Courtney Crumrin and the Night Thingsby Ted NaifehThis first volume introduces us to little Courtney and sort of explains why her parents sold the house in the old neighbourhood and moved in with their Great-Uncle Aloysius. He asked them to move in so they could help take care of things as he is pretty old. The main reason he had them move in was to be closer to Courtney and train her in magic, when she finds out she's a witch.Courtney learns a lot on her own as she is bullied both at school by the other Junior High kids and by the Night Things, particularly a goblin called Butterworm. Once she learns the consequences of trying out magic on her own, she is taken under the wing of her old Uncle, who really isn't as frail and ailing as he lets on to be.I happen to really like Butterworm. I think he's adorable, you know, for a goblin. And I love Courtney's dry, cynical look on life. She doesn't quite let people knock her down, at least not a second time. Her form of revenge is generally amusing. Also, she's drawn very cute. I like the art very much in this series.Courtney Crumrin and the Coven of Mysitcsby Ted NaifehIn the second volume, you learn a little more about Uncle Aloysius and Courtney's magic progresses. There's a cool chapter in the middle where Courtney becomes a cat and is allowed to witness the secret life of cats (who can speak, of course. Those that choose to speak with a human, that is.) Courtney is still bullied at school, though less and less as she becomes more feared than anything else. Also Courtney takes on a hobgoblin and the Goblin underworld. She might fear things, but she doesn't let that stop her from doing what she thinks is right. Her relationship with Butterworm is stronger now, and though they aren't quite friends, he often helps her out with her missions. He doesn't even try to eat her anymore!I am so very happy I discovered these books from DarlaD's blog. They are well-written, have great art and are just fun to read. I just picked up Vols 1 & 2 today after my special order came in and have read them cover-t0=cover. They aren't all that short, maybe about 100 pages? But they are full of dialogue and description. Well worth the addition to my book collection!Books in the Courtney Crumrin series:Volume 1: Courtney Crumrin and the Night ThingsVolume 2: Courtney Crumrin and the Coven of MysticsVolume 3: Courtney Crumrin in the Twilight KingdomVolume 4: Courtney Crumrin’s Mysterious Holiday