Jess's Story

Jess is a superstar on the field and on the court. Soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis—you name it, she loves it. But she’s a disaster in the kitchen, much to the dismay of her chef mother. When Jess’s mom gets a chance to work in a famous kitchen for a week, Jess and her friends, Sadie and Maya, try to help out by making dinner. And . . . let’s just say that it goes up in flames. Enter Ms. M, the mysterious witch who appears right when you need her! Ms. M is a heroine to rival Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and Ms. Frizzle. She doesn’t save the day herself, but she helps everyone save it for themselves.

Short chapters filled with illustrator Deborah Marcero’s striking, lively black-and-white illustrations make the Backyard Witch series a must-have for young middle grade readers. Includes a recipe and information about cooking and gardening.

One superstar athlete. One magical babysitter. One week to figure out the kitchen.

• A Funny Mother Daughter Story: Jess loves sports and her mom loves cooking. When their worlds collide, the result is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of finding common ground.
• Magical Mayhem in the Kitchen: From a lasagna that goes up in smoke to a cake that accidentally becomes performance art, Jess’s attempts at cooking are delightfully chaotic.
• Building Confidence: With the help of the quirky Ms. M, Jess discovers that being a superstar isn't just for the soccer field.
• Perfect for Newly Independent Readers: Short chapters, lively illustrations, and a relatable main character make this an ideal choice for kids transitioning to chapter books.
• Includes a Kid-Friendly Recipe: After the adventure, try Ms. M’s Spellbinding Grilled Tofu with Thai Peanut Sauce right from the book!