Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill: Book 1 — Spooky For Kids

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Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill: Book 1

Name: Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill: Book 1
Price: 8.65 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781797233802

✍️ Nina Lacour, Sònia Albert

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$8.65

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Step into the enchanted realm of 1106 Wildflower Place, an apartment building teeming with subtle energies and vibrant personalities. Nine-year-old Ella, a young initiate, guides new residents through its peculiar quirks, from flickering lights to nocturnal whispers. Her quest to unite the diverse inhabitants, including the reclusive Robinsons on the uppermost floor, culminates in a celebration of profound interconnectedness. This charming narrative, infused with playful illustrations, explores the alchemical transformations of community, friendship, and the creation of a sacred space called home, inviting readers to discover the hidden magic in shared existence.

Lacour, Nina; , Albert, Sònia

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Praise for this book

“LaCour's new transitional chapter-book series is cozy and classic-feeling...Ella's curiosity and gregariousness are infectious, and she'll easily sweep readers into her charming world.”

— Booklist

🏛 Chronicle Books 📅 2025 📖 140 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781797233802

Fun Fact

LaCour’s "Ella Josephine" masterfully illuminates the understated magic inherent in human connection and the creation of home. Its charm lies in subtly revealing the esoteric nature of community without resorting to overt fantasy. While readers expecting explicit spells or dragons might be disappointed, those with an appreciation for the profound symbolism in everyday life will find a deeply satisfying and whimsical journey. It stands as a beacon for chapter books that nurture intuitive understanding.

📝 Description: Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill: Book 1

Now in paperback! A charming new chapter book by bestselling author Nina LaCour. Welcome to 1106 Wildflower Place: It is no ordinary apartment house, but you, reader, are no ordinary visitor. So, please, come in! Two new tenants have just arrived, and nine-year-old Ella is determined to help them settle in. Who better to teach them about the glitchy lights and the nighttime noises? After all, Ella knows all the neighbors. Well, almost all. No one has met the mysterious Robinsons who live on the top floor. Will a special neighborly celebration change all that? This bighearted chapter book by bestselling author Nina LaCour, highlighted by lively illustrations throughout, celebrates community, friendship, family, and home. It is a place of walking dogs that aren't yours, keeping surprises secret, and making everyone feel welcome. Here, the eccentric joy of Armistead Maupin's Tales of The City merges seamlessly with the antic fun of Ivy + Bean, the family tenderness of The Penderwicks, and the madcap adventure of Eloise in an irresistible story that will leave you eager for the next one! BESTSELLING, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Nina LaCour is a highly acclaimed author of both YA and adult novels. This is her first novel for younger readers and a terrific introduction of a talented writer to the next generation. HILARIOUSLY UNIVERSAL: Ella is a strong protagonist that readers of all ages and genders will love. She is bighearted, curious, and just a tad mischievous. DIVERSE CAST OF CHARACTERS: Featuring many different family structures, this story is wonderfully diverse and inclusive. Any reader can imagine themselves living at 1106 Wildflower Place. DRAWN FROM AUTHOR'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The charming characters and their stories were conjured by LaCour and her young daughter during the long walks they took through San Francisco during the early days of Covid-19 and inspired by the people they encountered along the way.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

While charming for its target demographic, this book may not suit older teens or adults seeking complex magical systems or high-stakes conflict. Readers expecting traditional witchcraft narratives might find the focus on 'subtle energies' and neighborly bonds too soft or domestic. It is strictly an introductory text for younger audiences, relying heavily on whimsy rather than rigorous esoteric theory. Those who prefer fast-paced adventure or dark fantasy will likely find the pacing slow and the themes overly sentimental. However, for its intended audience, it succeeds in creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that celebrates interconnectedness.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This enchanting volume is ideal for young readers who find comfort in the mysterious and those who appreciate stories where magic feels like a natural extension of daily life. Parents and educators will value its gentle exploration of neighborhood dynamics, showing how diverse personalities can coexist harmoniously within a shared sacred space. It serves as a wonderful introduction to subtle energetic concepts without being intimidating, making it perfect for bedtime reading or classroom discussions about community and belonging. The whimsical tone and vibrant illustrations invite children to look closer at their own environments, fostering a sense of wonder in the everyday quirks of home life.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

For seekers of everyday enchantment and those attuned to the subtle magic of human connection, this volume offers a delightful exploration. If you cherish tales of budding friendships and the creation of sacred spaces, prepare to be charmed by Ella’s intuitive journey.

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

While charming for its target demographic, this book may not suit older teens or adults seeking complex magical systems or high-stakes conflict. Readers expecting traditional witchcraft narratives might find the focus on 'subtle energies' and neighborly bonds too soft or domestic. It is strictly an introductory text for younger audiences, relying heavily on whimsy rather than rigorous esoteric theory. Those who prefer fast-paced adventure or dark fantasy will likely find the pacing slow and the themes overly sentimental. However, for its intended audience, it succeeds in creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that celebrates interconnectedness.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Designed as a chapter book, it is ideal for young readers transitioning from picture books, typically ages 7-10, though its charm can captivate older, intuitive minds as well.

While not explicitly featuring spells or rituals, the narrative beautifully explores the *magic* inherent in human connection, community building, and finding belonging, imbued with a subtle, enchanting atmosphere.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Urban Alchemy & Community

1106 Wildflower Place acts as a crucible, uniting disparate souls. Through Ella's intuitive guidance, residents learn to navigate its unique energetic currents. This collective integration transforms individual lives into a cohesive, vibrant whole, demonstrating how shared space fosters profound human connection and mutual understanding. It's a true alchemical blending of personalities and purposes.

The Hidden Fabric of Friendship

This narrative illuminates the intricate, often unseen, threads that weave friendships. Ella's journey emphasizes the subtle art of welcoming, of listening to the unspoken, and fostering bonds transcending superficial differences. It suggests true camaraderie is built on shared experiences and a willingness to embrace the peculiar, creating a supportive network akin to a protective charm.

Domestic Magick & Belonging

The apartment house itself becomes a living entity, its 'glitchy lights' and 'nighttime noises' hinting at a deeper sentience. The book explores the profound magic of creating 'home'—not just a physical dwelling, but a sanctuary born from shared laughter and secrets. It's a testament to how intention and collective spirit can imbue a space with powerful, nurturing energy.

📜 Historical context

This work gracefully continues a narrative lineage, echoing the whimsical urbanism of "Tales of the City" with the youthful vivacity of "Ivy + Bean." It resonates with the gentle familial warmth of "The Penderwicks" and playful chaos of "Eloise." It plants itself firmly within stories mapping the spiritual geography of shared living, where community becomes a magical entity.

📚 Glossary

Urban Alchemy
Sacred Space
Intuitive Guide

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a time you encountered a 'glitchy light' or 'nighttime noise' in your own home. What hidden messages or meanings might these seemingly mundane occurrences hold?
Consider the 'mysterious Robinsons' in your own life or community. How might you, like Ella, extend an invitation for connection and discover the unseen stories behind veiled doors?
How do you contribute to transforming your living space, or a shared community, into a 'sacred space' filled with positive energy and belonging?