Whispering to Witches

by Anna Dale

A short holiday with his mother turns out very differently for Joe than he could have imagined when he left home. Soon he is embroiled in a world of witchcraft, a world where the kind and innocent witches of Britain are facing a wicked foe. Can Joe and his young friend Twiggy put an end to the cunning plot, or will they, like their witchy friends, find the baffling mystery too hard to solve?

A fantasy writing with strong plot and vivid characters.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magic, Witches, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Magrat Ajostiernos · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5
Una lectura divertida y ligera para niños y adultos amantes de las brujas. Me recordó a otros clásicos infantiles como The little broomstick o los primeros libros de Harry Potter, y desde luego lo mejor de la historia son los aquelarres de brujas que aparecen, que son sencillamente geniales.
Aventuras, intrigas y mucha nieve en esta historia ambientada en Navidad, donde un niño se ve envuelto en líos de brujas.

[bookstories_travels🪐 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,8 para esta relectura que me llegó de sopetón y de la forma más tonta. Leí en su momento “El Susurro de las Brujas” … cuando estaba aún en primaria. Osea, hace como ¿18, 20 años? Si mal no recuerdo, creo que lo leí porque estaba en esa época en la que leí por primera vez los libros de Harry Potter y estaba (y sigo) muy emocionada con ellos, y este libro lo vendían como el ideal para los amantes de la saga. Si mi pobre memoria no me falla, creo que en su momento me gustó mucho, pero claro, con el paso de los años ya me había olvidado prácticamente de qué iba la historia excepto por algún detalle suelto, de hecho creo que lo tenía bastante olvidado en general. Pero hace unos días vi que una conocida bookstagramer lo estaba leyendo y me dío a mi también por volver a cogerlo. Un culo veo, culo quiero de los de toda la vida, vaya que sí. Imaginad lo olvidado que tenía este libro y el tiempo que ha pasado desde que lo leí por primera vez que ni me acordaba que tenía lugar en Navidad. De todas maneras, si os pasa como a mí que no sois muy fans de esta festividad, os aseguro que esta novela se puede leer perfectamente en cualquier época del año. Es más, aunque esté ambientada en esta época, me pega más leerla para Halloween.

Joe Binks está deseando que lleguen las navidades para disfrutar de dos semanas de vacaciones en su casa en Londres. Pero un imprevisto familiar cambiara sus planes, y Joe tendrá que tomar un tren a Canterbury para pasar las fiestas junto a su madre, su padrastro y su medio hermana Esme. Durante el viaje, el niño será testigo de una extraña situación que le hará entrar en contacto con el aquelarre de la Ortiga Seca y descubrir que la magia y las brujas existen de verdad. Pronto Joe se hará muy amigo del miembro más joven del aquelarre, Twiggy, quien le enseñara los secretos y curiosidades de su mundo. Los dos acabarán envuelto en una gran conspiración relacionada con el robo de la página del gran libro de hechizos de las brujas, el cual contiene un hechizo tan poderoso que puede destruir a la misma magia.

Nos encontramos ante una historia sencilla y hogareñas, bien repleta de nieve, mercados a medianoche, gatos negros, familiares desaparecidos, viajes en escobas que acaban traumatizadas, personajes de lo más particulares, conspiraciones brujiles y mucho té de ortigas. La historia que nos propone Anna Dale en esta ópera prima suya es tierna a rabiar y se lee en un suspiro, con una trama fácil de seguir y unos personajes encantadores. Al principio de la reseña os hablaba de que este libro fue publicitado como la lectura ideal para los amantes de Harry Potter. Y debo decir que durante los dos días que lo he estado leyendo no he dejado de ver similitudes con esta saga. El tono me ha recordado muchísimo a las tres primeras entregas de las aventuras del joven mago que estudia en Hogwarts. La prosa de Anna Dale también me ha recordado mucho a la de J. K. Rowling, en el sentido de que es directa y sencilla, pero a la vez tiene un toque muy cálido que le hace muy accesible al lector. Además, en ambas historias conocemos un sistema de brujería sencillo y lleno de detalles y curiosidades, pero a la vez tiene algo profundamente encantador y estrafalario, con ciertos toques de humor y mucha originalidad. De hecho, yo diría que lo mejor de la lectura ha sido todo lo relacionado con el mundo de las brujas, su historia y los hechizos, los cuales son presentados al lector con el mismo tono dicharachero y original que podemos leer también en los libros de Rowling .

