Kiki's Delivery Service

May 1, 2020
A young witch makes her way in the world, encountering adventure and friendship along the way. On her coming-of-age day, 13-year-old Kiki and her talking black cat, Jiji, fly on her broom to find a town in need of a witch. Kiki settles in Koriko, a busy, seaside city. The citizens aren't used to witches, but Kiki's charming, helpful nature eventually wins them over as they come to rely on her titular business. Whether she's saving swimmers at the beach, delivering a secret love note, or ensuring the success of the New Year's celebration, Kiki's first year in Koriko is anything but dull! Readers may already be familiar with Kiki from Hayao Miyazaki's 1989 film version. Originally published in Japan in 1985, the book first appeared in the U.S. with illustrations by Akiko Hayashi and in a translation by Lynne E. Riggs. This new translation from Balistrieri is descriptive and whimsical, and both characters' names and their appearances in Onoda's anime-inflected illustrations create a Japanese-inspired fantasy world. The characters' quirkiness creates the feeling that Kiki's future will be filled with countless friends and adventures. There are mishaps galore but never any real danger, as Kiki always finds a solution using creativity, intelligence, and a dash of magic. Families looking for a book to share will appreciate the episodic chapters. An enchanting, gently humorous all-ages family read-aloud. (Fantasy. 5-12)

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June 1, 2020

Gr 4 Up-This fantastical story of a charming witch, originally published in 1985 and adapted into the beloved Hiyao Miyazaki film, has been translated from Japanese to English. When Kiki turns 13, witch tradition mandates that she must leave her family and set out on her own. With her sidekick, a black cat named Gigi, Kiki settles in the village of Koriko. Drawing upon her talents as a witch, Kiki establishes her own delivery service. Throughout her first year of working and living in Koriko, Kiki meets new friends who brighten her days, embarks on exciting adventures, and is launched on a journey of self-discovery. Kadono crafts a vulnerable, likable character in Kiki and readers will surely connect with her. Young readers will delight in Kiki's humorous experiences and will relate to her worries. This #OwnVoices fantasy novel offers a glimpse into a few aspects of Japanese culture. VERDICT A classic tale, this new translation is perfect for read-alouds and will find a welcome home in any library. Recommended.-Amy McInerney, Falmouth Elem. Sch., ME

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2020
Grades 4-7 Hayao Miyazaki's film adaptation of Kiki's Delivery Service has made it a family classic in the anime world. The original story, however, was written by Kadono, and this new English translation will be embraced by fans new and old. For the uninitiated, the story begins with Kiki, a young witch about to turn 13, preparing to leave her childhood home for a new town, city, or village, where she can live and help that community. With a reliable broom, her cat (Jiji), a spare dress, and her radio, Kiki sets out beneath a full moon. She finds a wonderful seaside town where she is invited to live above a family bakery. Here Kiki begins using her talent for flying to help the community by making deliveries. There are some bumps on her journey toward independence, but Kiki also has wonderful adventures and makes new friends. Kadono's endearing, encouraging novel memorably shows that though the new can be scary, it can also be wonderful and make one a better person.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)