Table of Contents
Book Review
Written by Japanese author Eiko Kadono, Kiki’s Delivery Service is the first in a seven-book series about a young witch. Unfortunately, only this one has been translated into English, but it’s more than enough to sweep you into Kiki’s magical world.
Kiki is about to turn thirteen, and tradition requires her to leave home and build a life of her own. With only her broomstick and her snarky black cat, Jiji, she settles in the seaside town of Koriko. At first, the townspeople are wary of her, but soon Kiki wins them over by starting a delivery service from a local bakery—flying packages across town, no matter how odd, silly, or unpredictable the request.
What makes this story shine is that Kiki isn’t just a witch—she’s also a relatable teenager. She worries about pimples, crushes, jealousy, and how her dress looks, making her both magical and wonderfully human. Each chapter follows her adventures as she learns independence, faces challenges, and discovers that everyday life holds just as much magic as spells and broomsticks.
This book is lighthearted, funny, and heartwarming. It’s filled with quirky adventures, Japanese cultural touches, whimsical illustrations, and of course, the hilarious commentary of Jiji, who often steals the show.
Though written for children, it’s just as delightful for adults who want a feel-good, magical read. If you love fantasy, talking cats, and a hint of that Harry Potter-style wonder, Kiki will charm you instantly.
Fun fact: Kiki’s Delivery Service was also adapted into a live-action film in 2014, directed by Takashi Shimizu.
Book Review
Written by Japanese author Eiko Kadono, Kiki’s Delivery Service is the first in a seven-book series about a young witch. Unfortunately, only this one has been translated into English, but it’s more than enough to sweep you into Kiki’s magical world.
Kiki is about to turn thirteen, and tradition requires her to leave home and build a life of her own. With only her broomstick and her snarky black cat, Jiji, she settles in the seaside town of Koriko. At first, the townspeople are wary of her, but soon Kiki wins them over by starting a delivery service from a local bakery—flying packages across town, no matter how odd, silly, or unpredictable the request.
What makes this story shine is that Kiki isn’t just a witch—she’s also a relatable teenager. She worries about pimples, crushes, jealousy, and how her dress looks, making her both magical and wonderfully human. Each chapter follows her adventures as she learns independence, faces challenges, and discovers that everyday life holds just as much magic as spells and broomsticks.
This book is lighthearted, funny, and heartwarming. It’s filled with quirky adventures, Japanese cultural touches, whimsical illustrations, and of course, the hilarious commentary of Jiji, who often steals the show.
Though written for children, it’s just as delightful for adults who want a feel-good, magical read. If you love fantasy, talking cats, and a hint of that Harry Potter-style wonder, Kiki will charm you instantly.
Fun fact: Kiki’s Delivery Service was also adapted into a live-action film in 2014, directed by Takashi Shimizu.
Notes
This book is a part of seven book series of Kiki’s adventure, who is a witch, written in Japanese language by Eiko Kadono. But unfortunately only one book is translated in English.
Kiki will be soon turn thirteen and as per witch tradition she has to leave her parents to start her own journey. She has to make living by using her powers to help people around.
Why should you read this book?
- This is such a charming little book written for young readers, is a pure delight for readers of any age looking for a little magic in their life.
- Kadono brings Kiki’ life as a dynamic personality with quirks, flaws, plenty of charm, along with her constant companion, Jiji, a snarky black cat that practically steals the whole book by being so endlessly fun.
- In each chapter you will go through Kiki’s adventures where she learns what it means to grow into being her own person, find her way in the larger world and discover the magic that exists in everyday life around her.
- She finds town named Koriko to settle which was near sea. Initially she gets coldhearted welcome because of witch reputation. So she sets up “Kiki’s Delivery Service” from bakery where she uses her broom to deliver odds and ends between the towns people, for petty charges or whatever they can spare.
- As time passes, the town begins to warm up to her and they bestow her with all kinds of odd or silly jobs which makes each delivery hilarious and unique.
- What works so well here is the way Kadono makes Kiki like a normal thirteen year old girl who has regular woes of people her age (pimples, how her dress looks , crush , jealous etc.) which makes her such a joy to read and very relatable in some ways.
- As an adult I found it very interesting read so I believe kids will really enjoy reading this book which is full of fantasy, magic, a talking cat and flying on broom (gives you Harry Potter feel).
- This book contains pictures which help children to understand better and glimpse of Japanese culture.
- Book is suitable for the age of group of 6 plus.
- This book is also
adapted into a live-action film in 2014, directed by Takashi Shimizu.
What I don’t like about this book?
- It’s a bit wordier and doesn’t have too many pictures, but it’s still a great story to tuck into at bedtime.
About Author
Eiko Kadono is a celebrated Japanese children’s author, best known worldwide for Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Kadono has written over 200 books—spanning picture books, essays, and children’s stories—and in 2018 won the Hans Christian Andersen Award, often called the Nobel Prize of children’s literature.
Her works highlight themes of courage, independence, and growing up, with influences from her time in Brazil. Kiki’s Delivery Service later grew into a seven-book series, though only the first is widely available in English.
Conclusion
More than just a children’s story, this book has the power to charm both teens and adults alike. Its light-hearted spirit, sprinkled with magical charm, makes it a comforting and uplifting read for all ages.
