Entering My Witchy Era

I’ve been waiting for this moment for a LONG TIME. Introducing…the first two books in my new chapter book series for ages 6–9, WITCHYCAKES!

Book covers for Witchycakes: Sweet Magic and Witchycakes: Changing Magic by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Ariane Moreira, publishing on 8/5/25 by Random House Books for Young Readers.

It all began when we were in lockdown in the early days of the pandemic. We felt isolated and scared. What helped me? The goodwill of our neighbors. And A LOT of baking. And writing, of course! 

I started imagining a magical bakery in a cozy, friendly seaside town called Shellville — and a young witch-to-be named Blue who makes deliveries, solves problems, and learns some lessons along the way. 

It turned into FOUR stories: about family, and community, and the MAGIC of connection and compassion. Sweet Magic and Changing Magic are both coming out on August 5th, and there are TWO MORE in the works!

The team at Random House Kids has really outdone themselves in bringing this series to life. And illustrator Ariane Moreira is truly a genius — she’s created a world that’s as adorable and engaging as anything that might have been in my head!

You can preorder now wherever books are sold. (Preorders mean A LOT, as publishers use preorder interest to gauge how much they’re going to invest in marketing and promotion — and whether or not they’re going to extend a series!)

Want signed, personalized copies? Preorder through my local indie, Books on the Square in Providence and put your personalization info in the Order Comments section!

(Wherever you choose to preorder, hold on to those receipts — I have a preorder contest in the works. More soon!)

Of course, there are plenty of other FREE ways to show WITCHYCAKES some love!

  • Request galleys of Sweet Magic and Changing Magic via NetGalley. If you like them, leave reviews!
  • Request the books from your local library
  • Give my online promotions a boost by reposting
  • Spread the word to the parents, teachers, and librarians you know, in person and online!

Many, many thanks in advance for your support. I hope you love these stories — and I hope they deliver some sweetness and comfort, which we all need now more than ever.

P.S. Are you a parent, teacher, or librarian interested in helping me hype this series? Drop me a line!

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One response to “Entering My Witchy Era”

  1. COVER REVEAL! – Kara LaReau Avatar

    […] a new novel that’s under contract but not yet announced. And of course, I have a certain new series launching in August, so I’ll be in promo […]

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