Every time I pick up one of Jones' novels I am transorted and enthralled by the imaginitive worlds that she creates for her readers. This novel is set is a more realistic and modern time that many of her other classics, but it is noless fantastic. Jones ignoes a spark of magic through the most mundane of objects (a children's chemistry kit) and ignotes every little boys' fantasy with the ensuing highjinx. These include animated toffee, flying, and invisibility mixed in wth all the typical domestic drama that ensues from the merging of two households with rambunctious children. Anyone in need of a highthearted escape would do well to pick up this book! ( )

As if the a newly formed family with 3 children of one parent and 2 of the other's doesn't have enough issues, add chemistry sets that change the rules of the world - but of course it does work out, not that it would, but well fiction! ( )

I loved this book as a kid and had to dig it up and re-read it. I guess it is a take on fantasia, with hundreds of sweet bars coming to life, but grounded in a living, breathing, conflicted family. ( )

A brilliant story about kids adjusting in a blended family; a magical chemistry set creates a lot of adventure and reconciles the kids. One of DWJ's best. ( )

Not my favorite Diana Wynne Jones book, but it was still a solid tale about families and magic. I guess it was just...sort of small? And everything was a little random? ( )