Hand Me Down Magic 4: Mysterious Tea Set
Illustrated by Luis Uribe
January 11, 2022
There’s a mystery brewing in Abuelita’s shop in the fourth and final Hand-Me-Down Magic book: The complete series is perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory, with adorable illustrations and short, easy-to-read chapters. Del finds a very beautiful tea set hidden deep in the Curious Cousins Secondhand Shoppe—but something about it doesn’t add up. It’s missing some teacups, and the hand-painted design on it looks very familiar. The tea set must be connected to their family. Alma and Del are excited to solve the case of the mysterious tea set, but their questions (“Who painted it?” “Is it magical?”) only get an Abuelita shrug and a confusing answer. Still, with determination, neighborhood magic, and a little help from Evie, the best-friend-cousins will learn the story behind the tea set as they work to make it whole once more.
Corey Ann Haydu’s writing is filled with tender moments, wholesome humor, and magical detail—reminiscent of literary icons like Beverly Clearly, Marla Frazee, and Katherine Applegate. This chapter book series is pitch perfect for kids reading at this young level. And Luisa Uribe’s stunning black-and-white illustrations capture the warmth and unique personality of each character.