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The Magical Animal Adoption Agency Book 1 Clover's Luck

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 · 702 ratings  · 140 reviews
Start your review of Clover's Luck (The Magical Animal Adoption Agency, #1)
Kathryn
Oct 03, 2017 rated it really liked it
A sweet, entertaining story I probably would have loved as a kid (the four stars is from my childhood self, and also because it's much better than many of new-ish children's novels I've read recently). It is a short, quick read but also contains some lovely descriptions. Here's the opening:

"Luck is like magic. It's mysterious and exciting and impossible to explain. It can't be described by equations or logic or even by books. You just have to believe.

"Clover believed. She believed luck existed--

A sweet, entertaining story I probably would have loved as a kid (the four stars is from my childhood self, and also because it's much better than many of new-ish children's novels I've read recently). It is a short, quick read but also contains some lovely descriptions. Here's the opening:

"Luck is like magic. It's mysterious and exciting and impossible to explain. It can't be described by equations or logic or even by books. You just have to believe.

"Clover believed. She believed luck existed--and that all of hers was bad. From the time she was born under a moon as thin as a cat's whisker--a bad omen, she'd decided--her life had been filled with one misfortune after another, from burst bike tires to burnt toast. Not to mention problems with pets.

She tried everything to change her luck. She painted her room bright green, the color of lucky clover, her namesake, and pasted shooting stars on her ceiling that she could wish on every night. She hung a horseshoe over her bed and collected shiny pennies in a jar that she kept on her windowsill...."

Of course, the story is about how Clover's luck changes (or maybe she was never unlucky to begin with?) and it's very sweet the way she helps the magical creatures find good homes. I love the idea of the magical animal adoption agency and the animals were all described in charming and endearing ways. And, as someone who volunteered at a cat sanctuary for many years, I found myself nodding in agreement with Mr. Jam's advice to Clover when she beings volunteering at the M.A.A.A.: "Ah, a gentle heart you have, my dear. But beware. Although I have mentioned the many characters I will not let adopt our animals, there are far more for whom I've arranged adoptions. Adoption is our Agency's purpose. It can be hard to part ways with an animal but the Agency isn't a home for them. You will need to guard your heart, even as you keep it open." So true!

Of course, the grown-up in me was a bit annoyed with Clover's parents for being so lackadaisical and more interested in their work than in their daughter; I mean, come on, you let your daughter wander off on her own all the time and don't even vet the place your daughter wants to volunteer? Of course, the grown-up in me also sees this was a plot device to allow Clover to be on her own.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read and the accompanying illustrations have the right blend of magic and whimsy. Nothing too perilous happens and Agency animals receive happy endings so I think it would be good for even sensitive readers.

...more
Steve
Oct 06, 2014 rated it really liked it
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

My daughter is just getting into chapter books, so I enjoy reading titles before her so I can find out what will continue to spark her interest.
This one definitely does the trick.
There is a lot to like in this book: fantastic animals, a girl discovering her abilities, villains who aren't terribly bad, and magic.
The pace is such that it will keep younger readers moving along with only the occasional pause for a

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

My daughter is just getting into chapter books, so I enjoy reading titles before her so I can find out what will continue to spark her interest.
This one definitely does the trick.
There is a lot to like in this book: fantastic animals, a girl discovering her abilities, villains who aren't terribly bad, and magic.
The pace is such that it will keep younger readers moving along with only the occasional pause for an unknown word.
The heroine is a girl who's self perceived faults turn out to be assets.
And there is magical silliness to incite young one's laughter.
We are looking very forward to continuing to read this series.

