Jess's Story

The second book of the Backyard Witch series by acclaimed authors Christine Heppermann and Ron Koertge, starring Ms. M, the mysterious witch who appears just when you need her. Booklist called Jess’s Story a “humorous, bewitching tale.” A must-have for newly independent readers and fans of Ivy + Bean, Clementine, and the Food Network!

Jess is a superstar on the field and on the court. Soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis—you name it, she loves it. But she’s a disaster in the kitchen, much to the dismay of her mother, who is a chef. When Jess’s mom gets a chance to work in a famous kitchen for a week, Jess and her friends, Sadie and Maya, try to help out by making dinner. And . . . let’s just say the attempt goes up in flames. Enter Ms. M, the mysterious witch who appears right when you need her! Ms. M is a heroine to rival Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and Ms. Frizzle. Ms. M doesn’t save the day herself; she helps everyone save it themselves.

Acclaimed authors Christine Heppermann and Ron Koertge have a knack for sly, gentle humor; satisfying challenges and triumphs; and magical dazzle. Short chapters filled with illustrator Deborah Marcero’s striking, lively black-and-white illustrations make the Backyard Witch series a must-have for young middle grade readers. Includes a recipe and information about cooking and gardening.

With a witch for a babysitter, what could possibly go wrong… or right?

• Friendship Story: When Jess teams up with her best friends, Sadie and Maya, their attempt to make dinner goes up in flames—literally.
• Witches for Kids: Meet Ms. M, the new babysitter who plays basketball, speaks Dog, and helps kids solve their own problems without a single magic spell.
• Sports for Girls: Jess is a superstar on the soccer field and basketball court, but her biggest challenge might be surviving her chef mom’s kitchen.
• Cooking for Kids: From kitchen disasters to surprisingly delicious Transylvanian tofu, this adventure includes a real recipe for young chefs to try at home.

“Many preteens can identify with Jess’ thorny relationship with her mom; no matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to make her mom happy. …Delightful illustrations and enduring underlying themes make this a fun, quick read.” - Kirkus Reviews

“In this second installment of the Backyard Witch series, the antics of Ms. M make for a humorous, bewitching tale perfect for newly independent or struggling elementary readers. Marcero’s grayscale illustrations…add another layer of humor to the story.” - Booklist