También me ha parecido un punto a su favor los personajes. Están caracterizados de una forma sencilla pero eficaz. Me ha gustado especialmente los realistas que me han resultado los dos niños protagonistas, Joe y Twiggy. Joe puede ser a ratos malhumorado y egoísta, y Twiggy es la única niña en un aquelarre formado por personas mayores que la minusvaloran, por lo que está deseosa de tener un amigo de su edad. Los dos tienen algún que otro desencuentro, lo que no impide que entre ambos se forje una bonita amistad, y que a lo largo de la historia aprendan mucho el uno de la otra. De todas formas, el mayor pero que le puedo poner a la novela es que me quedo con más ganas de saber más sobre varios personajes secundarios, como los compañeros del aquelarre de Twiggy y de otras brujas que se pasean por estas páginas. Me hubiera gustado que hubieran salido más y ver mejor las interacciones que había entre ellos, que me parecían muy interesantes. Y me pasa un poco lo mismo con Esme, la medio hermana de Joe, que me parece que es un personaje que se queda a medio gas para la importancia que acaba por tener en el desenlace y lo que prometía.

La autora consigue hacer una historia que se lee y se sigue muy bien. Pero en la que hay que estar al loro de los detalles, ya que muchos en los que uno no se percata a primera vista demuestran ser muy importantes al final. Gracias a esto la trama está muy bien llevada, y uno cierra el libro sin que quede el más mínimo nudo sin cerrar bien. Todo lo que aparece en esta historia tiene su sentido, hay muchas cosas a las cuales ,en un principio, uno les podría quitar importancia o desdeñar por pensar que son secundarias, demuestran ser fundamentales para la misma. Esto da mucha solidez a esta historia infantil y sencilla, y le da unos toques muy realistas que ayudan a meterte en la lectura. A esto también ayuda que a lo largo de las poco más de 200 páginas que componen el volumen nos encontramos con muchos descubrimientos, misterios y giros de guion que ayudan a que se mantenga siempre la intriga por la lectura y el interés que ella genera. La trama nunca decae, va avanzando compuso ligero pero firme hasta el final.

Por supuesto, se trata de una historia liviana y divertida, enfocada a un público infantil - juvenil. Pero eso no quita para que sea perfectamente disfrutable para cualquier edad, aunque los más maduritos tampoco es que nos vaya a aportar gran cosa. Y por supuesto, muy recomendable para el target al que está dirigida. Es una historia tierna y divertida, con personajes muy bien caracterizados y que nos habla de la amistad entre un niño normal y una pequeña bruja, la aceptación, el sacrificio por los demás y el valor. Una buena muestra de que no siempre hay que exponer a los más jovenes ante situaciones tristes o drámaticas para enseñarles valores. No es una obra exigente, busca entretener y tiene un tono ligero desde el minuto uno, que hace presagiar que no va a hacer sufrir a nadie más de lo necesario, y que al final todas las cosas se arreglaran de la mejor forma posible.

Un placer y una sorpresa haberme vuelto a encontrar con este viejo amigo después de tantos años. Me ha dejado muy buen sabor de boca y no en pocas ocasiones me ha sorprendido, ya que como os he dicho antes había muchos personajes y sucesos de la trama que ya no recordaba.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a combination of The Worst Witch and The Box of Delights. I wish someone had told me sooner that it was set at Christmas, because I'm always looking for new Christmas books, and I love the fact that this doesn't hinge around Halloween, like so many witch books!

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first saw this book, I was around twelve years old. I didn't want to read it. I saw it again in college when I was a page at a public library. I checked it out, but never got around to reading it. Then I checked it out for a fantasy project on which I am working, and I am so sorry I didn't read this book sooner. Anna Dale's writing is charming. It's not Harry Potter, though it does take place in England. I love her witches because they are stereotypical witches, yet not at the same time, and I love that. The story is about a boy named Joe who is going to Canterbury to spend Christmas with his mother, stepfather, and his half-sister. But the train ride to Canterbury is filled with strange happenings, and before Joe knows it, he is face-to-face with real witches! One of the witches he meets is a young girl about his age named Twiggy. Soon, Joe is caught up in a tangled web of good witches, bad witches, and evil magic. If you love fantasy, READ THIS BOOK!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS
I found this a pleasant, undemanding read with some enjoyable moments. On the whole, though, I wanted so much more from it. It's not so much that the world-building is fairly simplistic compared to, say, Harry Potter (the comparisons are rather inevitable nowadays) but that the characters were so underwhelming. I liked Joe and Esme, and Twiggy, and the antagonists are fairly well drawn if rather cliche (though I did feel the motives for one of them were thought-provoking) but the majority of the witches were just so dull -- they didn't really *do* anything and even the magic (those few times it was performed) seemed kind of lackluster. It's very "old-school" magic with a few spells here and there, some potions, sitting around in cozy covens and the like... I might not have minded that so much if I actually liked the witches, but they were so snooty. Add to that some rather uneven plot development, and some threads that just didn't really need to be there, and I can't really muster more than three and a half stars for this. That said, Dale has a pleasant writing style and I appreciated that there isn't really anything too big-and-scary going on here so it might be a good one for younger kiddos who aren't quite ready for Harry Potter and its ilk. One other note, though the story does take place at Christmastime there is very little Christmas-y about it beyond a few paragraphs; it has some nice wintery scenes but if you are looking for a Christmas-themed story, look elsewhere.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

SpookTober read #9


A non-scary book to get you in the Halloween spirit.

