Parents' Guide to

The Familiars

By Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Magical animal adventures for kids not ready for Potter.

Book Adam Jay Epstein , Andrew Jacobson Fantasy 2010
The Familiars Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

aje195
aje195 Adult
April 30, 2017
age 9+

FIRST IN THE SERIES

IT'S REALLY GOOD, AND IF YOU LIKE HARRY POTTER , YOU WOULD LIKE THIS BOOK.
Mommacat13
Mommacat13 Parent of 10-year-old
April 12, 2014
age 8+

Fantastic series for animal lovers and adventurers

I bought these for my daughter based on the cover, knowing she loved talking animal stories and magic/fantasy. She devoured the books in a week, so I read them too. The series is a wonderful journey three animals that become friends, the human companions they bond with, and the strength of friendship and courage in the face of adversity. For young readers that are not yet ready for Harry Potter, this is a wonderful place to start. I feel there is an educational value because ANY book that sparks a joy of reading in a child is educational. In addition, there is allegedly an animated film of the books in production!!!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Aldwyn the alley cat thinks he's caught a real break when a chase through the city by a bounty hunter (Stop! Fish thief!) ends with him hiding in a mysterious and magical pet shop. Masquerading as one of the animals for sale, he's mistakenly picked out by young wizard-in-training, Jack, as his new "familiar," or magical animal companion. The pair and Jack's wizard teacher, Kalstaff, head back to the country, where Jack studies with young students Dalton and Marianne and their familiars, Skylar the blue jay and Gilbert the frog. Aldwyn is excited about his new home but wonders when to tell them that he's not the magical beast they think he is. But there's no time for that when the three young wizards are kidnapped and Kalstaff dies protecting them. Suddenly it's up to Aldwyn, Skylar, and Gilbert to rescue them.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (7 ):

THE FAMILIARS does sound quite familiar -- but that doesn't make it any less fun. The animals are adorable, especially when seen doing magic in the illustrations throughout. They're also brave in many an adventure. The authors (TV and movie writing friends) know how to write some exciting action sequences that will keep kids glued to the pages. The Familiars is a good introduction to fantasy series for kids not yet ready for Potter and beyond.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Aldwyn's decision not to tell his new friends that he's really an alley cat from the city. Why does he want to belong so much? How does he make up for not using magic during their adventures?

  • Will you keep reading this series? Why or why not? What are your favorite fantasy series? Why?

  • If you had a familiar, what animal would it be? What magical talents would you like it to have?

Book Details

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