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Katie
This was a fantastic story! The story was full of good lessons about luck, pet ownership and hard work. My children were so enraptured by the fire-breathing dragons and unicorns they didn't even realize they were learning anything. With an intriguing plot, phenomenal illustrations and magical animals for adoption, I cannot wait to read more books from this series. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. This was a fantastic story! The story was full of good lessons about luck, pet ownership and hard work. My children were so enraptured by the fire-breathing dragons and unicorns they didn't even realize they were learning anything. With an intriguing plot, phenomenal illustrations and magical animals for adoption, I cannot wait to read more books from this series. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. ...more
Karen Arendt
Dec 29, 2014 rated it really liked it
Clover is plucky and determined; despite having had such bad luck with pets, she finds and volunteers at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. Her bad luck doesn't end, though, as an evil witch tricks her twice, putting a couple of the animals in harm's way. By the end of the story, Clover's luck turns around and leaves room for sequels. A charming story for girls who like fairies and animals. Clover is plucky and determined; despite having had such bad luck with pets, she finds and volunteers at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. Her bad luck doesn't end, though, as an evil witch tricks her twice, putting a couple of the animals in harm's way. By the end of the story, Clover's luck turns around and leaves room for sequels. A charming story for girls who like fairies and animals. ...more
Cat
Mar 31, 2015 rated it really liked it
I thought this would be another easy early chapter book fluff story but it was surprisingly well written and interesting. I will definitely recommend this series.
Julie
Apr 11, 2016 rated it really liked it
The perfect new series for the 8-11 year olds who are destined to love Harry Potter someday.
Jessica Perteet
I read this book because my 9 year old begged me to read it so we could talk about it together. When your daughter loves a story that much, you give in. This book was above her reading level but she seemed to handle it fine. It was a sweet story with lovely ink drawings about a girl that stumbles upon a magical animal adoption agency in the forest and applies to volunteer there. Many delightful adventures ensue. There is a theme of luck through the book that I am planning on discussing with a bi I read this book because my 9 year old begged me to read it so we could talk about it together. When your daughter loves a story that much, you give in. This book was above her reading level but she seemed to handle it fine. It was a sweet story with lovely ink drawings about a girl that stumbles upon a magical animal adoption agency in the forest and applies to volunteer there. Many delightful adventures ensue. There is a theme of luck through the book that I am planning on discussing with a biblical perspective. She's already reading the second in the series now. ...more
Bailey
Jul 31, 2021 rated it it was amazing
This book was never boring, always sweet, and had such a great "moral of the story" by the end - it made me so happy. The descriptions were lovely but not too long and it had just enough illustrations. I read this to my 5 year old and we both loved it. If your kid likes reading about witches, wizards, princesses, and magical creatures, then this book is perfect! This book was never boring, always sweet, and had such a great "moral of the story" by the end - it made me so happy. The descriptions were lovely but not too long and it had just enough illustrations. I read this to my 5 year old and we both loved it. If your kid likes reading about witches, wizards, princesses, and magical creatures, then this book is perfect! ...more
Andrea Wright
Love this first book! A fantastic story about a girl that always thought she was unlucky and the crazy adventure that helps her realize just how lucky she really is. Excited to read the next book and find out what's in the egg!! Love this first book! A fantastic story about a girl that always thought she was unlucky and the crazy adventure that helps her realize just how lucky she really is. Excited to read the next book and find out what's in the egg!! ...more
Khai
Oct 26, 2019 rated it really liked it
Clover's Luck is a very sweet story about a young girl's discovery of her own self-worth and confidence as she learns that the world is perhaps far more magical than she could have ever imagined.

A great length for reading aloud.

Clover's Luck is a very sweet story about a young girl's discovery of her own self-worth and confidence as she learns that the world is perhaps far more magical than she could have ever imagined.

A great length for reading aloud.

