Just finished the enchanting tale of "Magic in the Attic," and I can't help but overflow with warmth and nostalgia. This delightful children's story, introducing the lovable duo Button and Squeaky, took me on a journey that's as heartwarming for an adult as it is for the younger readers it's meant for.

On a mundane, rainy day, the ever-curious teddy bear, Button, decides to explore the attic for the first time. What unfolds is a charming discovery of toys, fascinating objects, and a trunk brimming with treasures from distant lands. However, it's the serendipitous find of a balloon animal kit with the label, "Instant Friend Just Add Love and Air," that sparks the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Jim Shore's illustrations breathe life into this enchanting world. Each stroke of the pencil captures the whimsy and innocence of Button and Squeaky's adventures, making every page a visual treat. It's the kind of artwork that not only complements the narrative but also elevates the entire reading experience.

What makes this book truly special is its exploration of friendship. Button and Squeaky become the epitome of companionship, embarking on a multitude of adventures together. The simple yet profound theme resonates, making it a timeless tale for readers of all ages.

As an adult reader, I found myself transported back to the magic of childhood. The innocence, the joy of discovery, and the warmth of friendship are themes that transcend age. It's a testament to the universal appeal of a well-crafted children's book, and "Magic in the Attic" accomplishes this with flying colors.

In a world that sometimes feels too fast-paced, this book is a gentle reminder of the simple joys found in companionship and exploration. I wholeheartedly recommend "Magic in the Attic" to anyone seeking a cozy escape into a world where friendship blooms like a balloon animal – with love and a bit of magic.

There are a lot of five star reviews for this one, but it was just okay for us. Magic in the Attic is the cute story of how Button (a plush bear) and Squeaky (a balloon dog) meet and become friends. It begins with a rainy day and Button being bored. He decides to explore the attic, a new adventure for him. He finds a lot of amazing things to play with, but just before he decides to leave, he sees a trunk in the corner. Her explores the trunk and finds a box with instructions on how to make a friend, a balloon dog friend. Once he follows the directions to make his balloon dog, it comes to life. They really don't do much together, but Squeaky, gives him a special gift that makes them become great friends. My granddaughter loved the illustrations and we spent a lot of time looking at the pictures of the things in the attic and talking about them. She, of course, had no idea what an attic was and I had to convince her that she doesn't have on in her house and I don't either. The message of friendship was just okay for us. I wish there had been more about that. This was an okay story, but not one that we will probably read again.

I am a massive jim shore fan, so I was very excited to get a chance to review this book. Magic in the attic is a cute story about a bear who meets his new best friend in an unexpected place. My favorite part of this book were the jim shore illustrations- they were beautiful and very reminiscent of his figurines.

We loved this book, especially the illustrations! Looking forward to pursuing more books by this author.

First off this book was overly long and drawn out. Plus the story and the illustrations remind me of Teddy Bears’s Picnic from the 80’s. The story is nice, it’s about a bear that wanders to the attic and goes exploring. It just doesn’t keep my attention. It looks and feels old and dated and is a reading turn off.

*thank you to Netgalley, Fox Chapel Publishing and Jim Shore for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*


3 stars.


My copy of this was unfinished so I didn't get the privilege of being able to see all the pictures, but what I did see look amazing! The colours and the detail, the softness of them are just so beautiful to look at and this was my favourite part of this book.

The story was good too. It felt original to me and was a sweet story about a teddy bear who discovered an adventure right in his own home and made a friend in the process.

A cute story that would be great for bedtime and for kids who can't quite read on their own as I'm sure they will enjoy taking in the pictures. Definitely recommend.

I loved this book! Absolutely adored it.
The illustrations were lovely. They had an old timey charm to them that very much reminded me of books I read when I was little. It also reminded me of long forgotten adventures I had rummaging around the attic in my grandmother's house!
The story is well laid out, progresses at an appropriate pace and kept my child's attention.
I would think even young readers would enjoy the beautiful pictures and the many little details within.
It would make a great picture book for labeling object with younger (not yet) readers, but can still be wonderfully adapted into a lesson on friendship for your early elementary aged kids.

Special thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review

This was so cute! I loved the art in this. There's a piece of me that wishes these pictures existed in an adult coloring book for me to color in because it just looks so fun!

I really liked the story behind this too. It was cute and sends a few good messages as well as having a little humor. This is the epitome of a perfect picture book in my opinion

Beautiful illustrations and a sweet story about having an adventure and making a friend. This book was a little bit longer than most other picture books but not hugely so.

A great book for a kid who loves teddy bears having adventures.

Ooh, a little adventure mystery, for Bubbles, he was quite bored and wanted something else to do, so off he went exploring his attic. He has never been there, so you can imagine his surprise at what he encountered. A fun and entertaining story with a hint of mystery, that would entice young readers anywhere.

This is a cute tale of a teddy bear who is feeling blue. He has never been in the attic before so he decides today is the day he will venture in. He finds so many things. Along the way he finds a friend.

Super cute. Lived the illustration and the story. It was a little over my 4yo attention span but he was hooked once the balloon dog was there.

Review: A sweet story about Button the Bear, who lives in a Victorian home at the edge of the woods. It's a rainy day and he doesn't want to go outside, so he decides to explore the attic for the first time. The artwork and graphics have a vintage feel, with large monogrammed letters to start off each page. While exploring a trunk, he finds a box with an instant friend (just add air and love). Squeaky, the purple balloon dog turns out to be the perfect companion.

Note: I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is my own.

Adorable! The story of Button the bear exploring the attic and finding treasures was cute but when he got his first friend, it went beyond! This would be perfect for a bedtime story. The illustrations were beautiful too!

This is an amazing children's book, which has superb illustrations and beautiful writing. I really loved the story of Button the teddy bear, who goes into the attic of his house to find lots of wonderful treasure and ends up finding a new friend called Squeaky the balloon dog. My daughter also loved this book. I highly recommend this book which is very cute, uplifting and heartwarming. It is a book that I will read with my daughter again and again. It would make a wonderful gift for any child.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Magic in the Attic is an adorable story following a small bear named Button and his friend Squeaky. The story talks about exploring new things and making new friends. It also includes child friendly humor throughout the story. The story has an excellent flow and the illustrations are lovely.

Would I recommend this book to a friend?
Yes, I would.

It's easy to see why Jim Shore is an award-winning artist. The illustrations in this book are amazing. It appears like they are done in colored pencil. There is so much detail! I prefer this style of illustrating to the two-dimensional digital artwork present in children's books nowadays.

Button the bear ventures into the attic to find toys to play with. While up there, he discovers something even more special: a new friend.

The story is sweet, but something in the writing just didn't hit the mark for me. I would purchase this book based on the illustrations alone.

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing.

This is a very sweet, heartfelt read about finding a friend and taking care of each other.
It's gently and wonderfully illustrated.
When we finished reading, my daughter immediately asked me if there were more. I always will consider that a great success in a book.

Sweet little story! Attics are nearly always fun places to explore; one never knows what will be found in one. A little bear finds the attic an interesting place to explore on a dreary, rainy day, he even finds a friend there. I think littles and beginner readers alike will enjoy this tale. The illustrations were wonderful.

Really enjoyed reading this book to my grandson. A cute sweet story of Button and how he finds a new friend named Squeaky. Wonderful pictures help bring a delightful read.
In exchange for an honest review I was given a digital copy. #netgalley #HappyFoxBooks