Selected Reviews for Clover's Luck: Book 1, The Magical Animal Adoption Agency Series

Booklist
Clover, despite her name, knows she’s the unluckiest girl in the world. With her best friend, Emma, away at pony camp and parents who work all the time, Clover has resigned herself to spending the summer alone. When her pet canary escapes through a broken window—the third pet in a row—animal-loving Clover chases the bird into the woods, where she happens upon an ad for volunteers at an animal-adoption agency. Thinking it might be a way to care for animals without losing them, Clover answers the ad and finds herself working with Mr. Jams at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. When Mr. Jams leaves Clover to take care of the agency, she wonders if her bad luck will bedevil her, especially with a devious witch lurking around. The first novel in George’s new series is a charming story, delicately written, with a winning heroine. Clover’s first adventure with the magical animals at the agency comes to a conclusion that will satisfy young readers.
— Magan Szwarek

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Kirkus Reviews
Clover might have a lucky name, but she is sure that she's the unluckiest girl ever. Clover believes in luck, and she's tried everything to improve hers. She painted her room green (the color of clovers), she hung a horseshoe above her bed, and she carries a wishbone everywhere. Nothing works. Now her best friend, Emma, has gotten the last space at Pony Camp, and Clover will be alone all summer. When her pet canary escapes through a hole in her window, Clover chases the bird into the dark and forbidding Woods that surround the town. She doesn't catch the bird, but she sees an ad for volunteers at an animal adoption agency posted on a tree. When she finds the cottage on Dragon Tail Lane, she learns that Mr. Jams fosters magical animals. He accepts her as a volunteer but must leave on a special rescue mission almost immediately. He places Clover in charge. Can she do the job without her bad luck tripping her up-especially with a wicked witch about? George kicks off her Magical Animal Adoption Agency series with the tale of how Clover discovers her luck isn't what she thought it was. All works out appropriately conveniently for the audience, and the solidly written, gentle tale of magic and self-reliance will entertain confident new independent readers. Clover's sweet story is a good next step for lovers of the Magic Tree House. (Fantasy. 6-10)

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Publisher’s Weekly
The Magical Animal Adoption Agency series gets off to a promising start, introducing a girl named Clover whose self-professed bad luck shows signs of improving when she snags a volunteer gig with an agency devoted to finding good homes for cursed toads, miniature fairy horses, and other outside-the-norm creatures. After a witch sneaks into the agency and cuts off a unicorn’s tail, it’s the beginning of a whirlwind adventure for the resourceful and determined Clover, an easy heroine to root for. George’s warm story-telling and Boiger’s equally inviting pencil illustrations quickly establish the story’s enchanting and sometimes dangerous setting. Readers will be envious of the world of magic that Clover becomes ensconced in and eager to read future installments.

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Sharon the Librarian Blogspot
The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is a fun story for anyone that loves magic but has always felt less than lucky. Clover had hoped to spend her summer at a camp riding and caring for horses, but of course he best friend got the last available slot. This leaves Clover home with her working parents that never seem to be home. To make matters worse the latest in a stream of failed attempts to have a pet has escaped. Wondering in the woods to find said lost bird might not be the best idea for Clover, since there are rumors of ‘beasties’ living in those woods. Thankfully, Clover finds the best kind of beasts, ones being taken care of at the Adoption Center. She discovers her own strengths and abilities in taking care of the animals and dealing with the people that come in to see them. I liked that it is Clovers own wit and caring that turn out to save the day, rather than anything luck related. I found the story to have humor and a great message about responsibility, kindness, and being yourself. It is a fun and sweet read and a great opening for a series.

The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is a book that I fully intend on sharing with my daughter as soon as I can get a paper copy. Any animal or magic loving child with greatly enjoy this story, and my girl adores both. There is danger and adventure, but also the mundane acts involved in feeding and caring for animals, even magical ones. I think it strikes a wonderful balance and will be the new favorite series for many young readers.

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Jen Robinson's Book Page
Clover's Luck is perfect fare for young readers who are charmed by magic, and who enjoy animals. There are black and white pencil illustrations every few pages, mostly small, but some full-page, bringing the magical animals and the determined Clover to life. At ten chapters and 128 pages, Clover's Luck is a couple of steps beyond easy readers, but still short enough to be unintimidating for relatively new readers.

Here are a couple of quotes, to give a feel for the difficulty level of the text:

"She was so distracted thinking about magical animals that she dropped and broke not just her glass but also her plate when she was doing the dishes. And at bedtime, her toothbrush slipped in into the soap dish, and no matter how much she rinsed it, it still tasted like soap." (Page 21, ARC)

"A dark and far-off look came over Mr. Jams. He turned to Clover. "Many people want magical animals, but not all of them for the right reasons. Our creatures are meant for those who truly deserve them, those with good hearts. The animals at our Agency aren't possessions to be shown off, but companions, pets to be loved and cared for." (Page 40)

Clover is a delightful protagonist, somewhat lacking in self-confidence, but determined to do the right thing. She has conveniently neglectful parents, and is thrust into a position of responsibility beyond her years, but while she worries, she never shirks her new responsibilities. She grows emotionally over the course of the book, too (no mean feat for such a brief story).

George does come down quite directly on questions of right and wrong and looking on the bright side in this book, but for me, she stays on the right side of lesson-y. Things become clear to the reader as they become clear to Clover.

In short, Clover's Luck is a delightful addition to the ranks of early chapter books. I look forward to future titles in the series, and hope that they are available in time for my almost five-year-old to appreciate them.

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Mom Read It!
This book is perfect for kids just stepping into chapter books. Aside from being one of the sweetest books I’ve read lately, The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is fun. Where else can you find out about the care and feeding of unicorns and baby dragons? The story is well-paced, sets up what promises to be a fun series, and has enough drama to get readers’ attention, without dipping into bleaker territory. Add Alexandra Bolger’s adorable artwork, and you have a fully engaging story.
I’m looking forward to seeing what other magical animals come through the doors of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. In the meantime, this one will be a fun addition on my Intermediate shelf.

There’s a great Magical Animal Adoption Agency website, where you can submit a wish for a magical pet of your own, draw pictures of your magical pet – or print out Lost! posters, if you should misplace yours, and even adopt a magical pet of your own. Send your stories and artwork in – the site publishes contributions!

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Luna's Little Library
“The first book in The Magical Animal Adoption Agency Series is lovely. . . .Kallie George has individual stories for some of the magical creatures in Clover’s care, which are funny and lovely at the same time. I thought there was a lot of positive content in the book; Clover’s perceived bad luck that bought her to the agency. The importance placed on picking the right owners for the animals. Also Alexandra Boiger’s illustrations are charming.

Clovers Luck is a great introduction to this series and I hope to read more about The Magical Animal Adoption Agency.

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Books Beside My Bed Blogspot
Extremely cute! If you are looking for a brief description of the book those are the words I would use. I wish that I could wander into the woods behind my house and find a Magical Animal Adoption Agency. There were many mythical beasts that I would love to take of but I think the fairy miniature horses would be my favorite. Not the usual miniature horses mind you but ones the length of your finger. They live in an aquarium that has a miniature forest and I want one (or the whole herd).

I really liked Clover and her willingness to help out with the animals. I understand that love of animals but not being able to keep one. She is sweet and kind without seeming Mary Sue-ish. I think this will be a great series for children who like mythical creatures and fairy tales. Make sure you check this one out!

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Second Bookshelf to the Right
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. 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 likeable, except of course, for the villain in the story.

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BookFaerie
If anyone in your family likes magic, you'll need to get a copy of this book.

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Book Wars Blog
Clover’s Luck is heartwarming and will make anyone who reads it a little bit happier. And really, what more could anyone ask for?

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Mundie Kids Children's Book Review Blog
This book is simply magical! Do you believe in magic? Do you love love animals, especially enchanted ones? Have you ever felt that you were unlucky? Have you felt like nothing ever goes your way? If you've ever felt any of these or are feeling down on your luck, than this is a story for you! It's also a story if you've never felt these things. I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations in this book are simply adorable. It's the perfect story to read out loud with you children, or in a classroom setting. It's a great book for those who have advanced from the beginning reader books into chapter books. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

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CanLit for Little Canadians
Like her picture books, Spark and Flare (Simply Read Books) and early reader The Melancholic Mermaid (Simply Read Books), Clover’s Luck promotes a positive message about self-acceptance and compassion wrapped in a charming story with an odd assortment of magical creatures. With Books 2 and 3 already slated for later in 2015 and 2016 respectively, readers will have plenty of time to embrace their inner magic and look forward to enchantment of the literary and imaginary kind.

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Montreal Gazette
Clover's Luck—filled with magic and adventure! George’s text is lively and easy to read, made even more so by Alexandra Boiger’s numerous black-and-white illustrations. In safeguarding the agency’s animals and fighting off the wicked witch, Clover discovers she has hidden strengths — and better luck than she ever thought possible. And by the time Mr. Jams returns to the MAAA, having rescued a huge egg of unspecified origin, readers know Volume 2 in the series will deliver another adventure.

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Resource Links
This magical story filled with adventures should hold the readers interest from start to finish. Complete with a dragon and a spell-casting witch, it is sure to amuse and delight. Appealing images drawn by illustrator Alexandra Boiger enhance the story. Many of the magical pets, including Esmeralda the Frog, and Snort the Dragon she draws in whimsical poses as they play with Clover, adding interest and fascination for young readers. The first in the Magical Animal Adoption Agency Series, this enjoyable chapter book should be a popular addition to an elementary school library or a classroom collection.

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City Parent
The first novel in a new series, this wonderful, magical story is an excellent beginning. Clover is a heroine who believes she is unlucky and as the tale unfolds she discovers much about herself thanks to her job at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. The story is gently told with enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.

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Library Media Connection
This first volume in The Magical Animal Adoption Agency series offers a clever plot, blending magical creatures and community service in a way that has real world applications for young readers. When Clover’s pet bird escapes through a hole in the window and flies off into the mysterious Woods, she ventures out to find her bird. She stumbles upon the Magical Animal Adoption Agency which works to find homes for abandoned and mistreated magical creatures. Mr. Jams, director of the MAAA, tells Clover that finding the right match for the pets can be tricky and potential owners must be carefully screened. Clover’s work ethic and good sense make her an outstanding volunteer; she shows true empathy for the creatures when a pesky witch attempts to use their magical properties for personal gain. Boiger’s grayscale drawings bring Clover’s adventure to life and offer a nice balance of text and illustration. Clover is a winning hero worth following.
~ Diane S. Hance, NBCT Librarian, Grisham Middle School, Austin, Texas: Recommended

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San Francisco Book Review
I was so excited to read this book! I love all animals, but especially magical animals like unicorns and dragons and Pegasus. In this story, Clover is a girl with really bad luck. Her best friend (Emma, just like me!) gets a spot at Pony Camp for the summer, but there isn’t a spot for Clover. Then her pet bird gets loose and flies away. When Clover goes into the woods to try to find her, she sees a sign for volunteers at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. She decides to check it out because this way she can help animals without having them as pets (since she is unlucky with pets.) Clover volunteers at the Agency and has to take care of things while the owner, Mr. Jams, is gone. Clover learns that she isn’t unlucky after all. My favorite part is when the witch is trying to cast bad spells on Clover, but they turn into the opposite and good things happen. I can’t wait to read more Magical Animal Adoption Agency books!
~ Emma, Age 7

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National Reading Campaign
Take one curious, resourceful little girl with bad luck. Add several abandoned but adorable magical creatures (dragons, unicorns, fairy horses) and put them all in an animal adoption agency deep in a mysterious wood. Add witches, princesses, and a guardian garden gnome and you have the magical potion for an enchanting new chapter book series from Kallie George, author of the picture books, Flare and Spark.

Clover’s Luck is the first book in The Magical Animal Adoption Agency series. Clover is an ordinary little girl who wanders into a summer job at an agency that finds homes for magical animals. All her life she has felt unlucky, but as she works with the animals (and fends off an evil witch), Clover soon realizes that she can rely on herself to make her own good luck.

Clover’s Luck is sure to cast its spell over readers who love animals, magic, and fairy tales, and who sometimes feel, like Clover, that the world is against them.

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CM REVIEW
Clover’s Luck will be enjoyed by many children, especially those who enjoy a little fantasy and magic in their lives. They will be anxiously awaiting the next title in the series to find out what’s new with the agency’s fairy horses, how Esmeralda/Flit has settled in and whether any more dragons are living at the M.A.A.A. The occasional illustrations by Boiger help paint a picture in the mind of the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and my daughters are both anxiously awaiting their turn. Highly Recommended

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School Library Journal Gr 2–4
Clover believes that she has bad luck. She keeps losing her pets and her best friend got into horse camp without her. She is dreading her summer. This changes when her latest pet, a bird, escapes after a baseball breaks a hole in her window. She follows her bird into the scary woods where no one is willing to go. Clover soon finds a sign advertising the need for animal lovers to volunteer at an agency called the M.A.A.A. She follows the directions, discovering an animal shelter that is like nothing she has ever seen. It is full of magical creatures like unicorns and dragons. Clover's summer is now far from terrible, but she must keep her job a secret. When the youngster is left in charge for several days, she must deal with a pesky princess and a wicked witch while finding magical animals a good home. This story is cleverly told and Clover is an endearing protagonist. George writes descriptively, making readers feel at home in the cottage filled with visual wonders, delicious cinnamon toast, and surrounded by a forest carpeted with feathery moss. VERDICT: This new chapter book series is perfect for young readers who love animals and fairy tales.(Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH)

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PaperBlog
Clover's Luck was super adorable. Right from the start you feel for her and how much she loves pets even though she can't seem to keep one…The animals were another big plus for this book, because I loved seeing all the fantastical animals and the troubles they could get Clover into.

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Children’s Book Council
Clover discovers the Magical Animal Adoption Agency in the first in a marvelous new illustrated chapter book series.

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Dead Houseplants Blogspot
Clover's Luck is the first book in a series called Magical Animal Adoption Agency, and can you think of a more brilliant idea for an early chapter book series? because I can't! This book is as cute and sweet as it looks, but it's also funny and clever.

Clover earnestly attempts to match up various magical people with the most appropriate magical pet, even though she herself has been terribly unlucky when it comes to pets. The animals are delightful, and the details of their care and feeding are a lot of fun (eg: Clover deduces that hot peppers are the best food for the fire salamanders). To complicate matters there's a witch with increasingly ridiculous disguises and a fiendish (but not at all scary) plan.

Clover's combination of diffidence about her own skills but genuine care for the animals makes her a truly engaging protagonist. Young readers will be charmed by the magic and will be rooting for Clover. I know I can't wait to read the next one and see what will hatch out of the egg that arrived at the end! The illustrations, by the way, are perfect: soft sketches that just capture the personality of each animal.

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Horn Book
Clover faces an unlucky summer without any pets or her best friend. When she discovers the hidden Magical Animal Adoption Agency, she decides to volunteer there. By the end of summer, she foils an evil witch to save the day. George's series-starter is a quick adventure story with a positive message of believing in yourself. Light pencil sketches break up the text.

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This is Literacy Review
Take one curious, resourceful little girl with bad luck. Add several abandoned but adorable magical creatures (dragons, unicorns, fairy horses) and put them all in an animal adoption agency deep in a mysterious wood. Add witches, princesses, and a guardian garden gnome and you have the magical potion for an enchanting new chapter book series from Kallie George, author of the picture books, Flare and Spark.

This is a gentle adventure story laced with humour and whimsical invention. Alexandra Boiger’s sweet line drawings add their own charm to Clover’s weird, wonderful, and sometimes dangerous world. The series has a delightful website, where kids can adopt a magic animal after taking a quiz to find out which one suits them best (mine is a sea serpent!).

Clover’s Luck is sure to cast its spell over readers who love animals, magic, and fairy tales, and who sometimes feel, like Clover, that the world is against them.

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