The Collective Book Studio is proud to announce the reissue of Magic Elizabeth, the cherished middle-grade fantasy novel by Norma Kassirer, publishing October 6, 2026, in a beautifully refreshed paperback edition featuring brand-new full-color illustrations by acclaimed artist Mark Richardson.
First published in 1966, Magic Elizabeth captured the hearts of young readers and became a staple of childhood reading, earning a place in The New York Times Parent’s Guide to the Best Books for Children and selling nearly one million copies in its Scholastic edition. Despite being out of print for more than 25 years, the novel has continued to resonate across generations, with readers seeking secondhand copies to share with their children and grandchildren.
At the heart of Magic Elizabeth is Sally, an eight-year-old girl sent to spend a lonely summer in a creaky old house with her Aunt Sarah and an unfriendly cat. Her world changes when she discovers a mysterious painting of a girl and her missing doll—and an attic mirror that opens a doorway into another time. What follows is a gentle, enchanting journey that blends mystery, imagination, and emotional warmth, exploring themes of friendship, empathy, determination, and the enduring power of care across time.
This new edition, perfect for readers ages 8–12, revives this classic story with 18 full-color illustrations that enhance the story’s magic and emotional depth, inviting today’s readers to discover—or rediscover—its timeless charm.
Perfect for independent reading or sharing aloud, Magic Elizabeth remains a moving reminder that imagination, kindness, and love can travel across time.
Norma Kassirer, author and artist, is best known for the classic middle-grade novel Magic Elizabeth, first published by The Viking Press and featured in Eden Ross Lipson’s New York Times Parent’s Guide to the Best Books for Children. Another middle-grade novel, The Doll Snatchers, was also published by Viking. In addition, Norma is the author of numerous books and short stories for adults. A beloved mentor for young writers and artists in her native city of Buffalo, NY, she also created dozens of innovative artists’ books and striking acrylic paintings and was often referred to as a local celebrity. Norma passed away in 2013 at age 89. The Knitting Witch, a chapter book written by her and discovered by her daughter Sue, was published posthumously in 2024 to great critical acclaim and popularity.
Mark Richardson is a freelance illustrator working primarily in watercolor and ink and focused on picturing fictional subjects within children’s literature. He also draws inspiration from the natural world and is engaged in an ongoing series of portraits of the birds that pass through his own property in Sandy Hook, CT, where he maintains a studio and shares a home and garden with his wife. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Mark is also a bookbinder. Many of his works find their way into the hand-bound books that he produces in limited quantities from his studio. Mark most recently illustrated Norma Kassirer’s chapter book The Knitting Witch and was happy to embark on illustrating another book by this author.
The Collective Book Studio is a woman-owned, full-service publishing studio that works with authors, brands, and companies to create, develop, and publish high-quality books. With a focus on innovative content and striking design, The Collective Book Studio offers a unique approach to the publishing process, providing clients with expertise and collaborative support from concept to creation. The Collective Book Studio, based in Oakland, CA, publishes high-quality lifestyle, gift, and children’s books. Their books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com
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