...more
lizzzrom
What a wonderful book! I loved it. It was full of magic, cuteness and LUCK! Clover is an amazing character and I can not wait to start the second part. Recommend it! 4- A really good book.
Emily
Aug 25, 2017 rated it really liked it
A fast moving plot about a girl who believes that she is unlucky, but learns that she can make her own luck. Book was resolved but left some mysteries to be solved in the next book in the series. A solid early chapter book.
Lori
Feb 15, 2016 rated it it was amazing
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Clover's Luck is the first book in an ADORABLE new children's series. If you know a girl in 2-4 grade who loves magical animals this book would make a great gift. Lessons abound in this charming little story about Clover, a young girl who discovers that she can make her own luck. Clover has always believed herself to be an unlucky girl born under an unlucky moon. Things just don't seem to go right for her, or do they?

She learns a lot about herself, hard work, keeping promises and being responsi

Clover's Luck is the first book in an ADORABLE new children's series. If you know a girl in 2-4 grade who loves magical animals this book would make a great gift. Lessons abound in this charming little story about Clover, a young girl who discovers that she can make her own luck. Clover has always believed herself to be an unlucky girl born under an unlucky moon. Things just don't seem to go right for her, or do they?

She learns a lot about herself, hard work, keeping promises and being responsible when she becomes a volunteer at an animal adoption agency. But not just any animals, magical animals!
She befriends a dragon, unicorns, a magical toad, fairy horses and a gnome who is the night guard of the agency!! Clover IS a lucky girl because she just snagged the best summer job of all time!! And as a bonus, the cover art and illustrations are beautiful!!

I highly recommend this children's fantasy and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!!! Four and a half stars rounded up to five.

...more
Tanya Kyi
Oct 30, 2014 rated it it was amazing
My daughter and I both got a sneak peek at this book. (Thank you, Kallie!) And we both loved it. Clover has the dream job of every little girl -- I mean, who wouldn't want to care for miniature fairy horses? Though personally, the grumpy gnome was my favourite agency resident.

Kallie has a wonderful way of creating a world where everything is magical, but the problems seem real. I can't wait to read the next books in the series!

My daughter and I both got a sneak peek at this book. (Thank you, Kallie!) And we both loved it. Clover has the dream job of every little girl -- I mean, who wouldn't want to care for miniature fairy horses? Though personally, the grumpy gnome was my favourite agency resident.

Kallie has a wonderful way of creating a world where everything is magical, but the problems seem real. I can't wait to read the next books in the series!

...more
Cristi-Lael
This was a cute book. It spoke more to my daughters than it did me, but they really enjoyed it and, since I was reading it to them, I figure that's a good thing. :o) This was a cute book. It spoke more to my daughters than it did me, but they really enjoyed it and, since I was reading it to them, I figure that's a good thing. :o) ...more
Stacy Renee  (LazyDayLit)
When a baseball flies through the very unlucky Clovers' window and her new pet bird, Penny, flies off, she knows she won't find her bird again but she tries anyway and ends up in the dark woods where she comes across an advertisement for the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. Clover decides that helping animals might be better than losing another pet so she volunteers and is hired, but soon after, the owner, Mr. Jams, disappears and Clover is left to take care of the creatures and choose who is or When a baseball flies through the very unlucky Clovers' window and her new pet bird, Penny, flies off, she knows she won't find her bird again but she tries anyway and ends up in the dark woods where she comes across an advertisement for the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. Clover decides that helping animals might be better than losing another pet so she volunteers and is hired, but soon after, the owner, Mr. Jams, disappears and Clover is left to take care of the creatures and choose who is or isn't right for adoption, all by herself! Can she make it through her first few days of work?

This is a wonderful start to a magical children's series about a little girl with little luck but a huge heart and a love of animals... and mythical creatures! You really feel for unlucky Clover but root for her as she learns her way about the adoption agency and stops a wicked plot while also finding the perfect home for some of the magical creatures.

The illustrations are gorgeous with a very soft and calming quality that really fits the whimsical theme of the story!

I definitely recommend this to any young readers that love fantasy, animals, or mythical creatures such as unicorns, fairies, gnomes, dragons, and more!

I read this aloud to my 6-year-old and she adored it!

This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.

