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A magical story with an important message
A little magic, plenty of laughs and an important lesson about honesty come together in The Wizard’s Assistant, a rhyming picture book for children aged 3–6 by West London author and illustrator Mel Scott-Avis.
The story introduces young readers to a magical world while exploring honesty in an accessible and entertaining way. There’s also a hidden spider to spot throughout the book, adding an extra challenge for children as they read along.
Since the book’s original launch, Mel has taken The Wizard’s Assistant into primary schools across London, sharing the story with more than 1,000 children through readings, author visits and creative activities.
For schools, the story can provide a fun starting point for classroom conversations around honesty and telling the truth, while parents and carers can use the book to explore the same ideas at home. Its rhyming format and search for the hidden spider also make it well suited to reading together with younger children.
Mel is based in West London and regularly works with primary schools in the area. Her own eldest son has also recently started Reception, giving her first-hand experience of the world her young readers and their families are navigating.
The Wizard’s Assistant has now begun a new chapter of its own, with a new edition released through independent publisher Softwood Books. Mel is also working on her next Mummy’s Fables picture book, The Rainbow’s Secret, which is due for release in the coming months.
The Wizard’s Assistant is available now and is suitable for children aged 3–6.