The House at the Edge of Magic (The House at the Edge of Magic #1)

Orphaned thief Nine, having run afoul of gang-master Pockets, who runs her financially insecure neighborhood, plots to steal a valuable item that would raise her social standing. What she acquires is a highly detailed miniature house with odd corners, pointy spires, and a “slightly wonky” chimney. “What would it be like to live in a house, instead of Pockets’s stinking nest,” Nine wonders, flicking the tiny door knocker of her new treasure, which magically grows before her eyes. Upon entering the now life-size abode, she meets wizard Flabberghast, his troll housekeeper Eric, and small, sentient spoon knight Dr. Spoon, who’ve waited years for someone to break a curse put upon them by an evil witch. To incentivize her help, Flabberghast offers a “jewel of immense monetary value” that can help her escape Pockets for good. Nine resolves to lift the curse and stop the witch in this series kickoff by British author Sparkes, who taps into the joy and suspense of a hidden world through the eyes of a down-on-her-luck heroine. Chapter-opening illustrations by Mantle (Bunnies on the Bus) enhance the whimsy of this adventureful tale about found family and self-reliance. Human characters are described with varying skin tones. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Julia Churchill, A.M. Heath. Illustrator’s agent: Susan Penny, Bright Agency. (Mar.)