W.I.T.C.H. Chapter Book

These five prose novels grew out of a wildly popular Italian Disney comics franchise, each giving one of the five Guardians of the Veil her own narrated story as she faces a villain tied to her elemental power. The magic-and-friendship formula is handled with energy, and Elizabeth Lenhard and Alice Alfonsi keep the prose genuinely accessible for the tween audience the series targets. The ensemble of five distinct girl characters is a real asset, and the blend of magical action with everyday school-age anxieties is well-calibrated. That said, jumping in without knowing the comics or animated show is rough going — these books serve an existing fanbase more than newcomers. Families who preview magic-themed content will want a look first. A solid franchise companion for fans already on board.