If the Magic Fits

A nice little rice pudding of a book. The main character lucks into the magic, accomplishes very little, and events would apparently have panned out much the same way without her involvement at all, which suggests a plotting problem (I'm reminded of The Big Bang Theory episode where Amy pointed out that Indiana Jones was superfluous to the events in Raiders of the Lost Arc, ultimately). Still, it's good-natured and calming.

I was probably most annoyed that (a) the author saddled the main character with such a ridiculous name that it no doubt knocked the book back a couple of grades in appeal, and (b) that our hero managed to keep up with her work duties in addition to quite a bit of time skulking around in disguise.

(Note: 5 stars = show more amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). show less

Darling Dimple is a scullery maid who longs for adventure. When a surprise promotion to the pressing room puts her in proximity to Princess Mariposa, she discovers a plot that endangers the entire kingdom. Fortunately, she also discovers a closet full of magical dresses that can transform her into other people in the castle. With their help, can Darling save the day?

This was a cute juvenile fantasy that I think kids would enjoy. As an adult, I was bothered by some holes in the worldbuilding -- who is actually running Princess Mariposa's kingdom? Why is there a closet full of dresses from Mariposa's grandmother's time that have never been repurposed or discarded (note that none of Mariposa's mother's dresses seem to be hanging around)? show more The hierarchy of castle servants seemed weirdly arbitrary and the individual jobs incredibly specific. I don't think any of these details would bother younger readers, though.

Readers who enjoy this story will be glad to find that the author leaves some tantalizing openings for future books in the series (after all, Darling only wore four or five of the dresses in this adventure). I'd recommend this to kids who are intrigued by the idea of a closet full of magical dresses, but adult fantasy fans may find it a bit lacking. show less

If the Magic Fits is the book every little girl who enjoys playing dress up and pretty gowns needs to read. Because in this story, elaborate and magical dresses have the power to transform the wearer into someone completely different.
Our heroine isn’t a princess, and wasn’t “born in a tower or a golden chamber”. Darling Dimple is a simple 10-year-old girl who works in the castle. Everything changes when she discovers a room filled with elegant and marvelous gowns. Upon trying one on, she realizes that they possess magic which transforms the wearer into someone completely different.
Darling is a believable and lovable character. The type of heroine kids can look up to. When one day Darling overhears a plot to release the stone show more dragons of the castle, she seeks out a way to use the dresses to stop the villains and save the kingdom.
Even though I am far older than the target audience for this enchanting book, I really like the story. I love fairy tales and this is the kind of tale I would have loved as a child. Younger readers who love fantasy, beautiful gowns, castles, princesses, and dragons will also enjoy this story.
Schmid does a lovely job creating a fun and descriptive world with her words. The writing will enthrall and captivate the reader. If not for the nearly 300 pages, this would be a perfectly well put together fairy tale. Due, to the length of this book younger readers, might feel a bit overwhelmed. However, older pre-teens should have no problem with the length.
If you are looking to regain a little bit of that childhood sparkle or have young readers that enjoy a well written and beautiful fairy tale, make sure to pick up If The Magic Fits
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an E-arc in return for an honest review. show less

Cute! Great plucky girl adventure, in an original fantasy/ fairy tale environment. The princess is a bit of a spoiled weenie, but I guess you work with what your kingdom has, and Darling is doing the work.

Darling Dimple is an eleven year old orphan who was raised by Jane, a servant in Princess Mariposa’s castle. When Jane loses her eyesight, Darling becomes a lowly pot scrubber in the under-cellar of the castle kitchens. She dreams of many things and tells the most fantastic stories to her friend Gillian. It turns out that the castle is magical and she has many adventures coming her way. When she gets into trouble with the Supreme Scrubstress, who doesn’t take kindly to being splashed with dirty brown dishwater when Darling and her friends are fooling around one day, she is sent off to become an under-presser. The Supreme Scrubstress finds out that it’s “hard work that requires close attention,” so she happily volunteers show more Darling.

Darling’s new job as under-presser turns out to be a pretty good job. He now lives upstairs, has nice clothes, lives in a dormitory that is much nicer than her room in the cellar and helps to take care of Princess Mariposa’s beautiful things. The only problem is that Francesca, the head girl, does not seem to like Darling and plays tricks on her like putting glue in her hairbrush.

When Darling is asked to take care of the princess's canary, she puts it in the last closet that is full of old dresses that belonged to the previous queens. What Darling does not know is that with the carnary in the closet, the dresses come alive. When she tries one on, it fits her perfectly and she suddenly looks like someone else. Her adventures begin. When she finds out that the prince the Mariposa is going to marry is just trying to get the Magic Regalia, she tries to figure out how to help Mariposa and expose the prince and his accomplice.

If the Magic Fits is a delightful middle grade fantasy, full of magical dresses, mythical beasts, other magic, a little danger, some family drama and loyalty to friends. The plot is well done, it is brisk and flows very quickly from one event to the next. The pace is brisk, with Darling quickly propelled from one adventurous outing to the next. Darling is a brave and smart main character who grows through her experiences, and learns about the importance of loyalty and friends. Even the princess, who is surrounded by princes and noblemen vying for her hand, discovers something about true friendship and forgiveness.

I definitely recommend "If the Magic Fits" to young girls from age 8 and up. Older readers who enjoy a children's fantasy may also enjoy this book, I know I did. I like the fact that the main character is a strong female and that is why I recommend it to girls. This would be a great addition to a school or late primary/early junior class library. I am actually looking forward to the next book in the 100 Dresses Series. The publisher generously provided me a copy of this book via Netgalley. show less

This book is darling. Magic, ball gowns, dragons, and a plot to take over the kingdom. I love that Darling realized the adults were once kids like her and that they had adventures to.

I enjoyed this fantasy book and the mystery part of it. You never really knew who could be trusted. I thought at times the way the princess treated Darling wasn't very realistic and overall I didn't really love the Princess' character. She just seemed really spoiled and unkind for the most part. I wish that she had tried on more of the dresses but I believe this is just the first in the series so that's probably why she only tried on a few. I don't recall any profanity or blasphemy but I'm not positive. There is a fair bit of magic and at times the magic makes her hear what animals are saying when no one else can. Overall it was an entertaining read but I didn't love it enough to continue with the series.