You may recognize Caitlin Rozakis as the author of Dreadful, which I had such a good time with last year. While this upcoming new release isn’t as overtly funny, it does still bring the humor and is relatively lighthearted, while being more emotionally resonant and grounded in reality. It’s told from the third person POV of Vivian, who moves with her husband Daniel and 5-year-old daughter Aria to a hidden magical town after Aria is turned by a werewolf. Prior to this, the family was “mundane” with no knowledge that a magical world existed, but they are now sending their daughter to an elite primary school to learn magic.

This move is a big adjustment. Vivian wants Aria to fit in and be liked, and Vivian wants that for herself, too. These aspects are some of the most affecting parts of the novel. As the anxiety-prone parent of a child who is only about a year away from starting kindergarten, this really resonated with me. Vivian’s fears are so real, and the various dynamics between all of the parents felt so authentic that it was easy to empathize with Vivian. While this did bring up some anxiety in me, I also loved how much I could emotionally connect with her as a character.

The stress of dealing with a newly-turned werewolf child while adapting to a new world and some “mean girl” parent dynamics also starts to take a toll on Vivian and Daniel’s marriage. This was handled realistically, as was the therapy that Vivian receives for current and past issues. As a therapist, I’m sensitive to how therapy is presented in all forms of media, and this was really well done. It’s important for readers to see therapy (and medication, which also comes up in the book) treated positively.

I knew after reading Dreadful that Rozakis is a good writer, but I was really impressed with this. The author portrays Vivian realistically but tenderly, never with any judgment or stigma even as readers may disagree with her behavior. Having read and enjoyed both of the books that she has penned under this name, I suspect she may become an auto-read author for me.

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis is a fun cosy fantasy with a great premise. When a young five year old girl is accidentally bitten by a rogue werewolf and turned, her parents find themselves thrust into a world of magic that they never even knew existed. Navigating a new school with new rules is never easy but when you are the only non magical parents among the mages, shifters, vampires and Fae it is even more challenging. Desperate to help Ariana deal with her new challenges, her parents Vivian and Daniel throw themselves into their new world and even make a few magical friends of their own along the way but when it seems that Ariana might be the subject of a prophecy of doom that will destroy the school many of those friends show their true colours and the stress and tension causes cracks to appear in Vivian and Daniel's marriage.
This is a mostly light hearted read that pokes fun at private schools and the desperate lengths that parents are often willing to go to in order to help their children succeed. The author does a wonderful job of portraying the confusion and challenges faced by Vivian and Daniel as they come to terms with their new life and their daughter's changed future. I really enjoyed the magical town that the author created and populated with a wonderful cast of characters and creatures and although it felt like the story got a little bogged down towards the middle it was still a fun read. That being said it did have some darker moments and the author is definitely tackling some bigger issues with a whole plot thread devoted to the issues in Vivian and Daniel's marriage and the challenges that parenting brings.
Overall this was an enjoyable read with plenty of humor and charm and I look forward to more from this author.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

This book asks the question: What would the Parent Teacher Association be like at a school for magical beings and creatures? Well it turns out that it would probably resemble a lot of other PTAs out there with a healthy dose of chaos thrown in.

I was able to read this book over the course of a day and found that I did not want to put it down. I found it overall to be charming and a relatively easy read. You end up cheering for the main characters and want them to get a happy ending. My only quip about this book is that I found some of the decision-making by the main character Vivian to be slightly frustrating.

If you are looking for a cozy fantasy novel or a book that has all kinds of magical creatures, check this book out!

2 stars

I almost dnf this one a couple of times mostly because of the husband and the way he gaslighted everything single feeling Vivian had, and how awful he was generally... I just can't deal with that.
I expected cute and fun, but I didn't get that. Maybe I'm just not in the mood, I don't know. I just know it didn't work for me.

thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Such a fun and unusual take on magical schools. I absolutely love this author's ability to create something truly original, this was so clever and funny.
Imagine the guilt if your 5 year old got bitten by a werewolf and turned, then imagine the stress of having to enrol them into a magical school and then the additional stress of discovering that people believe that your child is bad due to an ancient prophecy.
Vivian is such a relatable character and I felt so sorry for her at times, but this isn't a sad book. It's a fast paced, action filled story about strength, found family and friendship. Oh and some well placed digs at another magical school that we do not speak of.

