Hand-Me-Down Magic #4: Mysterious Tea Set - by Corey Ann Haydu (Paperback)

About the Book

Del finds a very beautiful tea set hidden deep in the Curious Cousins Secondhand Shoppe--but something about it doesn't add up. It's missing some teacups, and the hand-painted design on it looks very familiar. The tea set must be connected to their family. Alma and Del are excited to solve the case of the mysterious tea set, but their questions ("Who painted it?" "Is it magical?") only get an Abuelita shrug and a confusing answer. Still, with determination, neighborhood magic, and a little help from Evie, the best-friend-cousins will learn the story behind the tea set as they work to make it whole once more. Corey Ann Haydu's writing is filled with tender moments, wholesome humor, and magical detail--reminiscent of literary icons like Beverly Clearly, Marla Frazee, and Katherine Applegate. This chapter book series is pitch perfect for kids reading at this young level. And Luisa Uribe's stunning black-and-white illustrations capture the warmth and unique personality of each character.

Book Synopsis

There's a mystery brewing in Abuelita's shop in the fourth and final Hand-Me-Down Magic book. The complete series is perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory, with adorable illustrations and short, easy-to-read chapters.

Del finds a very beautiful tea set hidden deep in the Curious Cousins Secondhand Shoppe--but something about it doesn't add up. It's missing some teacups, and the hand-painted design on it looks very familiar. The tea set must be connected to their family.

Alma and Del are excited to solve the case of the mysterious tea set, but their questions ("Who painted it?" "Is it magical?") only get an Abuelita shrug and a confusing answer.

Still, with determination, neighborhood magic, and a little help from Evie, the best-friend-cousins will learn the story behind the tea set as they work to make it whole once more.

Corey Ann Haydu's writing is filled with tender moments, wholesome humor, and magical detail--reminiscent of literary icons like Beverly Clearly, Marla Frazee, and Katherine Applegate. This chapter book series is pitch perfect for kids reading at this young level. And Luisa Uribe's stunning black-and-white illustrations capture the warmth and unique personality of each character.

Enjoy the whole series:

Hand-Me-Down Magic #1: Stoop Sale TreasureHand-Me-Down Magic #2: Crystal Ball FortunesHand-Me-Down Magic #3: Perfect Patchwork PurseHand-Me-Down Magic #4: Mysterious Tea Set

Review Quotes

Praise for Hand-Me-Down Magic #1: "Haydu, author of OCD Love Story and other compelling works, offers a pleasing setup in this first volume of a new series. Reading is swift and accessible, broken up by copious cheerful illustrations, and youngsters will long to share in the cousins' idyllic family life while understanding the pitfalls of propinquity." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A nuanced look at the girls' friendship, emotions, and motivations. A transitional chapter book with unusual depth, good pacing, and a loving, supportive Latinx family. Libraries should find space on their shelves for this new series." -- Booklist

"This series debut is a sweet tale about friendship, family, and being the new kid on the block... The line-drawing illustrations throughout give a glimpse of the street where the girls live... Put this book in the hands of kids who enjoy series like Annie Barrows's "Ivy and Bean" or Megan McDonald's "Judy Moody."" -- School Library Journal

Praise for One Jar of Magic: "The worldbuilding and magic system are enchanting and expertly crafted. The characters are richly developed and emotionally complex. Affecting and unforgettable." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Haydu's story is a stunner. Its magic system is inventive and imaginative, and Rose and her world are drawn with care and compassion. A carefully crafted message of hope and the sometimes-painful beauty in forging an identity all your own." -- Booklist (starred review)

"Rose's visceral pain and her hard-earned agency will be deeply felt. -Readers who enjoy everyday magic, friendship -stories, and family drama will be enchanted by this magic jar of a book." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"Taut underlying tension and a sympathetically flawed protagonist. Haydu deftly, and with startling clarity, portrays the presence and devastating effect of abuse on a family." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Prepare to be blown away! One Jar of Magic has the power to bruise the heart, broaden the mind--and somehow, leave an astonishing glow. A wholly original tale." -- Leslie Connor

"One Jar of Magic is a bittersweet tale of unmet expectations and complicated relationships, but most of all, it's about finding magic inside yourself and trusting who you really are. I wish I could capture the magic in this gorgeous writing to put in a jar and illuminate my dreams at night. A powerful and empowering story." -- Yamile Saied Méndez, author of On These Magic Shores

Praise for Eventown: "A wonderful and inventive story about being a kid in an imperfect world--beautiful, mysterious, and deeply satisfying." -- Rebecca Stead, author of When You Reach Me and Goodbye Stranger

★ "At once enchanting, heart-rending, and bittersweet." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "An emotionally complex and wonderfully told story." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

★ "[A] thought-provoking novel... [A] memorable and brave heroine." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Praise for The Someday Suitcase:
★ "Quietly superb prose...Haydu doesn't romanticize illness, but she provides comfort through art, science, magic, love, and a purple suitcase."

-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "Poignant and powerful. A heartbreaking story about the healing power of friendship amid human fragility." -- Booklist (starred review)

★ "In this moving, exquisitely written story, Corey Ann Haydu explores the thin line between science and magic within an intense bond of friendship." -- Shelf Awareness (starred review)

Praise for Rules for Stealing Stars:
★ "A well-crafted blend of realism and fantasy." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

★ "[A] lyrical story of love and loss. The way the sisters fight and love in equal measure, as well as their basic need for one another, rings poignantly true in this touching and heartwarming story, which contains a 'tiny bit of magic, right here in the real world." -- ALA Booklist (starred review)