Binny Bewitched Hardcover – Illustrated, June 27, 2017

I am a newcomer to the Binny books, but have been as charmed and delighted by them as have been any of the author's most ardent fans. The entire Cornwallis family will capture your heart and imagination, and every young reader should give at least one of the books a good, thorough try.This time around, (this is the third Binny book), Binny has, in a momentary impulse, pocketed and then misplaced some money she saw sticking out of an ATM machine. Overcome by guilt she is desperate to return the money, but she hid it and can't find it and comes to fear that someone in her family or close circle has filched the filthy lucre. Because this is Binny she also suspects that the slippery woman in the holiday cottage next door is a witch, and a witch who knows her secret. So, we get a mystery and a bit of Tell-Tale Heart. Beneath that rather antic premise, though, we learn a good deal about how Binny's family has had to manage and make do in the proud but impoverished condition in which they found themselves after Binny's Dad's death. There are dozens of little exchanges and brief set pieces that drive this point home repeatedly.And that, friends, is what I wish to mention. While there is a clear story arc here, with rising tension and a resolution and a satisfying denouement and all of the rest, the appeal, to me, of the Binny books resides in the odd little bits that are scattered about the book. A brief exchange between Binny and her sister Clem; a surprisingly perceptive comment by little James; a few comments from a teacher who sympathizes with Binny's inability to afford a school break excursion on which all the other students are going; a teasing line from Gareth; some quiet moments of conversation over a cup of tea. These snippets and glances add up to a very satisfying sense of the strength and integrity and affection that binds the Cornwallis family and their dearest friends.So, not to put too sharp an edge on it, but these are amusing and entertaining and instructive, but also affirming and restorative tales that glow with insight and good humor. A very nice find indeed.(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

Binny’s family has been concerned with money since her father died. They live in a house that is far too small for all of them, her sister has sold all of her possessions to pay for flute lessons, and her mother works extra shifts all of the time. So when Binny sees a large amount of money left behind in an ATM, she grabs it and takes it. Does that make her a thief or just lucky? Binny soon discovers though that she can’t spend the money without others asking lots of questions. So she hides it, then hides it again and again until she can’t remember where she hid it! Meanwhile, Binny’s neighbor seems to be putting curses on all of them, like Clem’s flute breaking and James losing his best friend over buried treasure. As Binny realizes she has to be honest about the money, she has to find it first and figure out just who may have taken it.This is the third Binny book and it’s just as charming and fantastic as the first two. McKay has a gorgeous way of writing, showing her characters and families complete with messy homes, money problems, and everyday woes. She always gives her characters lots of heart and big imaginations so that even normal days turn into adventures and bad decisions turn into mysteries.As always, McKay’s families are ones that you want to spend even more time with. Readers will want to climb behind the couch with James, explore Clem’s bare but lovely room, share the birthday cake, and explore the beaches. The love in this family overflows the pages, even when they are distracted with their own problems. In fact, a hallmark of McKay’s books are that the children do the figuring out and realizations, not the adults. It’s a refreshing look at the power of children when they are given plenty of freedom.Another winner from McKay! If you haven’t met Binny yet, make sure to start with the first since they are all such a treat. Appropriate for ages 8-12.

This was my introduction to Binny and her family, and I was bewitched from the start. This is the third Binny book by Hilary McKay, and I hope Ms. McKay has many more tales to tell about this enchanting character!Twelve-year-old Binny is walking home from school one day, wishing she had money to buy her mother a birthday present. As she passes the bank, she spies a pile of money left in the ATM. It appears her wish has been granted! Magic or miracle, Binny is glad to accept the gift.She soon decides that the witch who lives next door, Miss Piper, knows about the money. Guilt begins to gnaw at her, and Binny realizes that she has to return it to the bank. But when she looks for the money, she discovers she’s lost it.Although I haven’t read the other two Binny books, I suspect that this is not the only time that Binny’s wild imagination and impetuous nature has gotten her into hilarious situations. Binny is the kind of kid who makes you smile—or laugh out loud—as you root for her. And yet, you know that if you were her parent, you would simply shake your head and sigh, “Oh Binny!” before pulling her into your arms.I received an advance reader copy of Binny Bewitched in exchange for my unbiased review of the book. But I’m on the lookout for other Hilary McKay books now—starting with the first two Binny books! I’m so glad to have been introduced to this fantastic author!

Book arrived on time and as described.