Vivian's daughter Aria was bitten by a werewolf, and now nothing is quite right. Vivian has left her job to support Aria's special needs and their family has moved to a new school district so Aria can, with a scholarship courtesy of the local werewolf pack, attend Grimoire Grammar School, alongside mages, other shifters, and assorted fantastical beings. In hopes of integrating with the other parents and bettering community ties, Vivian joins the Parent Advisor Council (because PTA is simply too common for president Cecily). But the problems just keep piling up, and with a looming prophecy threatening their safety and Aria's place at the only school that will take a shifter child with mundane parents, Vivian is struggling to keep the life they're building from collapsing around her.
Vivian's struggle to adapt is paired with constant stress that she is not doing this right. Her own fear of not doing enough continually butts against husband's Daniel's that she's doing too much. The positive inclusion of therapy following the bite (moderate violence described) pairs with the persepctive of a mother trying her best and continually certain it isn't enough. Discussion of mental health and the importance of support structures added another layer to the blending of mundane and magic. (Not a parent or US-based, so certain elements of childrearing and school politics will have been missed.)
Rozakis' worldblending in this urban fantasy channels the practicalities of modern living (where to park when going to shop for school supplies) against the mystical setting of Grimoire Grammar (how exactly do you wave the dagger to enter the secret street stocking those school supplies?). The juxtaposition of what is assumed knowledge, both in the narrative and of the reader, against what is explained as the plot continues toes the line, while continuing the theme of a protagonist blundering in without the background other characters have. Though sharing similarities with other popular magic school series (including a couple of allusions in the book), the distinct protagonist and fresh angle adds a perspective for those too old to attend but still able to be dragged into a new world, with all the associated complications.

What do you do when your kindergartner gets turned into a werewolf? Well, if you're Vivian and Daniel, you move to a hidden magical town in Connecticut and send your kid to a grammar school for preternatural beings. Which, I mean, sounds awesome, right? Ha. Turns out that mages can be kind of stuck up, and apparently not flunking out of magical kindergarten is harder than you'd think. Also, there's a centuries-old doomsday prophecy hanging over the town, which is especially vexing when your new neighbors think you and your child are responsible for setting said prophecy into motion.

This book is basically Harry Potter meets Pink Glass Houses meets a cozy novel, and it's a whole lot of fun. There are mages and werewolves and selkies and sirens and vampires and chthonic nymphs and all sorts of other extraordinary creatures, and apparently they can manufacture just as much drama as “mundane” folk when it comes to serving on the PTA and getting their kids into the best schools. It gets a little repetitive in the middle – there's so much bickering and mean-girling amongst the parents, you guys – but Rozakis's worldbuilding is top-notch and I really enjoyed learning about the town of Veilport and its magical inhabitants. And there are hellhounds and chupacabras. Chupacabras!

I have to admit that I didn't adore this book quite as much as Dreadful, Rozakis's previous novel, however. It has the same lighthearted, cozy, heartwarming feel to it, but the plotline for this one is much more … mundane. Sure, the characters are (mostly) all magical and otherworldly, but at its core, it's basically a story about a bunch of wealthy private school parents doing wealthy private school parent things. It's still an entertaining, humorous story in its own right, though, and it'll likely resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in with the other perfectly-perfect moms at the school PTA meetings. But definitely go read Dreadful too, if you haven't already. There are no chupacabras in it, unfortunately, but it's otherwise delightful.

My overall rating: 3.85 stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is May 27, 2025.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis is a third person-POV contemporary fantasy putting a new spin on the magic school trope. When Vivian and Daniel’s daughter, Aria, is bitten by a werewolf, they now have to send her to a school for magical folk, opening them up to an entirely new world they didn’t know existed. Things do not go smoothly as all three have to adjust to this new school and the new dynamics as well as a prophecy that points to Aria.

I really appreciated how Daniel and Vivian are having struggles in their marriage throughout the book. As the plot is something of an allegory for a child being diagnosed with a chronic illness, it makes perfect sense that one of the parents would need to quit their job to be a full time parent and that it could create resentment. It also makes sense that Vivian would try to immerse herself as much as possible while Daniel is resistant as he still has his job and has his own experiences when it comes to being an outsider. Vivian starts hiding things from him, which creates even more friction. I fully bought the escalation of the issues they were having because I’ve seen it play out many times in real life.

I’ve seen a few people call this cozy and I’m very on the fence about whether or not it could be a cozy fantasy. I think that there are parts of it that are on the cozier side, such as the academic fair and the lower stakes when it comes to trying to fit in. On the other hand, we are delving into bullying and there is a somewhat graphic scene of a five-year-old being attacked by a werewolf. I think whether or not this is cozy is really going to depend on the individual and it won’t fit super neatly within the subgenre for a lot of readers.

