A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

Introducing an extraordinary debut that will make your skin tingle, your eyes glisten…and your heart sing.

Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away. Twelve-year-old Felicity knows all about things like that; her nomadic mother is cursed with a wandering heart.

But when she arrives in Midnight Gulch, Felicity thinks her luck’s about to change. A “word collector,” Felicity sees words everywhere — shining above strangers, tucked into church eves, and tangled up her dog’s floppy ears — but Midnight Gulch is the first place she’s ever seen the word “home.” And then there’s Jonah, a mysterious, spiky-haired do-gooder who shimmers with words Felicity’s never seen before, words that make Felicity’s heart beat a little faster.

Fun Activities for the book:

  1. Word Scavenger Hunt: Have students go on a word scavenger hunt around their neighborhood or school. Encourage them to look for words and phrases that inspire them, and write them down in a notebook. Then, have them share their favorite words with the class and explain why they chose them. This activity will help students understand and appreciate the power of words, just like Felicity in the book.
  2. Create a Map of Midnight Gulch: After reading about the magical town of Midnight Gulch, have students create a map of the town. They can include important locations like the ice cream parlor, the old theater, and the school. Encourage them to be creative and use their imagination to add details like hidden paths, secret rooms, and magical landmarks.
  3. Write a Recipe for “Snicker of Magic” Ice Cream: In the book, there is a special ice cream flavor called “Snicker of Magic” that is made by Felicity’s mother. Have students write a recipe for this ice cream flavor, including a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions. They can also draw a picture of what the ice cream looks like. This activity will help students practice their descriptive writing skills and encourage them to use their imagination in the kitchen.