For children learning to navigate tricky friendships or facing intimidating challenges, this whimsical tale of two unlikely friends confronting a sweet, sinister witch offers courage and humor.
Parents can reach for this book when their child is navigating a tricky friendship or dealing with social anxieties. This charming animal fantasy follows Basil, a cautious mole, and Dahlia, a daring bat, who form a secret friendship against the rules of their communities. Their bond is put to the ultimate test when they must work together to expose a seemingly sweet candymaker who is actually a sinister witch with a wicked plan. It's a wonderful choice for readers aged 8-12, as it wraps important lessons about bravery, loyalty, and looking past prejudices into a humorous and exciting adventure. The story provides a gentle way to discuss how courage isn't about being fearless, but about acting in spite of your fears.
The primary sensitive topic is peril. The villain's plan to turn other animals into candy is menacing and handled with a fairy-tale level of creepiness. This is a metaphorical exploration of danger, manipulation, and seemingly kind strangers with bad intentions. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, with the villain being defeated through the protagonists' cleverness and bravery.
Ideal Reader
This is perfect for an 8 to 11-year-old who enjoys classic animal adventures like The Wind in the Willows or modern tales like Skunk and Badger, but with a magical, slightly spooky twist. It's also an excellent match for a cautious child who struggles with anxiety, as Basil provides a relatable and empowering model for finding courage on one's own terms.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the witch, Belladonna, is genuinely sinister beneath her sweet facade. The scenes where she captures animals and the reveal of her candy-making intentions might be frightening for more sensitive readers. Previewing the chapters around the climax, where the friends infiltrate her shop, could be helpful. The book can be read cold, but it provides a good, non-preachy launchpad for conversations about judging others and trusting your instincts. A parent has heard their child say, "I'm too scared to try," or is worried because their child is hesitant to make friends with someone who seems very different from them. Another trigger could be a child coming home upset because their friend group disapproves of another child they like.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the fun adventure, the unlikely friendship, and the clear good-versus-evil plot. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the nuanced themes of social prejudice, the allegory of addiction in the magical candy, and the sophisticated exploration of how different personalities can complement each other in a friendship.
What Makes It Special
While many books feature unlikely animal friends, this one stands out for its deep and empathetic exploration of anxiety. Basil's journey isn't about magically becoming fearless; it's about learning to use his cautious nature as a strength. The blend of classic fairytale peril with modern, character-driven emotional intelligence and genuine humor makes it a uniquely satisfying read.
Read plot summary
Basil, a mole with many anxieties, and Dahlia, a thrill-seeking bat, form a forbidden friendship that bridges the deep-seated prejudice between their two communities. Their forest is disrupted by the arrival of Belladonna, a stoat who opens a delightful candy shop. However, her sweets are magically addictive and part of a sinister plot to fatten up the local creatures to use as ingredients. Basil and Dahlia must overcome their personal fears and their families' disapproval to uncover Belladonna's wicked plans and save their neighbors from a sugary doom.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Basil is a planner who is scared of many things, while Dahlia is a daredevil who loves adventure. Why do you think they become such good friends? How do their differences help them defeat Belladonna?
2
The moles and the bats have a strong prejudice against each other. Where do you think these ideas came from? What does the story show us about judging someone before you know them?
3
Belladonna the witch seems very kind and generous at first. What were some of the first clues that something was wrong with her candy? How can you tell if something that seems too good to be true might actually be a problem?
4
Basil thinks of himself as a coward, but he does very brave things. What does this book teach us about what it means to be brave? Can you be scared and brave at the same time?
