Hocus and Pocus and the Spell for Home - by A R Capetta

About the Book

"Puppies Hocus and Pocus are ... waiting to be adopted from the Shelter for Slightly Magical Pets. Even though Hocus can see two minutes into the future and Pocus can turn bad feelings into bubbles (which he eats!), nobody seems to want them. This could be because the two keep causing mischief so they won't be separated. When Jinx the witch uses a 'spell for home' potion to help a color-changing tortoise find his match, the puppies know what to do: sneak both their hairs into the mixture to ensure they get adopted together. But with these two, anything can happen--from a shrinking spell to giant bees"--

Book Synopsis

From award-winning author A. R. Capetta comes a new first-chapter-book series delivering plenty of puppies, magic, and charm.

Puppies Hocus and Pocus are still waiting to be adopted from the Shelter for Slightly Magical Pets. Even though Hocus can see two minutes into the future and Pocus can turn bad feelings into bubbles (which he eats!), nobody seems to want them. This could be because the two keep causing mischief so they won't be separated. When Jinx the witch uses a "spell for home" potion to help a color-changing tortoise find his match, the puppies know what to do: sneak both their hairs into the mixture to ensure they get adopted together. But with these two, anything can happen--from a shrinking spell to giant bees! Can the puppies, along with Jinx and her young apprentices--witch Archer (he/him), wizard Ofelia (she/her), and warlock Tam (they/them)--fix the magical mess? And will they finally find a home, maybe even right under their noses? This adorable new series takes readers to a vibrant world full of magic, community, surprises, and welcoming homes.

Review Quotes

When ebullient, bohemian witch Jinx deposits a litter of stray puppies at the Shelter for Slightly Magical Pets, the establishment's manager predicts that offers for adoption will quickly follow because they're all "more than slightly adorable." But Hocus, who can see two minutes into the future, and Pocus, who can turn bad feelings into edible bubbles, have strong opinions about their fates. . . . The ensuing pages of this rambunctious chapter book by Capetta (The Heartbreak Bakery) see Hocus and Pocus embarking on an adventure that's both slapstick and heartfelt.
--Publishers Weekly

Stories featuring cute dogs or magic are always popular, and this book will be no exception. . . . The theme of acceptance and belonging is reinforced by the diversity of the apprentices in appearance and gender. . . A first chapter book that combines pets, potions, and a happy ending; perfect for readers who enjoy lighthearted mischief and canine cuddles.
--School Library Journal

This lively chapter book is engaging, with unexpected and entertaining developments. . . . The colorful, cartoonish illustrations add verve and unquestionable cuteness. . . . These magical, mischievous pooches prove irresistible.
--Kirkus Reviews

Chua's eye-catching and aesthetically drawn illustrations enhance the storytelling. . . Kids who like stories about magical worlds where anything is possible will appreciate this eight chapter adventure filled with endearing moments and valuable lessons of friendship and belonging.
--Booklist

If your young reader loves the enchanting hijinks of The Princess in Black, introduce them to this illustrated chapter book about Hocus and Pocus. . . . My family read this story together in one sitting, laughing at the inevitable magical messes, enjoying the slew of colorful, joy-filled illustrations, and looking forward to the next book in the series.
--LitHub

Adorable. . . . This is so much fun, and I love the diverse range of pronouns used by characters.
--Book Riot

About the Author

A. R. Capetta is known for groundbreaking LGBTQ YA genre novels, including Echo After Echo, The Lost Coast, and The Heartbreak Bakery. The Hocus and Pocus series is their first foray into writing for younger readers. A. R. Capetta lives in a small town in the mountains with their family, including two dogs who make almost as much mischief as Hocus and Pocus.

Charlene Chua (she/they) is the author-illustrator of Hug? and the illustrator of numerous books for young readers, include the Stonewall Book Award winner and Lambda Literary Award finalist Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild; Bye Bye, Binary by Eric Geron; and the Amy Wu series by Kat Zhang. Charlene Chua lives near Toronto.