ElsBeth's Magical Adventures for Middle Grade Readers
Cape Cod Witch Series
Books with a positive message!
Cape Cod’s youngest witch, with help from her magical friends and quirky human classmates, is learning
the magic and science of her personal calling to protect the natural world – while trying to find out more about
the mysteries of her heritage.
What Our Readers Are Saying:
"ElsBeth has great friends, they are always helping her on these adventures! I'm loving these books, and that ElsBeth is this kid witch and it just seems so normal ... You even learn cool things while reading! I'll leave giving this book 5 stars!"
- Serenity
"ElsBeth is excited that her second-grade class is going to Boston. And oh, what adventure awaits her! A kidnapping, a pirate (or privateer, as he chooses to be called), lots of ghosts, and a while ride on a "borrowed" sailboat ... ElsBeth is a sweet girl, who really wants to do the right thing. And her classmates provide additional charm ... Lots of action, intrigue ..." -Alice
"Evenly paced and written for a young reader, this story is nonetheless delivered with maturity and great respect for the subject, characters and plot ... Steeped in magic and history, this is a tale of courage and commitment to community and friends against adversity, even the magical kind."
- Andrea
"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 character. I can see why it's a hit with younger readers and I, too, like it a lot."
- Ali, Ypulse Book Editor
Subsequently with Publisher's Weekly
ElsBeth and the Pirate's Treasure (Book 1)
In their sleepy Cape Cod town, a never-quite-forgotten pirate's treasure awakens some serious trouble. ElsBeth and her friends, magical and not, must face off against dangerous outsiders - and the notorious pirate ghost Billy Bowlegs - to restore the balance of past and present, good and evil. Watch the trailer below:
What Our Reviewers Are Saying:
BreenieBooks.com
"Fairies, witches, toads, pirates, and Indians make up the character-driven cast, an interesting cross between magic and reality ... ElsBeth sets an example for her classmates with her reverence of nature, encouraging them to consider how their actions affect creatures of the wild ... ElsBeth could be a very influential figure in children's literature. She's a strong witch with an enduring spirit who could tackle any number of problems."
StoryTeller Ink
"I appreciate the care that the author has taken to develop and imaginative cast and setting that is full of real life lessons and adventures. I have delayed giving this book to my grandchildren because I read it to check it out and I was hooked!"
Odyssey Reviews
"This story is filled to the brim with adventure, plenty of vivid likable characters (even 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."
Vineyard Gazette
"There's something for everyone in this charming chapter book - witches, fairies and other enchantments, plus ferocious pirate ghosts ... Graces with colorful watercolors evoking an olde New England."
Ali, Ypulse Book Editor (subsequently with Publisher's Weekly)
"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 character. I can see why it's a hit with younger readers and I, too, like it a lot...
"Reading ElsBeth 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? ... 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."
Cheryl's Booknook
"J Bean Palmer brings excitement, lovable characters, a good story line and even incorporates math into the picture ... Don't feel embarrassment if you end up falling in love with ElsBeth like I did." - Cheryl's Booknook
D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review
"ElsBeth and the Call of the Castle Ghosties is about as fine a middle school fantasy as you could get: vivid, packed with ghosts and mystery, and yet tempered with an attention to interpersonal depth that is rare and inviting."
Midwest Book Review
“ElsBeth and the Call of the Castle Ghosties is about as fine a middle school fantasy as you could get: vivid, packed with ghosts andmystery, and yet tempered with an attention to interpersonal depth that is rare and inviting.”
ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters (Book 2)
On a field trip to Boston's historic Freedom Trail, ElsBeth and her classmates encounter a famous freedom fighter, the ghostly Captain Thomas Jacques, who spirits them across treacherous waters to Nantucket Island in the daring rescue attempt of a kidnapped, modern-day Arabian prince. Along the way they find out about fighting for freedom and caring for something bigger than themselves. Formerly titled ElsBeth and the Privateer
For Teachers, Librarians, Homeschoolers!
"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 ... Some said they want to be like ElsBeth and be a witch too."
- Liz
5th Grade Teacher
"Your book has not been on the shelf at all this summer, it's always out and being enjoyed!!!"
- Terry
Children's Librarian
