Kiki's Delivery Service - by Eiko Kadono (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Originally published in Japan and in paperback under the title Majyo no Takkyubin by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc., Tokyo in 1985"--Copyright page.

Book Synopsis

Read the modern classic about a young witch and her clever cat that started it all! Nostalgic fans of the Hayao Miyazaki film, Kiki's Delivery Service and newcomers alike will love this exciting new translation of the beloved fantasy story.

"A gentle story of magic-tinged independence."--The Wall Street Journal

Half-witch Kiki never runs from a challenge. So when her thirteenth birthday arrives, she's eager to follow a witch's tradition: choose a new town to call home for one year.

Brimming with confidence, Kiki flies to the seaside village of Koriko and expects that her powers will easily bring happiness to the townspeople. But gaining the trust of the locals is trickier than she expected. With her faithful, wise-cracking black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki forges new friendships and builds her inner strength, ultimately realizing that magic can be found in even the most ordinary places.

Blending fantasy with the charm of everyday life, this enchanting new translation will inspire both new readers and dedicated fans.

Review Quotes

A Junior Library Guild Selection

"A gentle story of magic-tinged independence." --The Wall Street Journal

"A fantastical story of a charming witch. . . . [that] offers a glimpse into a few aspects of Japanese culture.... This new translation is perfect." --School Library Journal

"Descriptive and whimsical, and both characters' names and their appearances in Onoda's anime-inflected illustrations create a Japanese-inspired fantasy world. The characters' quirkiness creates the feeling that Kiki's future will be filled with countless friends and adventures . . . An enchanting, gently humorous all-ages family read-aloud." --Kirkus Reviews

"Kadono's endearing, encouraging novel memorably shows that though the new can be scary, it can also be wonderful and make one a better person." --Booklist

About the Author

Eiko Kadono made her debut as an author in 1970. Her best-known work, Kiki's Delivery Service, was first published in 1985 and later adapted into an animated film, as well as stage and live-action productions. The beloved series also includes Kiki and the New Magic and Kiki and the Other Witch. Kadono has published nearly two hundred original works and received numerous accolades, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018 and recognition on the IBBY Honor List for Kiki's Delivery Service. In 2023, the Kiki's Museum of Literature opened in Tokyo in celebration of her work.