THE WITCHES OF PEPPERWOOD BAY VOL. 1

In Wiley’s middle-grade graphic novel, three witch sisters must solve the mystery of a missing magical teapot to help a resident of their village.

Pepperwood Bay is a magical place where three spellcasting sisters—Juniper, Clover, and Lily—serve as guardians of an enchanted lighthouse. They track every creature that enters through the portal inside the lighthouse and help the local townspeople with their problems. When Ms. Fiddleneck contacts them about her missing teapot, which is used to water an herb that only grows in their area and that the entire village depends on her to supply them with, the sisters set out to solve the mystery. During their investigation, they encounter a diverse set of villagers, mythical creatures, and magical mishaps. While the story centers around the trio’s investigation of the missing teapot, the plot also allows ample space for character development (Juniper is the responsible eldest, Lily is the shy one, Clover is the fun-loving extrovert) and worldbuilding. The mystery at the heart of the story isn’t so much about twists and turns—it’s a device to explore the sisters’ bond, along with their connection to the village around them. Their dynamic is full of the push-and-pull that comes with sisterhood but also warmth, loyalty, and teamwork. The artwork shines: each page bursts with personality, from the expressive characters to the soft color palette that gives the illustrations a dreamy, coastal feel. The whimsical art style matches the cozy narrative tone perfectly, and the world feels both magical and lived-in (the mythical creatures sport designs that are creative without being too scary, perfect for younger readers). The author avoids excessive exposition by letting the rules of the universe emerge through character interactions, visual gags, and sometimes clunky dialogue (“We’re the witches’ familiars. And we’re going to explain portal travel”). While the plot is simple and serves mainly to set the stage for future installments, it effectively introduces a world that invites return visits.

A cozy, fantastical mystery with whimsical art, magical creatures, and a heartfelt sisterly bond at its core.