When I discovered that there was a book based on the Halloween classic of Hocus Pocus, I had to read.

I will immediately say, that I absolutely loved this book and it helped get me into the Halloween mood because let's be honest? 2020 has been a horror story without the fun bits so far.

The author, A.W. Jantha first tells the story we all know and love. It's a fantastic story filled with scary if not incompetent witches in battle with three children to save 90s Salem from losing their children to the infamous Sanderson sisters and their wish to be young and beautiful forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of spookiness, sorrow and humour. There's the darker side of the story where we learn that hundreds of children had been killed by the Sanderson's during their lifetime, but it's carefully balanced with the humour brought about by the incompetence of the three along with the balance of the different personalities of Winnie, Mary and Sarah. I cannot help but think Mary and Sarah Sanderson wouldn't have made it even to their ultimate demise in 1693 if it weren't for Winnie saving her rather dim-witted sisters over and over! But that's one of the reasons why I utterly love the story - you can't help but laugh at their antics even if they're trying to catch children for their spell to work!

Our protagonists are relatable, a big brother who may at times act the fool, but loves his little sister far more than he realises. Then there's the crush, the girl of the boy's dreams and the one he will make a fool of himself over. There's also ghosts and a talking cat, but you're going to have to read the book (and watch the movie) for more. Trust me, you're going to love them.

I'm also probably not the only one who kind of hoped that the bullies would maybe be eaten but that wouldn't be the Disney way. Instead, we see that even the baddest of the bad in teenagers are still vulnerable and the moment when we see the antagonists genuinely afraid is a wonderful reminder that no matter what, we are all afraid at times.

From the familiar to the unknown as we move forward in time a further twenty-five years for the 'All-New Sequel'.

We return to Salem and our heroes Max and Allison are all grown-up and they've got a daughter of their own, Poppy. Even one of the bullies has changed a lot and is now the school Principal with a daughter of his own.

In the Dennison house, no one is supposed to talk about the Sanderson incident to anyone. They may have grown up but Max, Allison and Poppy's Aunt Dani are afraid of what could happen on All Hallow's Eve. Our heroes don't even celebrate Halloween even though as their daughter says, it brought them together. Halloween is simply too dangerous, the memories are too scary and too raw for the now adults to move on from.

Up to now, Poppy and her best friend Tyler have been sceptical but kept their word. What happened to Poppy's parents is kept secret... Except in History class, someone asks teacher Max Dennison about Elizabeth Sanderson, and this is the beginning of trouble once again for the Dennison family and Salem as a whole.

I love that in this new story, it is Poppy who finds love with the popular yet fiercely quirky (imo), Isabella. Their sweet discovery of mutual attraction is brilliantly told by the author and felt very realistic and not whimsical. It is Isabella's curiosity that causes the return of the three wicked Sanderson sisters from their place in Hell, and with their return as we can expect?

Modern day Salem is thrown into danger once more, the danger is bigger, the expectations on our heroes higher and the story all the more fantastical than the first.

Friendly faces return to try and prevent the town's demise and new bonds are formed.

Hocus Pocus and the All New Sequel is perfection for this spooky time of the year. I can imagine it being read to wide-eyed faces at bedtime or by those who like me who cannot miss a Halloween without a little bit of Sanderson madness.

So Come Little Children, (and adults too) into a world of magic and wonder and a lot of spooky fun.