A humorous, magical romp about a modern-day apprentice witch who is struggling to be a good friend.Effie, a young apprentice witch, is back in the sequel to Witches of Brooklyn (2020). In her first outing, Effie learned she was a witch and began figuring out her magical powers. Now Effie learns more about the caring witching community and helps them create a clever solution to a cursed neighborhood intersection. Effie also works through friendship woes, kicked off by the appearance of Garance, a new French girl at school. Is Garance the source of all Effie's problems, or could she possibly be a part of the solution? At its heart a relationship story, this modern fantasy with a realistic setting is lighthearted and whimsical. Humor and emotion are conveyed through dialogue using a wide variety of typefaces. The comedic timing of sequential panels is especially strong, creating mini-episodes within larger chapters. The characters' specificity, from their facial expressions to apparel, adds even more humor, and the witches are delightfully diverse in body shape, skin color, gender presentation, profession, and more. While this title works as a stand-alone, the story is much richer when experienced as a sequel. In the previous title, visual elements hinted at Effie's Asian/White heritage. Garance is Black; Effie's lesbian aunts read as White, and secondary characters represent the diversity of New York City.Stellar comedic timing and whimsy galore combine in this magical friendship story. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

Gr 37 Brooklyn's community of witches expands as Effie, who appears to be Asian, officially joins her aunts' circle. Beyond magic and spells, the members of this inclusive group "all have one thing in commonThey're all people taking care of people." Effie's social life includes Oliver, who is white; Berrit, who is tan; and a new classmate from France, Garance, who is Black. Garance's quick and easy popularity vexes Effie and distracts her from her studies, whether in school or the magic arts. Self-centered frustration gives way to reflection as Effie eventually welcomes Garance into her community. Escabasse's artwork depicts many kinds of magic throughout wintry Brooklyn, whether in the form of a goose-shaped seeing-eye cane, meditation circle, transformations, or communication between spirits. The cast's many coats and sweaters keep them and the visuals bright and cozy. VERDICT This snowy sequel finds Effie continuing to learn and grow from the witches around her while finding new friendship from abroad; readers will be enchanted.Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC