Published By: Orchard Books
Pages: 160
Released On: 22/10/2026
Reading Age: 6+
Little do the dog owners of Barker Street know that when night falls, their beloved pets are learning some entirely new types of tricks… Or SPELLS to be exact!
Sneaking away to magic school, kind and thoughtful cocker spaniel Chip hopes to keep up with his lessons while avoiding the tricksy spells of the local cats. But the harder he tries, the more things don’t seem to go to plan! Luckily, his friends and teachers are there to help!
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Orchard Books for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I did have this pre-ordered but money issues meant I had to cancel it so I was thrilled to be sent a copy.
Even though I am more than five times the reading age (that makes me sound very old), I was really looking forward to it. The cover was beautiful, the synopsis sounded great – I was excited. And after a run of quite serious books, I needed a bit of fun.
I believe Pippa illustrates them too, and you can see that link between them and the story. They’re charming and whimsical and so characterful and younger readers will love them.
There is going to be a sequel and I wonder how long a series it could be. But I’ll definitely be reading them.
It’s quick to read – I think even young children won’t struggle to zoom through it.
More adults should read books like this. Yes it’s aimed at young children, and I get that, it’s limited text and lots of illustrations and it’s very childish – which is unsurprising. And so you may not feel it’s suitable or gripping enough for adults. And sure it doesn’t have much meat to it, but I don’t care. I read a lot of thrillers and period pieces, things you really need to concentrate on, and sometimes life just calls for a magical dog and it gave me everything I wanted it and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