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Bookworm
Aug 09, 2021 rated it it was amazing
I had been sniffing about for a good children's story about animal care and look what turned up at the library. This was such a sweet and marvellous tale of a girl who is ironically named Clover. She seemed to have plenty of mishaps up until the day she stumbled upon a magical place in the woods that takes care of lost, wounded and unwanted magical creatures. I love the tiny fairy horses and the rest of the other magical animals, especially Moondrop. I also love how cosy the setting was - I coul I had been sniffing about for a good children's story about animal care and look what turned up at the library. This was such a sweet and marvellous tale of a girl who is ironically named Clover. She seemed to have plenty of mishaps up until the day she stumbled upon a magical place in the woods that takes care of lost, wounded and unwanted magical creatures. I love the tiny fairy horses and the rest of the other magical animals, especially Moondrop. I also love how cosy the setting was - I could picture Mr. Jams munching on his cinnamon toast and the gnome that guards the place at night. I was incredibly proud of Clover's effort and love in protecting all the creatures. I wonder what Book 2 has in store for me. ...more
Suzette Pereyra
This is a delightful book full of surprises! I loved the magical animals and the creative people that came to adopt them! The drawings are amazing sketches which really add to the adventures found in this book. It would be a great read-aloud for a 3rd-4th grade ELL class to start a unit on fantasy books. I found this book at my public library after it was recommended on BookRiot.com/best-fantasy-books-for-k.... There are some higher order vocabulary words that could be taught from this book such This is a delightful book full of surprises! I loved the magical animals and the creative people that came to adopt them! The drawings are amazing sketches which really add to the adventures found in this book. It would be a great read-aloud for a 3rd-4th grade ELL class to start a unit on fantasy books. I found this book at my public library after it was recommended on BookRiot.com/best-fantasy-books-for-k.... There are some higher order vocabulary words that could be taught from this book such as aviary, tentative, plump, and throbbed, not to mention all the different magical animals such as unicorns, dragons, fire salamanders, miniature horses, and a mood toad.
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Margrethe
Read aloud. Not as good as her Heartwood Hotel series, which we all enjoyed. This had a bit too much talking about the characters and their situations and not enough storytelling. I also didn't like how frequently the author told us how Clover had to keep it a secret and couldn't tell her parents about this magical world and what she was doing all day. The actual storytelling part was pretty good- a simple, not-too scary delve into fantasy with cute magical animals to imagine, and some wizards a Read aloud. Not as good as her Heartwood Hotel series, which we all enjoyed. This had a bit too much talking about the characters and their situations and not enough storytelling. I also didn't like how frequently the author told us how Clover had to keep it a secret and couldn't tell her parents about this magical world and what she was doing all day. The actual storytelling part was pretty good- a simple, not-too scary delve into fantasy with cute magical animals to imagine, and some wizards and witches. ...more
Thuy
Feb 02, 2017 rated it it was amazing
very good for bedtime. I read a couple chapters a day to. the my near 6 year old. we're on to book two now. she follows along very well to this one, even stops me to ask question about a word.

as for the story itself, I love how her perspective of the same events led her to realize that her perception of good and bad was indicative of seeing the cup as half full.

very good for bedtime. I read a couple chapters a day to. the my near 6 year old. we're on to book two now. she follows along very well to this one, even stops me to ask question about a word.

as for the story itself, I love how her perspective of the same events led her to realize that her perception of good and bad was indicative of seeing the cup as half full.

