By Steve Smallman (author) , Esther Hernando (illustrator)
"Fun first chapter books that fizz with magic"
Hardback Pre-order. 3rd November 2026 £29.99 £26.99
Paperback In Stock £6.99 £6.29
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Little Maggie Sparks is a witch. A small, curly-haired, freckle-faced witch, full of mischief and fizzing with magic. The books about her are similarly full of magic and mischief and should prove great fun for first readers.
Imagine how exciting it would be if you could liven up school trips, swimming lessons or science projects just by waving your (secret) magic wand. It’s a premise that allows for all sorts of adventure and Maggie’s best friend Arthur is the perfect sidekick, the sensible foil to her exuberant, leap-before-you-look persona. She also has a pet chameleon, Bat, possible the coolest pet ever.
No matter how extraordinary her adventures get though, they’re rooted in the sort of friendship and school experiences that young readers will immediately recognise.
With short, action-packed chapters, and lots of black and white illustrations, the stories are perfectly pitched for newly independent readers who will be desperate to find out what Maggie is up to next.
As an added treat, there’s a QR code on the inside cover so that you can listen to the story too. A series that sparkles with energy and humour.
Maggie Sparks does NOT want to go to a new school! Especially not one with mean students and a teacher she is sure is a VAMPIRE. But Maggie has no choice.
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When their school gets shut down, she and her best friend, Arthur, are forced to go to Peregrine Elementary. Thankfully, Maggieâ s a super powerful, super smart, super talented witch. Maggie plans to use her powers to get out of going to the NIGHTMARE new schoolâ one way or another.
All she needs is a little magic . . .
Steve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for over 40 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. When he’s not writing or drawing, Steve enjoys watching films and television, gardening, and walking in the countryside. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo).
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
"I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing."
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Maggie Sparks does NOT want to go to a new school! Especially not one with mean students and a teacher she is sure is a VAMPIRE.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Maggie Sparks and the School of Slime and determined it is suitable for children aged 5-8 years old
Maggie Sparks and the School of Slime features in the following genres: Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 7+ readers, Recommendations, Funny, Horror & Ghost Stories, School Stories, Featured Books for 5+ readers
Hardback, Paperback. £26.99, down from the £29.99 cover price. Pre-order. 3rd November 2026.
Maggie Sparks and the School of Slime was written by Steve Smallman and published by Jolly Fish Press an imprint of JOLLY FISH PRESS
Maggie Sparks and the School of Slime has 112 pages
£26.99, reduced from £29.99. Pre-order. 3rd November 2026.
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