I loved the worldbuilding bits that came from the school announcement epigraphs that opened each chapter. It acknowledges the modern aspects of our world and how they fit within a magical community that shares the world instead of existing in a separate dimension a la portal fantasy. There’s mentions of what Halloween costumes are not OK to wear and what kind of projects are not allowed. It’s these little details that make a world feel lived-in and throughout.

Content warning for harm down to a child and bullying

I would recommend this to fans of magic school fantasy looking for a book from the POV of a parent and readers of fantasy who want something with cozier stakes but a bit more bite

I found the first half of this book a bit slow going but it really picked up in the second half.

Cosy fantasy but with some deeper themes running through it, this was an enjoyable read that had some fun twists and turns.

super cute and cozy fantasy with great ideas/writing style and fun themes. the ideas focused on some things that I wouldn't expect in a cozy but they worked great here! 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Mar 7 3:31 PM Show and tell next week! Remember to write your child's name clearly on any objects brought in. No cursed or culturally insensitive objects, please.

Mar 7 3:33 PM Living creatures do not count as objects.

Mar 7 3:36 PM Unliving creatures also do not count as objects.

This was such delightful, adorable read. This book has a little something for everyone - the school parent drama of Big Little Lies, the cozy feeling of Legends and Lattes, and the "happy spooky" setting of Disney's Halloweentown.

Following an accident that turns her child into a werewolf, kindergarten parent Vivian moves her family - husband Daniel and five year old daughter Aria - to Veilport so her daughter can attend specialized school Grimoire Grammar. But while Veilport isn't exactly your normal town - werewolves, vampires, selkies, and wizards are a common occurrence- Grimoire Grammar is definitely a normal private school. Sure the teacher is a vampire and they need ritual daggers on the first day, but it's a cutthroat environment with testing, competitive sports, fundraising galas, and the general pressures that make everyday parents feel like they aren't doing enough. Soon Vivian is caught up in keeping up with their new normal, and that was before she heard a town prophecy that may involve her daughter....

"People were supposed to be more understanding here. Only it turned out that people here were still people, and people were shit."


Despite falling into the cosy fantasy category, this book tackled a lot of tougher themes: bullying, anxiety, whether or not to medicate, academic pressure, extended and found families, and the general toll parenting can take on a marriage. Even if you aren't a parent, Vivian, Daniel, and Aria's struggles are beyond relatable, especially in today's environment where people are obsessed with success.

Also the cover is GORGEOUS and even though I've read it now I may need to purchase the book just for that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for this ARC, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

This took a little while to get going for me, so while I enjoyed the first half, I wasn’t really convinced. I felt a lot like Vivian - confused and trying to keep up. But the second half definitely picked up and intrigued me a lot more.

Basically when she gets better friends everything is better and starts to make sense, plus communication actually happens!

There is a lot of good stuff here, about here the politics and snobbiness of small towns and fancy schools, just I’m possibly not the market for that 😂

3.25 stars

Mundane parents, supernatural child, sounds familiar? But our wonderful author addresses that head on, and I love that.
Every parent can relate to the clicky PTA and mean mums groups, that new school terror.
Little Aria is a werewolf, and the story navigates how she and her family try to balance a normal childhood while starting a new school and learning about her new powers.
Funny at times, the pacing was a little slow in parts, overall a cosy magical read. I look forward to reading more about the town and their talents and Aria's journey growing up.



Thank you NetGalley and Titan books for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

"From the NYT-bestselling author of Dreadful, Big Little Lies goes to magic school, cozy fantasy perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, Olivia Atwater, and Heather Fawcett. Featuring orange sprayed and stenciled edges, with magic symbols, unicorns and baked goods from the book.

Two parents and their recently-bitten-werewolf daughter try to fit into a privileged New England society of magic aristocracy. But deadly terrors await them - ancient prophecies, remorseless magical trials, hidden conspiracies and the PTA bake sale.

When Vivian's kindergartner, Aria, gets bitten by a werewolf, she is rapidly inducted into the hidden community of magical schools. Reeling from their sudden move, Vivian finds herself having to pick the right sacrificial dagger for Aria, keep stocked up on chew toys and play PTA politics with sirens and chthonic nymphs and people who literally can set her hair on fire.

As Vivian careens from hellhounds in the school corridors and demons at the talent show, she races to keep up with all the arcane secrets of her new society - shops only accessible by magic portal, the brutal Trials to enter high school, and the eternal inferno that is the parents' WhatsApp group.

