“Apparently the first of a series, my sister said they read it aloud together as a family and she thought it was fabulous, too. Really fabulous, and they all can't wait for the next one.  Of course, I ran out and got a copy, and although it was published by a seemingly small local company, I found it.

“It's a very fast and fun read. ElsBeth is a sweet character and I think she and her classmates are the reason my nephews and his friends liked it so much. It's like "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" crossed with Sarah Plain and Tall-- sort of. Earthy and homemade feeling, the writing and story read like local folklore but with contemporary characters. I can see why it's a hit with younger readers and I, too, liked it a lot. The action occurs a little late, but it's so short it still works.

“Reading The Cape Cod Witch and the Pirate's Treasure made me wonder -- what exactly made this work for both the girls and boys in my nephew's posse? Is it the fact that ElsBeth's class share the spotlight and together are the main characters? At what age do boys and girls truly part ways in the book department? At what age do they stop sharing interest in the same titles? I wish there were more titles that crossed gender lines. We talk a lot about finding books that boys will like because they are traditionally harder readers to please, but what about books that boys and girls can enjoy together? Maybe books that simply allow girls and boys to share the stage is the answer.”

-Ypulse Books Editor

 "The students in fifth grade love the book.  They especially love that ElsBeth is a witch.  I am surprised that the 5th grade boys like it as much as the girls.  They want to know if there is another book.  Some said they want to be like ElsBeth and be a witch too. They also liked that there are many pictures in the book.  They said it helps them picture in their head what is going on in the book."
Liz - Teacher

 “Fairies, witches, toads, pirates, and Indians make up the character-driven cast of The Cape Cod Witch and the Pirate's Treasure by J Bean Palmer. The cast is part of an interesting cross between magic and reality. ElsBeth and her grandmother are both modern witches with roots in Earth magic and herbal medicine. They've also got that Sabrina the Teenage Witch flair with talking familiars and ancient spells.

ElsBeth sets an example for her classmates with her reverence of nature, encouraging them to consider how their actions affect creatures of the wild. This is an admirable quality to include in children's literature. Its influence likely stems from Palmer's career in Environmental Science….
 
ElsBeth could be a very influential figure in children's literature. Her world could use some depth, but the foundation is solid. She's a strong witch with an enduring spirit who could tackle any number of problems. I can see many other magical characters being introduced in her tutelage. All the makings are present for an exciting children's book series."- breenibooks.com

“There’s something for everyone in this charming chapter book – witches, fairies and other enchantments, plus ferocious pirate ghosts . . .  Graced with colorful watercolors evoking an olde New England, ...”
–Vineyard Gazette, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

" Thanks so much for the wonderful book!  I had to read it right away and I just loved it!  Annie, you are such a good writer.  Are going to write another? The book is on our HELP bookshelf and being enjoyed by many of our students!

Thank you!" 
Ann Hazen - Hollywood Literacy Project

 "J. Bean Palmer has once again captured young readers’ attention with this next edition of the youngest witch in Cape Cod . This story is filled to the brim with adventure, plenty of vivid and likable characters (even the cranky teacher, Ms. Finch) and topped with history and important environmental lessons for the young reader. Elsbeth serves as a lovely example of a tenacious and passionate girl, who is able to navigate and overcome some fairly scary adversities to positively help those in need in the end. Finally, illustrator Melanie Therrien has also returned to include her vibrant pictures that add a perfect touch and emphasis to this Cape Cod Witch Series.  And if that’s not enough to capture a reader’s attention, there is real history information and recipes tucked in the back of the book. The treasures in this tale will undoubtedly capture young readers’ heart, as they wonder what will happen next, and should definitely not be passed over."
Odyssey Reviews

 "... It was interesting to read all of the different perspectives and how they each solved the mystery.  I actually enjoyed the teacher character, I thought she was hilarious! The pumpkin carving contest was super funny with all of her rules and regulations!  I also liked how it was set in second grade, and it was simple enough text a second grader could read it which is wonderful because since it is set on Cape Cod and in second grade, it is a very high interest book for children.  Also, I loved how you would put in local shops and places only Cape Codders would know.  I chuckled at those parts because it is something for the locals to get and understand.  However, this book is not strictly a Cape Cod book.  I think children everywhere would enjoy it.  And I liked how it was a unisex book.  Boys that age do not want to read "girly" books, but here you did have the main character be a girl, but she used logic and there were pirates and adventure and mystery too that the boys would enjoy.  You have witches and the party and things for the girls to enjoy too. 

"Overall, I really enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read the second!!"
 Reneé Lee, Teacher

  "The Cape Cod Witch and The Legend of the Pirate is the next book in the Cape Cod series featuring ElsBeth. What a fun, quick read. J Bean Palmer brings excitement, lovable characters, a good stor y line and even incorporates math into the picture with this book. For an y one who has kids that want something to read then y ou have to pick up all of the books in the Cape Cod series. Don't feel embarrassment if y ou end up falling in love with Elsbeth like I did. I am going to recommend these books to all of m y reader friends."
Cheryl-Reviewer http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/     

"Much Success with the book. It's one of the best I've seen in a long time!"
Fran - (Bookstore manager, Onset, MA)

  “Your book has not been on the shelf at all this summer, it’s alway s out and being enjoyed!!!  We appreciate your spending time with us, the kids had a great time.”  Terry Colon, Bourne, MA, Children’s Librarian

 "The book is a well-written, fast-paced, and entertaining tale of mystery and adventure, with well-developed and likable characters. It blends everyday situations at school and home with magic, witches, fairies, Halloween, legends, mystery, and pirate treasure, which lures the second-grade boys off to look for it, and the girls bravely off to rescue the boys.

Cape Cod  Witch will be of special interest to Cape Cod children and their parents, of course, because of the setting, and it is perfect reading for this time of year. The colorful, childlike illustrations add much to the appeal of the book and may encourage even reluctant readers to pick it up. Ms. Therrien’s medium is acrylic painting, and the details of canvas and brushstroke can be seen on some of the close-ups.

The story of how the book came to be written and illustrated is a tale in itself. According to Ms. Palmer, a retired environmental scientist who appreciates the natural beauty of the Cape , she wrote the book for her granddaughter’s first birthday, basing the main character on her spunky niece, now an adult. She illustrated it with pictures cut from Cape Cod Life and National Geographic magazines. The book was a big hit with her family and friends, and they encouraged her to “illustrate it properly.” She found an artist on Craig’s list. Ms. Therrien “happens to live one mile from [my] son and granddaughter in Maine . Her art was a perfect match, [we] got along great, and 20, original, full-color illustrations resulted.”
Marilyn Rowland - Sandwich Enterprise