The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay

I finished this book today and just had to post about it! It's one of those books that you don't want to end.

 

After being raised as an only child by her father, Theo, and her grandmother, Granny Grace, Abi feels as though her whole world is being muddled up when Theo gets remarried. Polly and her sons, Max and Louis, seem like too much at first: too many people in the new small house, too many things that Abi suddenly has to share. Then, the family discovers the ivy house. 

The house is really much too large, and old, and eerie. And they can't possibly afford it. But, just like that, they are moving in, though Polly and Theo have to work extra hard to pay it off. With more space to share, and their own rooms, the children are able to become accustomed to each other. But before things can start to get normal again, Abi starts falling into books. And then Louis leaves his window open, hoping for an owl--and gets something else instead. Suddenly the children must come to terms with this green magic--or risk the consequences.

 

This is such a cozy, feel-good book. It's by a British author, so of course it's chock full of lovely Briticisms that make the read ever so much more enjoyable. My favorite character may be Louis. He's just the epitome of an innocent, loving, getting-into-scrapes-and-possibly-letting-wild-animals-into-the-house little kid. And the book element (as books play a substantial roll in the green magic) is fantastic as well. Definitely recommend!

Cover image: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Green-Magic-Hilary-McKay/dp/1534462775