Review: The Magical Animal Adoption Agency, Book 1 Clover's Luck by Kallie George

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Ages 8-12
Despite her name, Clover has always felt decidedly unlucky. So when she stumbles upon a mysterious cottage in the Woods, she can hardly believe her good fortune. It’s the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, and it houses creatures of all kinds. Fairy horses, unicorns, and a fiery young dragon are just the beginning!
Mr. Jams, the Agency’s owner, agrees to hire her as summer helper and Clover hopes her luck has finally changed. But when she’s left alone to care for the Agency, a sneaky witch comes after the magical creatures! Will Clover outsmart her in time to protect the animals?
The first installment in a new illustrated chapter book series by Kallie George, featuring enchanting illustrations by Alexandra Boiger, will charm young readers as Clover learns that courage and heart can be even more powerful than good luck.

MY TAKE:
Most of the time, you can tell from the first book if a series is going to be successful, and I have a feeling that this series is one of those.

In The Magical Animal Adoption Agency, Book 1 Clover's Luck, Clover is a young girl who has terrible luck with pretty much everything. One day, her pet canary flies away. While she is looking for it, she stumbles upon a magical animal adoption agency. On a whim, she decides to volunteer there. The job involves helping the magical creatures in the agency get adopted by the people who are a perfect fit for them. It's not easy, though, as not everyone who comes to the agency has pure intentions.

I really liked this book. Clover, was more charming than annoying, which is what klutzy characters tend to be in unskilled hands. The people who come to the agency, as well as the pets themselves, are quite likable, except of course, for the villain in the story.

The first part of the book was mostly about setting the scene and introducing the agency itself. My first thought here was that if this had its own theme park or attraction, I would definitely visit it. The second part of the story, meanwhile, was where the real action took place. That is, several of the animals got adopted. I'd elaborate more, but it would spoil the rest of the story, which, I'd have to say is quite good.

I think this series would work well as a cartoon show. Each episode could be about one particular adoption story. The villain, on the other hand, can be introduced in the first episode and cause mayhem throughout every episode thereafter. Of course, they could be introduced midway through the season too. Either way, I'd watch that show for sure.

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for the e-ARC. Publication date of \ The Magical Animal Adoption Agency, Book 1 Clover's Luck is on February 3, 2015.

THE GOOD:

1. From the looks of things, this is one series you'll want to follow.
2. The premise is interesting and has a lot of potential.
3. Clover is likable. 

THE BAD:

1. Given the plot twist at the end, I'm not exactly sure how the villain will be able to play a significant role in the next books. 

READ IT IF:

1. You are an animal lover.
2. You like underdog stories.
3. You like stories that give you a warm, fuzzy feeling.

RATING:


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