have become a source of resentment. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels overwhelmed by the mess of others and is looking for a way to assert their boundaries without resorting to constant nagging. Beatrice lives in a manor full of monsters who contribute nothing but clutter. When her magical attempts to fix the mess fail, she has to use her wits to trick the monsters into cleaning up after themselves. It is a humorous look at personal responsibility and fairness that validates a child's frustration while modeling creative problem solving. At 96 pages, it is a perfect transition for young readers moving into chapter books.