Paperback. 209 pages/ 52 chapters. Illustrated by Abigail Hicks. Publication date: September 2026. Janey Mac Books. ISBN: 978-0-9957027-8-3 RRP: €11.99/ £9.99
Highly recommended. Lindsay J. Sedgwick has created a fun, fast-paced and light-hearted story that explores meaningful themes such as identity, belonging, family and friendship while being fun to for young readers. The more difficult themes are handled with warmth and sensitivity, allowing the emotional elements to evolve naturally within an exciting adventure story rather than ever becoming preachy. The short chapters and lively pace make this book appealing and readable. A lovely balance is struck between the fantastical and the heartfelt, ensuring that this book has both entertainment and substance.
– Children’s Books Ireland
Read the full review here.
From the author of the Wulfie series and creator of the ground-breaking animation series, Punky, comes a new action-packed adventure for 7-10-year-olds, illustrated throughout by Abigail Hicks. A rollercoaster ride full of surprises, it deals with themes of identity, adoption, friendship and bullying, and what it means to have the power of a magic gift.
Available from International Education Services throughout Ireland, from all good bookshops and libraries,but also from Gardners and Ingram for overseas sales.
Are you ready for an adventure? One with mystery, magic, laughter and real heart? It’s here! Mischievous Magical Maia Malone is pure magic in book form.
This is a truly fantastic story! With a rollicking, attention-grabbing pace and an intricate plot, it rockets the reader along on an incredible journey that is filled with wonderful characters.
Early responses from readers – parents and children:
We gobbled this book up in two sittings! Mischievous Magical Maia Malone is a wild, exciting and moving adventure from a top class writer. You have to read this book!
Mischievous Magical Maia Malone is an amazing book and I really enjoyed reading it.
Such a magical, funny, sympathetic and generally wonderful story. Maia is fantastic! Great pace, exceptional characterisation, the flow of the story is seamless. I LOVE IT!!!
What it’s About
When nine-year-old Maia describes her drawing, they come to life with comic and chaotic results – but could losing the family she loves be the price she has to pay?
A rollercoaster ride full of surprises with themes of identity, adoption, bullying, and the scary responsibility of having a powerful magical gift.
The Story
Broomsticks, alligators, gargoyles, and a lighthouse stretching up to touch the sky. When nine-year-old Maia describes her drawings, they come to life. Resentful of the chaos it causes, older sister Neeta snaps and tells Maia she’s adopted.
Maia’s world crumbles. Thinking her family would be better without her, she sets off on a daring and dangerous quest armed only with her pencils, her notebook and a faded photo of a woman she resembles.
GUIDE FOR LIBRARIANS & TEACHERS
Want to know how this book ties into the primary school curricula across a range of subjects from writing and literacy to history, SESE, CPSE and more, click here to download.
Mischievous Magical Maia Malone is available from International Education Services, Gardners, bookstores, libraries and online, with signed copies available here. The author is also available for writer’s visits and events.
The first edition, available from International Education Services, from select bookshops (Charlie Byrnes and Kenny’s in Galway, Books Upstairs, Winding s Staris and Hanna’s in Dublin), Irish libraries and directly from the Janey Mac Bookstore, is printed in Ireland by Sprint Books
MEDIA KIT
Click here for access to a media kit – author and illustrator bios, headshots, author filmography, images from the book for use in publications.
Review copies/ interview requests: janeymacbooks@gmail.com
“A fizzing tale about friendship and what family truly means!”
– Dee Barragry, author of The Moon Seeker
“A delightful mix of whimsy, humour, magic, and adventure, jam-packed with family, friendship and heart”
– Valinora Troy, author of Lianna and the Hombit.
