This summer, Delacourt Press is bringing you Kiki and the New Magic, the sequel to the beloved Kiki’s Delivery Service. Written by Eiko Kadono, illustrated by Yuta Onoda and translated by Emily Balistrieri, this will be the first time the sequel has been published in English.
Kadono. Credit: Eiko Kadono Office.
And just in case you’re only familiar with Kiki through Hayao Miyazaki‘s 1989 Studio Ghibli adaptation, the sequel’s arrival will coincide with the release of a new deluxe edition of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Kiki and the New Magic
Here’s the official description of Kiki and the New Magic:
“Join Kiki, the beloved young witch, and her clever cat Jiji in the enchanting sequel to the modern classic! This new translation will reveal more to the story that inspired the Miyazaki film, Kiki’s Delivery Service.
“It has been a year since Kiki started her new life as an honest-to-goodness witch, and the—not quite so—little courier has become a real celebrity.
“But fame comes with its own set of challenges. As Kiki faces increasingly perilous tasks, her friendships with Jiji and Tombo are put to the test. Doubts creep in, leading her to question her purpose.
“Determined to overcome her fears, Kiki must summon all her courage and perhaps even explore a new kind of magic. Will she find the strength to navigate her evolving world?
“Kiki and the New Magic, beautifully illustrated by Onoda, is a captivating tale of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery. Perfect for fans of the Studio Ghibli film and anyone who loves a magical adventure.”
In addition to Kiki and the New Magic, a deluxe edition of Kiki’s Delivery Service, originally published in 1985, will also be released, “featuring sprayed edges, printed endpapers and a collectible hardcase design.”
Delacourt Press previously published a new translation of Kiki’s Delivery Service in 2020. The series also includes a third book, Kiki and the Other Witch.
Arriving this Summer
Kiki and the New Magic will be published in hardcover on August 25th, 2026. Will you be tracking it down when it arrives? What’s your opinion on the original story and its Studio Ghibli adaptation? Is Jiji a cute fictional cat or the cutest fictional cat?
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