Book Review of Mortimer’s Magical Goo
The Children’s Book Review
Mortimer’s Magical Goo
Written by Megan K. Palmer
Illustrated by Nabila Amanda
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: WinnBrook Press, LLC (2026) | Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-967983-11-7
What to Expect: Growth mindset, overcoming the desire for easy shortcuts, consequences of choices, value of hard work, artistic expression, team sports, and friendship.
A shortcut to success turns out to be a recipe for loneliness in this whimsical picture book about the value of hard work and making a mess.
Mortimer hates doing chores, especially cleaning his room and making his bed. When he discovers a mysterious green pumpkin in his backyard and mixes it into a homemade potion, he accidentally brews a magical wishing goo. With a simple wish and a satisfying SNAP!, his messy room is instantly cleaned. But Mortimer soon realizes that the magic comes with a steep price: his treasured rock collection has vanished.
As he continues to use the shrinking goo to bypass painting in art class and to dominate the school soccer field, he learns that skipping the effort also means skipping out on the joy of creating and playing with his friends. With only one green pumpkin left, Mortimer must decide whether to brew another batch of magic or face the everyday challenges of life on his own.
Author Megan K. Palmer delivers a highly relatable and structurally sound narrative that teaches a valuable lesson. Utilizing a classic “be careful what you wish for” trajectory that builds naturally to a satisfying resolution, Palmer’s voice is child-friendly and energetic, incorporating delightful read-aloud sound effects like “SPLISH! SPLOSH! SPLOOSH!”.
Nabila Amanda’s illustrations beautifully bring Mortimer’s whimsical world to life, capturing the chaotic messiness of a child’s bedroom, the vibrant, muddy fun of backyard potion-making, and the warm, expressive emotions of Mortimer and his classmates.
Mortimer’s Magical Goo is a heartwarming and imaginative tale that gently encourages children to embrace the messy, imperfect process of learning and trying. It is sure to be enjoyed by young readers who love outdoor adventures, backyard experiments, and discovering magic in the everyday—a wonderful pick for parents and educators looking to teach a growth mindset.
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About the Author
Megan K. Palmer is a creator, writer, book reviewer, and educator. She’s obsessed with tears, laughter, puzzles, and the writing process. Perhaps it’s because they go together at times. She is the author of A Squirrely Christmas, The Missing Piece picture books, and her poetry has appeared in magazines and galleries of art. She graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with an Ed.M. in Human Development and studied Elementary Education at Brigham Young University. Her life is full of four kids, three pets, hiking, planning, and traveling.
You can learn more at megankpalmer.com.
