Witchy Cakes series

Last month I read the first three books in this charming fantasy series. It has lovely messages for young readers and follows a young witch named Blue as they deliver baked goods from their mom's bake shop to the various townsfolk.

The handful of stories in each book shows Blue's interactions with townspeople (who are a lovely array of diversity) with sweet messages for young readers about kindness and that helping others is more magical than any spell Blue could use. 

I was delightfully surprised by the LGBTQ+ representation with a nonbinary main character in Blue and loved seeing a diverse group of secondary characters as the author explores themes of friendship and the importance of helping others while delicately touching on grief.

The absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Ariane Moreira bring these sweet stories to life and help make these short (80-pages with lots of illustrations) books an unintimidating way to ease reluctant readers into chapter books. 

Full of charm and the importance of community, these are deliciously sweet reads that also include a recipe in the back. I highly recommend for new-to-chapter-book readers ages 6-9 years of age who aren't afraid of some bigger words. 

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Kara LaReau

Illustrator: Ariane Moreira

Genre: Children, Fantasy, Early Chapter Book, LGBTQ+

Type and Source: Paperback from public library

Publisher: Random House for Young Readers

First Published: August 19, 2025

Read: August 26, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Welcome to the most magical bakery -- Witchycakes! Little Blue, a witch-in-training, delivers baked goods all over their seaside town, and helps their neighbors with just a touch of magic. Cozy up with this sweet chapter book with irresistible full-color art on every page!

In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. Blue's Mama bakes with magic and Blue makes the deliveries! They ride their bike all over town with their basket filled with magical scones, tartes, and pies to deliver. There's always something going on in Shelville and Blue loves to help their neighbors -- especially if helping them means they get to use a little bit of magic.

Cook up some love with Blue as they use magic and problem-solving to be the best helper they can be in their whimsical little town. And there's a special magical recipe at the end of the book!