Kiki’s Delivery Service by Hans Christian Andersen Award (“children’s Nobel Prize”) winner Eiko Kadono has been well known in both Japanese and English for years as the book that inspired the Studio Ghibli film of the same name. But did you know it’s the first book in a series? When interviewed about the first book, translator Emily Balistrieri commented that reading only book 1 of Kiki is like only reading book 1 of Anne of Green Gables and stopping. Fortunately, Balistrieri’s translation of book 2 has now been published, in a dazzling yet affordable edition with sprayed edges sure to attract young readers’ eyes. How about the story? We asked an upper elementary school reader to share thoughts about book 1 and book 2. Reviews below are by Eloise, age 9.

Today’s post comes to you from Eloise:

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono / Translated from the Japanese by Emily Balistrieri (paperback: Yearling/Penguin Random House, 2021; deluxe hardcover edition: Penguin Random House, 2026

Kiki’s Delivery Service is about a young witch named Kiki, who is coming of age. For witches, coming of age is celebrated on a full moon night in their thirteenth year. On that night, young witches leave their parents to start a new life in a town of their choice that is in need of magic. Kiki’s mom, Kokiri (who is also a witch), wants her to follow the tradition of making sneeze medicine, but Kiki is not interested. She wants to do something…bigger, and she moves to a town called Koriko.

My favorite character is Kiki’s black cat named Jiji, who has been with Kiki since she was little. He is very talkative and tags along with her on every adventure. He is also cute and says and does some really funny stuff in this book, like pretending to be a stuffed cat.

This book also has parts that are described so well the story felt real, which made me really happy. And even if witches don’t exist, it’s so magical to think about witches flying around, helping us! 

This book is fun, creative, and full of imagination and I’d recommend it for all ages. If you’re a little one, you could have it read to you, or if older, go ahead! I don’t think there should be anything stopping you from reading this book. 

Kiki and the New Magic by Eiko Kadono / Translated from the Japanese by Emily Balistrieri (Delacorte Press, 2026)

Kiki and the New Magic is an enchanting sequel to Kiki’s Delivery Service, and I have a confession: I like it even more! The book starts with Kiki returning to Koriko and throughout the story, she makes many amazing and sometimes unexpected deliveries. Something surprising to me about this book is that Kiki and Jiji go through some changes. Kiki begins worrying that what she is doing as a witch is not helping other people, and Jiji feels more distant, like a normal cat. He leaves without Kiki to go to cat gatherings, and is sometimes a little mean. Even Kiki’s broom is acting funny! In every delivery, there seems to be a hard, puzzle-like problem for Kiki to solve. I think Kiki and Jiji are changing because they are a year older in this story, and starting to think more about who they are in the world. 

My favorite chapter is “Kiki Delivers a Girl from Town,” because it has a lovely blend of friendship and feelings. My favorite character, a girl named Forest, is also in it and her house is alive with nature and imagination. 

I think people should read Kiki’s Delivery Service first, so that they know Kiki’s story and can move to the second to see what happens next. I also think this book is for all ages. I love this book, and you will, too.

Eloise is a creative, imaginative nine year old who loves books, bunnies and drawing. In addition to Kiki, Eloise loves the Wilderlore series by Amanda Foody. She is currently reading the fifth book, The Traitor’s Gambit. She also loves Luke Pearson’s Hilda comic series. Her favorite is Hilda and the Mountain King. Eloise’s favorite hobbies are reading, writing, drawing, cooking, and spending time with animals.