Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door

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Author(s)

A. R. Capetta

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Charlene Chua

Publisher

Candlewick

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

March 04, 2025

ISBN

978-1536224931

Buy This Book

Magical puppies Hocus and Pocus have a new neighbor: Bye-Bye the dragon! Hocus is delighted, but Pocus is nervous about making friends—and about fire breath. A funny and affirming adventure.

On a walk around the neighborhood delivering potions with their magical family, puppies Hocus and Pocus discover that the wizard next door, Jade, has a new pet—a dragon named Bye-Bye. Hocus is excited! She loves making new friends and thinks Bye-Bye’s wings and fire breath are cool. But Pocus is afraid. He already has five friends, which feels like a lot. Plus Bye-Bye might eat them! Right? When Hocus bounds into Bye-Bye’s yard wanting to play, the dragon shies away, then chases her off. Could it be that Bye-Bye isn’t scary—she’s scared? How can the puppies help? Maybe if Hocus uses a potion to turn into a dragon temporarily, or if Pocus learns some friendly phrases in dragon language, it might help Bye-Bye open up. And it just might help Pocus feel braver, too. This charming series continues with another fun-filled and enchanted romp in a world where everyone can be their unique selves.

Editor review

1 review

Friendships Aren't Always Easy

May 18, 2025 (Updated: June 04, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Hocus and her brother Pocus love to mess around. When a dragon moves in next door, Hocus is more than curious. She loves making new friends, and this dragon seems like the perfect new addition to her friend's list. The only thing is that the dragon is shy and Hocus doesn't speak dragon. But with a little magic, anything is possible and soon Hocus finds herself flying like a dragon too.

HOCUS POCUS AND THE DRAGON NEXT DOOR is a cute story full of magic and friendship that also teaches how people process things differently. The dragon, whose name is Bye-Bye, is shy and doesn't like the idea of meeting strangers. The illustrations are just as adorable as the plot with the round noses, bright colors, cute spots and everything. I love the relationship between Hocus and Pocus and how they support one another. I also love how this book helps teach children that not everyone interacts with others the same way. Some people are scared of social interactions, but that isn't a bad thing.

Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged six and older who love stories about animals, magic, dragons, and friendship. Hocus really goes above and beyond for her neighbor Bye-Bye and the world would be a lot better if it had more kindness like her in it.