Jessixa Bagley is a children's book author-illustrator with a background in fine art and comics. She has had work featured in publications such as New American Paintings, Highlights Magazine, The Stranger, and Illustoria Magazine. She's also the author of the middle grade graphic novels Duel and Dear Jackie (illustrated by Aaron Bagley) and the author-illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel series Jazzy the Witch. Jessixa is a two-time Washington State Book Award recipient; first in 2016 for her debut picture book, Boats for Papa, and again in 2024 for her graphic novel, Duel. Jessixa also received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for picture book Laundry Day. Many of her books are Junior Library Guild Selections. In her work, she's drawn to animals and emotional themes often inspired by her own experiences. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. She often illustrates for other writers and artistically collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa lives in Seattle with her husband and son.

"A comical, witchy, and sweetly affirming read."--Kirkus Reviews

"Whimsy abounds in this playful series-opening graphic novel by Bagley (Maurice), relayed in moody, jewel-toned hues and striking shadows. Across a luminous, rhythmically told story, Bagley stages silly scenarios centering an earnest and well-intentioned, occasionally one-track-minded protagonist that perceptively drive home themes of self-confidence, accountability, and embracing one's flaws and strengths."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

"Dynamic digital illustrations in a palette heavy on purple reflect the swooping fun of flying and complement the story's amusing witchy details (a wisecracking bat familiar, rhyming spells, oatmeal that may or may not contain pond scum). Amid the magic, this is a community-expectations-versus-individual-interests tale told with nuance, much of which Jazzy discovers along with readers."--Horn Book

"Discover: A spirited young witch must find a way to connect with her family's tradition of flying in this delightful middle-grade graphic novel about the magic of finding a passion."--Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

"This whimsical and affirming tale of self-discovery will strike a chord with readers learning to balance expectations with personal passions."--School Library Journal

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2025-07-15

Length: 209 pages