Little Gem

by Anna Zobel
Published by Penguin
ISBN 9781760896089

This charmingly written story for children in the middle of years of primary school tells the story of a witch who casts a spell that doesn't quite go according to plan.

Not only does she find herself in a strange cottage, it's a bit mucky with cobwebs and not so clean. When Little Gem, the hero of the story steps outside after looking around the cottage, she sees some things that she doesn't recognise, she's not familiar with them at all. She realises something has gone awfully wrong, she's no longer in her own time zone! She has fast forwarded herself to 100 years from now.

Along the way she meets interesting characters as people stop, drive past and point when they she is a witch. One little boy, Renzo, in the village of Ellsworth Pining said he didn't know that they were expecting new witch who was going to live in the witches cottage, if him and his other had known they would have prepared it for her.

Over the 240 pages Little Gem meets quite a few young people, makes friends and has adventures. It's quite a page turner and includes charming illustrations by the author, who is an illustrator. An ideal gift or book to encourage readers around the 7-10 year age group.

The author, Anna Zobel lives in Melbourne with her partner and their chatty cat Harriet. When she’s not writing or illustrating, Anna enjoys a variety of stimulating hobbies including reading, gardening, and eating. She gets her inspiration from the children she's babysat, also as an after school assistant and teacher.

Click on the Booktopia link below to see Anna Zobel's video talking about how she first thought of Little Gem and she developed the character over 6 years..