“IF THE MAGIC FITS,” by Susan Maupin Schmid, Random House Books for Young Readers, Oct. 25, 2016, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)
Every once in a while you come across a book that has an air of magic to it. In the case of “If the Magic Fits,” by Susan Maupin Schmid, the magic isn’t just in the title; it’s nestled in between the pages, too.
Darling Dimple was raised in a castle, but she’s not a princess. Darling is a scrubber in the castle’s kitchen, scouring pots and pans used to prepare elaborate meals for the real princess, Mariposa.
When Darling gets “promoted” to under-presser, her life instantly changes. Suddenly, Darling becomes an upstairs girl, at times only steps away from the princess herself. But even that can’t compare with the closet that houses 100 dresses forgotten by time. No one seems to know how special the closet and dresses really are. No one except Darling.
Those dresses need trying on, and Darling’s just the person to do it, and when she does, something amazing happens — Darling transforms in the castle’s head scrubber. Each dress transforms the wearer into someone different, and Darling can’t wait to try them all out. It’s more than a mere under presser could wish for. But wearing the dresses comes with great responsibility, and Darling’s about to learn how strong she really is.
“If the Magic Fits” is along the same vein as Jessica Day George’s “Tuesdays at the Castle.” It’s light, exciting and full of magic. Darling is a character you want to root for, and the dresses and their personalities are just as intriguing.
I love that “If the Magic Fits” is a princess book without being a “princess book.” Darling is inquisitive and smart but not without her flaws. “If the Magic Fits” is a good choice for readers who want to go beyond the glitz and glamour. Though the book comes to a satisfying conclusion, I’m happy to share that a sequel is in the works and should be out summer/fall 2017.
