In Author DeskChildren’s author Philip C. Stead is back with a wonderfully imaginative and slightly quirky new novel that promises adventure, humor, and heartfelt life lessons. With a title as long as its journey—A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic: Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm—this book invites readers into a magical world where nothing quite works the way you expect.
In a recent conversation with Scott Simon, Stead opened up about the inspiration behind the book, its unusual storytelling style, and why he believes reading should feel like play.
A Story That Begins with a Missing Goat
At the heart of the novel is Bernadette, a brave and determined goat keeper. Her mission sounds simple at first: find a missing goat named Lancelot. But in this strange and magical world, even a small problem can have enormous consequences.
The kingdom depends on 24 goats—yes, exactly 24—to hold up the king’s castle. If even one goat goes missing, everything could fall apart. And that’s exactly what happens when Lancelot disappears.
But the stakes go beyond just the castle. If Bernadette fails, the king might turn to his favorite meal—turtle stew. Unfortunately, Bernadette’s closest friend is a turtle named Perseverance.
What follows is not just a search for a goat, but a journey filled with unexpected twists, magical encounters, and deeper emotional meaning.
A Magical Journey on the River of Uncertainty
Bernadette’s adventure takes her across a place called the River of Uncertainty—a fitting name for a story where nothing is predictable.
Along the way, she meets unusual characters, including a wizard named Adelbert. He once considered himself a great magician, but now struggles with fading memories. In fact, he can barely remember anything except his own name.
Despite his confusion, Adelbert adds humor and warmth to the story. His conversations with Bernadette are filled with gentle comedy and a sense of wonder, making readers both smile and reflect.
A Wish-Granting Tree That Isn’t What It Seems
One of the most interesting elements in the story is a tree that is rumored to grant wishes.
Bernadette seeks it out, hoping it will solve her problem. But when she finally finds it, the tree is not what she expected. Instead of being helpful and magical, it has grown tired and cynical after years of dealing with selfish human wishes.
From Tree to Companion
Rather than granting her wish, the tree transforms itself into a boat and joins Bernadette on her journey.
This unexpected twist reflects one of the key ideas in the book: things may not happen the way you want, but they might turn out better than you imagined.
The tree, now a companion, slowly begins to rediscover purpose and hope through Bernadette’s kindness and determination.
A World Where Rules Don’t Make Sense
One of the most fascinating aspects of the story is its strange and often illogical world.
In this kingdom, wealth is measured in either gold or potatoes. At first, it sounds amusing, but it also carries a deeper meaning.
A Subtle Commentary on Power
Gold may seem valuable, but it cannot feed a hungry person. Potatoes, on the other hand, are essential for survival. Yet both are treated as currency.
This unusual system reflects how power and wealth often work in real life—sometimes unfair, confusing, and controlled by those at the top.
The king in the story represents many negative traits: greed, laziness, and selfishness. Through him, the book quietly explores themes of authority and inequality, even while maintaining a playful tone.
Inspired by Childhood Reading
Stead shared that his love for storytelling began when he was a child, especially after reading The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.
That book, along with works by Roald Dahl and The Westing Game, shaped how he views stories.
Books as Play, Not Just Reading
For Stead, reading was never just about following a story—it felt like playing a game with the author.
He carried that idea into his own writing. His goal with this book is to make readers feel like participants rather than just observers.
That’s why the story feels unpredictable, playful, and full of surprises.
A Story That Doesn’t Follow the Rules
One of the unique aspects of this novel is its structure. It doesn’t follow a traditional beginning-to-end format.
Instead, it unfolds in a slightly disordered way, keeping readers curious and engaged. Even Stead admitted that he didn’t always know where the story was going while writing it.
Writing with Surprise
He followed one simple rule: if he didn’t expect what would happen next, chances are the reader wouldn’t either.
This approach keeps the story fresh and exciting, making it feel alive and spontaneous.
The 24 Goats and 24 Life Lessons
The number 24 plays an important role in the story—not just because of the goats holding up the castle, but also because the book contains 24 different lessons or “morals.”
Some are humorous, like never stand up in a rowboat. Others are more thoughtful and meaningful.
Lessons Hidden in the Journey
These lessons are woven naturally into the story, rather than being forced or overly serious. They reflect everyday truths about courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
The final lesson, revealed at the end (or perhaps the beginning, depending on how you see it), is the most important one for Bernadette—and for readers.
Why Stories of Quests Still Matter
Many children’s books revolve around journeys or quests, and this one is no exception. But for Stead, the journey itself is not the most important part.
Characters Over Plot
He believes that what truly matters is:
- The characters and how they grow
- The language and how it makes readers feel
- The emotional connection between the story and the reader
The quest is simply a way to explore these deeper elements.
A Book for Children and Adults Alike
While the novel is written for young readers, it carries themes that adults can appreciate too.
It speaks about:
- Facing uncertainty
- Holding on to hope
- Finding meaning in unexpected places
- Understanding oneself
Its mix of humor, imagination, and emotional depth makes it appealing across age groups.
The Takeaway
A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic is more than just a whimsical children’s story. It’s a journey filled with charm, creativity, and quiet wisdom.
Through Bernadette’s search for a missing goat, readers are taken on a much larger journey—one that explores friendship, courage, and the beauty of not always knowing what comes next.
Philip C. Stead reminds us that stories don’t have to follow strict rules to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most memorable tales are the ones that surprise us, make us laugh, and gently teach us something along the way.
