Kiki's Delivery Service

Paperback, 208 pages

Published June 8, 2021 by Yearling.

ISBN:: 978-1-9848-9669-8

(1 review)

Nostalgic fans of the Miyazaki film and newcomers alike--soar into the modern classic about a young witch and her clever cat that started it all!

Half-witch Kiki never runs from a challenge. So when her thirteenth birthday arrives, she's eager to follow a witch's tradition: choose a new town to call home for one year.

Brimming with confidence, Kiki flies to the seaside village of Koriko and expects that her powers will easily bring happiness to the townspeople. But gaining the trust of the locals is trickier than she expected. With her faithful, wise-cracking black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki forges new friendships and builds her inner strength, ultimately realizing that magic can be found in even the most ordinary places.

Blending fantasy with the charm of everyday life, this enchanting new translation will inspire both new readers and dedicated fans.

6 editions

Soh Kam Yung reviewed Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono

An enjoyable book about a delivery witch.

5 stars

An excellent book about the adventures of Kiki, a young witch who is coming of age, and her cat, Jiji, as they move to a new town, hoping to fit in and become an accepted part of the town. Through an unexpected meeting, she makes her first impromptu delivery and decides to put to good use her skills in flying on a broomstick by providing a delivery service.

Through episodic adventures, the book gradually shows Kiki becoming used to making deliveries, learning about how to fit in with the people of the town and even making a difference as her abilities as a witch that flies allows her to do some jobs in rather strange ways. And in the end, we see how Kiki discovers that she has really found her place in the town while remaining true to herself, even as she misses being with her family.

Most people …

An excellent book about the adventures of Kiki, a young witch who is coming of age, and her cat, Jiji, as they move to a new town, hoping to fit in and become an accepted part of the town. Through an unexpected meeting, she makes her first impromptu delivery and decides to put to good use her skills in flying on a broomstick by providing a delivery service.

Through episodic adventures, the book gradually shows Kiki becoming used to making deliveries, learning about how to fit in with the people of the town and even making a difference as her abilities as a witch that flies allows her to do some jobs in rather strange ways. And in the end, we see how Kiki discovers that she has really found her place in the town while remaining true to herself, even as she misses being with her family.

Most people may be familiar with the Studio Ghibli version of the story (based on the book). While similar in tone (a journey of discovery), there are differences in the adventures Kiki has, but presents the same conclusions. The book (and the film) are equally enjoyable to read and watch.