Kiki’s Delivery Service
by Eiko Kadono, Emily Balistrieri (Translator)
5 out of 5 stars

Kiki is a young witch who goes to live in a new town all by herself. She is only 13 years old, but must work as a witch as part of her coming-of-age ritual. She starts a delivery service, flying all around the town delivering parcels and helping her neighbors.

I loved this charming story! I have watched the Ghibli movie many times, and this book has the same enchantment! Other than the basic premise, the movie and book are quite different, but they have the same magical flavor.

Kiki is such a darling! She is spunky and kind and generous and sweet. And I just love the sassy black cat, Jiji. They have some really funny adventures together, and I love the way they stick together and rely on each other no matter how crazy things get.

Kiki meets the most delightful people as she flies around town doing her deliveries. She meets young people, old lady who knits incessantly, a laundress, a tugboat captain, and an artist who paints her picture. And of course, her first and best friend is Osono, the pregnant baker lady. It’s so interesting to see how these people react to Kiki’s magical ability to fly, and how Kiki wins their hearts with her sweetness.

The writing style is utterly charming, and I loved the cute illustrations! What a complete delight!