Olive’s world is full of magic, but it is the magic of friendship and family that stands out more than any wish a hummingbird could grant.įans of fantasy, magical realism, and contemporary will all find something to love and celebrate in Natalie Lloyd’s new book. And all the supporting characters are just as endearing, from her stepbrother (awkward but clearly kind) to her dad (quirky, but owning it) to all her amazing classmates. I desperately longed for her to find peace and to commit to the joy that she already overflowed with.

I fell in love at once with Olive–her enthusiasm for glitter, her love of Dolly Parton, her desire to find a best friend forever. Hummingbird celebrates all the joys and triumphs of life–alongside the bitter parts–with Lloyd’s trademark sympathy. I was worried Hummingbird might be a repeat, and not something special. A Snicker of Magic is Natalie Lloyd’s debut novel and was named Parents Magazine ’s Best Children’s Book of 2014. She might have more of a commitment to sparkles than Felicity, but the personality really seemed the same. The novel explores themes like The Impact of Loneliness and The Power of Words as Felicity navigates the town’s history and her family heritage to learn where all the magic has gone and why her mama moves the family around so much. Olive reads very much like Felicity Pickle with her over-the-top enthusiasm for life and inherent belief in the goodness of just about everyone. Worse, however, Hummingbird seemed determined to recapture the success of Snicker by becoming Snicker. Though I adore A Snicker of Magic, Lloyd’s subsequent books never quite matched it. Reading Hummingbird will make readers wish they could move to Olive’s town, not just because it is magic, but because it is full of warmth and joy.Īdmittedly, I initially had some doubts about Hummingbird. Once again she invites readers into a world where kindness matters most, differences are celebrated, and all are welcomed. Hummingbird brings back Natalie Lloyd’s heart, humor, and signature magical realism–all the best parts of her critically acclaimed debut novel, A Snicker of Magic.

A snicker of magic by natalie lloyd