Magic By Heart by Amy Gordon

Sam and Belle have always wanted a child. Their wish finally is granted by a tiny woman whom they saved from a vicious attack by a giant pigeon. When Arietta is born, the tiny magical woman, Sylvia, is named her godmother. On her tenth birthday, Arietta receives a magic cloak from Silvia and it promptly lifts her into a crazy adventure. She ends up being held captive by a lonely old magician in an ancient castle. Her family and friends join forces with cats, squirrels and some pigeons to free Arietta from the castle.
This is not a spectacular novel, but a fun and magical tale for middle readers. It will most likely appeal more to girls due to the cover and the main character. However, there are also interesting boy characters that play vital parts in the story.

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