Book Review: If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses) by Susan Maupin Schmid, Lissy Marlin

If the Magic Fits is the first book in the 100 Dresses series, written by Susan Maupin Schmid and with illustration by Lissy Marlin. Inside an enchanted castle, there’s a closet—a closet with one hundred dresses that nobody ever wears. Dresses like those need a good trying-on, and Darling Dimple is just the girl to do it. When she tries on Dress Number Eleven, something unbelievable happens. She transforms into the castle’s Head Scrubber! It turns out that each dress can disguise her as someone else. And Darling is about to have an adventure that calls for a disguise or two, or maybe a hundred.
If the Magic Fits has a nice balance of magic, mystery, and a young girl finding herself and her courage. I really enjoyed the adventure and magic aspects of the story. Darling is an orphan, and is happy working as an under scrubber in the castle, then things start to change. She has a new position, new responsibilities, new troubles, and less of a connection with the friends that have always been there for her. When she discovers the magic dresses and starts to unlock the magic of the castle she uncovers more dangerous secrets that are dangerous for everyone. Darling is a smart and clever girl, and I like that it is ultimately being brave and trusting in yourself and your friends that saves the day. I think that the idea that no matter who you are you can make a big difference, and save the day. I also like that most of the characters are neither all good or all bad, even the bully has a reason for their actions- not that it makes them right, but even Darling can empathetic without condoning the actions. I am looking forward to following this series.


If the Magic Fits is a fun fantasy that reminded me a little of the Jessica Day George Tuesday at the Castle series- more in feel and writing style than anything else. I loved the mixture of magic, friendship, mystery, and self discovery. This book is a great read all around.

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