Eiko Kadono

"Originally published in Japan and in paperback under the title Majyo no Takkyubin by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc., Tokyo in 1985"--Copyright page.

Kiki's Delivery Service

This was a really cute short book. I can see it being a good read for kids that like light hearted witchy stories. I enjoyed the vibes as a whole. It was a nice palette cleanser so to speak.

Alex Landau

Soar into this modern Japanese classic about a young witch and her clever cat with this new translation by Emily Balistrieri which will delight fans of the beloved Studio Ghibli animated movie as well as new readers. 'A magical, joyous read, brought to life by the most beautiful illustrations' - Harriet Muncaster, author of Isadora Moon 'A charming and beautifully written story' - Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang Kiki is a trainee witch. On her thirteenth birthday she must follow tradition and leave home to find a new village. She knows she has to use only her powers to make a living, but Kiki's no good at potions or spells...can she use her flying abilities to make her own way in the world? She sets out with her beloved black cat Jiji on an exciting journey, making new friends along the way.

Kiki's journey through the magical world feels as shallow as a sidewalk puddle, with character development so minimal it's practically invisible. Where there could have been rich exploration of witchcraft traditions or meaningful relationships, we get only surface-level charm and predictable plot points.

For those who've seen the film adaptation, stick with that version – it manages to conjure more depth and atmosphere in nearly two hours than the book achieves in 150 pages. Two star-shaped magical essence bottles out of five, and that's being generous.

Liana

Kiki's journey through the magical world feels as shallow as a sidewalk puddle, with character development so minimal it's practically invisible. Where there could have been rich exploration of witchcraft traditions or meaningful relationships, we get only surface-level charm and predictable plot points.

For those who've seen the film adaptation, stick with that version – it manages to conjure more depth and atmosphere in nearly two hours than the book achieves in 150 pages. Two star-shaped magical essence bottles out of five, and that's being generous.

gülsu

I have always loved the film Kiki's Delivery Service and I finally took the time to read the book (and I enjoyed it so much I read it all in one sitting)! It is a children's book but is so comforting and magical that even as an adult I still found it delightful. 

I have a little tattoo of Kiki and Jiji on my arm, to symbolise my own journey of moving away from home and finding myself in a new city. The book captures so many lovely feelings and thoughts; the joy of finding yourself and trying new things, meeting new people and longing for new experiences. It also touches on the worries and fears we all have as well, the concerns if people will like us, how we are perceived by others and what we are doing each day and if it is meaningful enough for us and I think this was handled so perfectly. 

I recommend anyone read this book, it was like a warm hug. I laughed, smiled and loved each moment. 

Juliet Tuppurainen

I have always loved the film Kiki's Delivery Service and I finally took the time to read the book (and I enjoyed it so much I read it all in one sitting)! It is a children's book but is so comforting and magical that even as an adult I still found it delightful. 

I have a little tattoo of Kiki and Jiji on my arm, to symbolise my own journey of moving away from home and finding myself in a new city. The book captures so many lovely feelings and thoughts; the joy of finding yourself and trying new things, meeting new people and longing for new experiences. It also touches on the worries and fears we all have as well, the concerns if people will like us, how we are perceived by others and what we are doing each day and if it is meaningful enough for us and I think this was handled so perfectly. 

I recommend anyone read this book, it was like a warm hug. I laughed, smiled and loved each moment. 

A lovely little book, needed an easy read at the time and loved every moment!

Maya

A lovely little book, needed an easy read at the time and loved every moment!



Kimberly Burgess 

Having grown up with the movie, I prefer the movie, but this was very very cute!!

Ryan LaFerney

This book delivers on the charm and magic. Just as wonderful as the famous film (based off the book), this is a story about the perils and joys of growing up, the wonder of the world, and the beauty of returning home.

Kira Del Caro

This was such a cute simple feel-good book that just brought a smile to my face and the art was so cute!

Ashlyn

I think this book is cuter than the film!

This book was so cozy and warm, I enjoyed it so much. The details and imagery were so colorful and the characters gave it a whimsical feel. I love coming of age stories and reading about characters finding their way in the world, and this book came through on both points. This book is definitely a comfort read. I’m so happy I picked it up 💛

Floofyflower

Ken Yuen

It's cliche, but the book is better than the movie. There's so many good stories here. Kiki's more of a defined character. She's very willful and spirited here. The worldbuilding is so much more defined. The town itself is such a character. It's very much a children's book, there's a lot of fun adventures (many that I don't recall from the movie) and then it ends kind of suddenly. Check out the Cup Noodle CM if you get the chance!

Edit: BTW Tombo is Japanese for Dragonfly

fira

as much as i love the movie, i’d never read the book before, which made me all the more excited to get my hands on a copy! this was such a heartwarming book. just magic and vibes. 

Melissa Minshull

I picked this up because I was in need of a warm comforting read and this 100% delivered that. It touches on topics of self worth and finding who you are and following your own path and friendship and loneliness in such a fantastic way. Also this edition has the loveliest illustrations so reading it was just a great time. I definitely feel like I'll want to reread in the future.

Rose Stanley

Although I read the whole thing in one sitting, I could see this being the perfect book for a week or two of bedtime stories, as each chapter is a self-contained episode in Kiki's coming-of-age story.

Cute, escapist fun.

Sam Pulliam

Abby Hoggatt

hajar

Gemma

This book was suuuuuper cute. The movie definitely deviated away from the book but the book didn't really have a conflict the same way the film did. It goes a little more in-depth about the world building and I cried at the end :') Then I watched the movie. Definitely had fun reading this and would recommend to anyone who loves the movie.

Kiki's Delivery Service

Reviews