...more
Engel Dreizehn
If someone asked for a good children's fantasy by a Canadian/Local author....I would big time suggest this series despite it being an early reader. It felt so sophisticated, enjoyable and imaginative-dream like that I wasn't bothered by the fact it's an early reader (I'm older). Liken the premise of a secret, magical adoption agency. If someone asked for a good children's fantasy by a Canadian/Local author....I would big time suggest this series despite it being an early reader. It felt so sophisticated, enjoyable and imaginative-dream like that I wasn't bothered by the fact it's an early reader (I'm older). Liken the premise of a secret, magical adoption agency. ...more
Erica
May 13, 2017 rated it liked it
Meet Clover, the unluckiest girl you'll ever meet. Nothing ever goes the way she plans and when she loses her pet bird she follows after it in hopes to bring it back. But instead she stumbles upon the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, an animal shelter for Magical creatures. She quickly is enlisted as a volunteer and will soon find out that she is one of the luckiest people around. Meet Clover, the unluckiest girl you'll ever meet. Nothing ever goes the way she plans and when she loses her pet bird she follows after it in hopes to bring it back. But instead she stumbles upon the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, an animal shelter for Magical creatures. She quickly is enlisted as a volunteer and will soon find out that she is one of the luckiest people around. ...more
Heather Gunnell
Staff Pick
Heather

Clover feels very unlucky when it comes to pets. They just don't seem to work out for her. Then one day on a walk through the woods, she discovers a magical cottage full of unicorns, fairy horses, salamanders, and all kinds of creatures she's never heard of. Now that she's a volunteer for this Magical Adoption Agency, maybe her luck will change.

Staff Pick
Heather

Clover feels very unlucky when it comes to pets. They just don't seem to work out for her. Then one day on a walk through the woods, she discovers a magical cottage full of unicorns, fairy horses, salamanders, and all kinds of creatures she's never heard of. Now that she's a volunteer for this Magical Adoption Agency, maybe her luck will change.

...more
Teaghan  Warren
I love this series.I discovered it in 4th grade in my local library.I love the characters.It is a story of a girl who gets a job at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency.It is a top secret place for only magical characters.Clover is the only normal human who knows about it.Then the owner leaves and she is in charge but everything goes wrong.It is a great book.
Holly
Sep 29, 2018 rated it really liked it
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read--kind of Harry Potter lite. But, it was a perfect book to read with my 7 year old son. Cute magical animals, a little bit of intrigue/suspense with the interference of a certain witch, but not too scary at all. I would definitely pick up more books in this series.
Deanna Siegel
Clover thinks she is very unlucky until she starts volunteering for the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. There, Clover learns about magical animals and even the magic inside herself. This book was cute and had a warm tone. A great transitional reader that has enough adventure and unicorns to keep kids thoroughly entertained.
Rachel Robins
Mar 10, 2018 rated it it was amazing
Delightful children's literature offering about a girl named Clover, who feels she is very unlucky. She ends up working with the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. Just a fun, imaginative read. I can see why George's work is a Utah Beehive Book Nominee this year! Delightful children's literature offering about a girl named Clover, who feels she is very unlucky. She ends up working with the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. Just a fun, imaginative read. I can see why George's work is a Utah Beehive Book Nominee this year! ...more
Leah
This was a sweet story. I liked the main character, Clover. She was kind and capable. The animals were delightful. The fairy horses were my favorite. The story was interesting, and the ending should be the beginning of the next book.
Allison Turkish
Kallie George is a terrific writer. This book series is engaging and entertaining. As a children's book connoisseur, I highly recommend reading all three of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency books. Kallie George is a terrific writer. This book series is engaging and entertaining. As a children's book connoisseur, I highly recommend reading all three of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency books. ...more
Mckall
Jul 01, 2020 rated it it was amazing
Amree and I LOVED this book. The character Clover is interesting, caring and loves animals. The story was great fun and when I read it to Amree she was so tense wondering what the witch would do next! We can't wait to read more.
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Adorable 1 3 Feb 08, 2015 05:03PM
I'm an author, editor, and speaker living in Vancouver, BC, near the sea. When I'm not writing or editing, I'm teaching creative writing workshops.

I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.

I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.

I'm an author, editor, and speaker living in Vancouver, BC, near the sea. When I'm not writing or editing, I'm teaching creative writing workshops.

I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.

I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.

...more

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The Magical Animal Adoption Agency Book 1 Clover's Luck

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