Olaf and Essex is an appealing and well written middle grade adventure fantasy by Patti Calkosz. Released 13th Oct 2024, it's 369 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such a fun and well written fantasy set in an alternate NYC and featuring an appealing cast of whimsical characters including anthropomorphic animals (Olaf and Essex are intelligent animals, a bear and fox respectively). Olaf accidentally foils a kidnapping gone wrong and acquires a magically competent baby whom he naturally wishes to protect and return to its parents. Hijinks ensue.
The book is enhanced throughout by incidental illustrations beautifully rendered by illustrator Xiao. Although quite simple stylistically, they're full of small details and movement.
Apparently the first in a series (The Magic Competents), there's not yet publishing info available about book two.
Four stars. Well worth a look for all ages, though it's ostensibly aimed at middle grades and up.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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