And looming over everything is a prophecy of doom that sounds suspiciously like it's about Aria. Vivian might be facing the end of days, just as soon as she can get her daughter dressed and out of the door..."

Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Practical Magic with more than a dash of Hocus Pocus.

This was a very cosy and warm fantasy book! I would say this for the parents who sometimes find it hard to fit in with their parents in schools. We don’t have parent WhatsApp group chats in my school, I do think that’s more of an American thing.

A family whose life suddenly changes when their daughter is bitten by a werewolf; now they must adapt to this new lifestyle. It's hard for them, especially the mother who constantly blames herself for the attack. There’s a lot to deal with in the new school and always trying to prove themselves. You can see it’s difficult for Aria as well as she’s trying to fit into the school and make new friends.

If you are into YA and cosy Fantasy you will love this one! Thank you to Titan for my ARC.

This book was such a delight to read!

Imagine the Netflix show Wednesday but instead of Wednesday, it's about Edith. But Edith is a kindergartner and just recently became a werewolf. And the story is not written from her perspective but from her Mom's who is trying really hard to adapt to the magical world and make herself and her family fit in. But of course she has to jump some hoops, and then her family gets accused of being responsible for setting of a centuries old prophecy. Oh, and she also volunteered to be treasurer of the PTA but the numbers don't add up.

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association is such an innovative, smart and funny book! And now I wish I had a child in Kindergarten that spontaneously turns into a wolf cub when emotionally overwhelmed!

4.5 of 5 stars 🌟

I really enjoyed this book. Following the story from an adults' point of view made a pleasant change in a magical story and added more depth (although I found the references to another magical series unnecessary, given the current situation).

Vivian, Daniel, and Aria are 'mundanes', who find themselves at the Grimoire Grammar School through no fault of their own. With no magical powers, and trying to save their marriage, Vivian decides to join the PTA.

Full of humour, relationship problems, magical creatures, and a threatening prophecy, this is a great read for lovers of cozy fantasy. Highly recommend!

A fun light hearted paranormal read.

This is the perfect book to snuggle up with if you want to dive into a cosy vibes magical world. I really enjoyed this book, it had some great paranormal characters plus Aria was super cute as she juggled kindergarten and her new werewolf powers. Plus the humour surrounding fitting in for her human parents was super funny at times. Loved the brownie incident, cloud riding part and Arias shifting issues.

The story follows Aria who gets bitten by a werewolf, and her family who move so she can join a magical school with shifters, Selkies, Fae, witches and eternals.

But things are not as they seem. Between the kindergarten tests and the prophecies, Aria becomes a target and her mum isn't sure who to trust.

Between the parents and kids antics this made for such a cute funny read with an added twist of mystery and danger.

Overall a fun, cosy fantasy!

Caitlin Rozakis has crafted a story about non-magical human parents raising a werewolf daughter while navigating the ins and outs of an elite magical school; it is entertaining, heartfelt, laugh-out-loud funny and SO RELATABLE. Every parent who suffers a pang of annoyance each time another WhatsApp parent chat notification rolls in will love this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved this magical world and all its characters. And while The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association is full of parents who are mages and vampires and werewolves and selkies, every parent who reads this will feel seen.

💭 #QOTD What mythical creature would you be??

Title: The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher's Association
Author: Caitlin Rozakis
Pages: 368
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4 where needed)
Spice/Romance level: 🫑 no romance but husband & wife/relationship issues

#Arc eCopy ( #gifted ) - review left voluntarily
UK publish date - 27th May 2025

Aria, a kindergartener is a recently turned werewolf, after a horrific incident. We join Vivian, her husband and Aria as they learn more about this magical community, fitting in and trying to belong. As well as managing a toddler/puppy.

The book was funny. Emotional. Cosy. The world building was fabulously done. I enjoyed the characters. My girls aren't currently at school yet, but I can see the clique groups at playgroup. The judgy and gossipy parents. The WhatsApp group had me chuckling. It was just wonderfully funny, raw and hard hitting. A few points had me relating to Vivian and my heart broke for her trauma and the strains between herself and her husband.

It was funny, predictable. Easy to read and just a joyous book to read. The cover is beautiful and the release will have a gorgeous spray edge too!!

The book is focused more on character development, but I would love to read more about the mythical world. I hope we get to see more of Vivian and Aria!

You'll love this book if you like
- cosy fantasy
- no romance
- light academia
- whimsical
- parenting struggles
- magical school
- looking for alternatives of she shall not be named 🙄