Polly and Buster have been best friends forever. But lately their parents have told them that they are too old to be playing with each other. Monsters don’t play with witches and witches don’t play with monsters.

On a school trip to the museum one day, Polly sees Buster’s monster class is on his own school trip. Buster waves out to Polly, but she ignores him while she is with her classmates. This quickly changes as Buster’s secret is revealed. He is a feeling monster, and he shrank when Polly shunned him, hurting his feelings.

Buster’s own classmates laugh and tease him until Polly sticks up for him, firing a spell at them that is a surprise to everyone. She’s usually useless at spells and the one she uses is usually far too advanced for one so young.

The popular girl in class (Malorie) believes Polly attacked the monsters in defense of her classmates, and she suddenly wants to be best friends with her. Polly enjoys the popularity but the whole event has triggered an explosion of anger and deeper mistrust between the monster and witch communities.

Polly has to choose between her oldest friend and her new one, and wishes her beloved dad was still alive to guide her decision. She holds the coloured stones he left her in her hand, not knowing how powerful they are or that she is the answer to the widening gap between monsters and witches.

This is the first part in the Polly and Buster Series. I love the small hardback format and the illustrations throughout. Many of us can relate to Polly’s school dilemmas about friends and making difficult decisions that maybe hurt those around you.

Polly and Buster is one of my favourite series for this younger age group. It’s perfect for those who are keen on magic and witches and conflict but are not quite ready for the Harry Potter series.

Author / Illustrator – Sally Rippen

Age – 6+

Read a review of other books in this trilogy (Click on a Book Cover)

(Magic, Witches, Series, Choices, School, Fake friends, Family, Courage, Bullying)