I found this to be so adorable and delightful.

From whimsical witches to black cats and mildly scary rats this not-so-spooky book is brill for kids who don’t want a scare.

A sweet witchy read pretty much perfect for all ages.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think i read this book a hundred times as a kid!!!!!! It never gets old- LOVE it!!!!

[Stil de scriitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am citit această carte cu ocazia unui maraton de citit care includea să citesc și o carte cu vrăjitoare, iar această carte a fost mai mult decât binevenită. Mai ales că romanele citite în ultima perioadă au fost un pic mai tulburătoare și mai horror. Este o carte pentru copii, dar cred că merge citită la orice vârstă. Este captivantă, misterioasă și se citește repede și ușor. Chiar nu mă așteptam să îmi placă așa de mult.

http://www.stildescriitor.ro/2018/10/...

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little read perfect for all ages. Whimsical and intriguing with a nice ending.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea if this is one of those books that was published on the crest of the Potter wave, but I feel it suffers because of the existence of old Harry and his mates. The basic setup of boy meets witches is different enough as is the execution, but it lacks a lot of the flourishes Rowling brought to her series. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing - this is a different story entirely, after all - but a lot of the kids in my class found the plot progressing entirely too slowly for them. Some of the stronger readers who raced ahead were much happier because the twists and turns don't happen until the latter third of the book - and they're some pretty cool twists and turns!

The explanation of the title and the tying together of what had seemed like insignificant plot threads was also really well executed. I felt really satisfied when I finished the book. (Almost one sitting - a 2 hour train ride and then about an hour after dinner.)

Overall, I'd recommend this book as a softer take on a magical world and advise readers to give it a chance - the writing is strong and the story has its own pace it wants you to follow. Do as it asks!

[Yzabel Ginsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adult, it was mostly "just OK" for me. I enjoyed the Harry Potter books much more—IMHO they appeal more easily to a larger audience, while this one is more fit for middle-graders and younger.

As a kid, though, around 10-12, I'd probably have loved it. There are nice plot twists, and seemingly insignificant events actually tying themselves together at the end.

So 3 stars it is.

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a windsprite come whisper in my ear pls? I wish to be a witch🙂‍↔️

I love this book! It’s literally my fourth time reading this childhood fave. It was especially great for the build up before Christmas. Wholesome as well 🖤 🧙‍♀️ 🐈‍⬛ 🌟 🕸️ 3rd grade me had good taste in books 🤝🙂‍↔️😘👌🏾

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and I looked forward to reading it and seeing how the story would unfold. I liked the lead characters as well and there were certainly nice "messages" in the story that didn't feel too heavy handed.

That said, the plot never felt like it really came together that well. The threads weren't woven throughout the book too well, and there were several conveniences it seemed that allowed the story to continue to unfold. The magical aspect of the world isn't ever explained in much detail, and a few of the plot points felt forced.

So, overall, an enjoyable book, and I think Dale has a very nice, easy writing style! But, this just made me want the story itself to be more intricate and comprehensive.

[Tex-49 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simpatico libro per ragazzi, piacevole anche per grandi che gradiscono il fantastico!

[Qt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and pleasant; I enjoyed the book but I don't know whether it's one that will stick with me or not. I loved the British setting and the winter/Christmas touches, but a lot of plot threads didn't seem to tie together too well, and there weren't too many characters that I really really liked. Still, I enjoyed it and found it a fun easy read.

[X · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think it will be a book that really sticks with me, but it was a fun, easy read.

[Cassidy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was younger (around 11 or 12, I think) and I loved it. It made such an impression on me that, although I forgot the title, and then the characters names, and then eventually, the plot, several years later, I realised I was unable to forget certain things, like: paperclips, a tricycle, a boy, a girl, two women (Aunty-like figures to the girl), a cat, a train, night markets which aren't always there, and flying on a broomstick. (I had to type "book witches tricycle night markets cat" into Google to find out the title that I couldn't remember.)
So in an effort to piece together all the fragments which don't make sense (but still remind me of how much I loved the book), I am going to reread it. Hopefully. In the vague future. I can't make any promises on how soon because of all the other books I long to read, but I would really love to revisit it.
As for my rating, I know that when I read this book I REALLY loved it, and I am confident that rereading it now that several years have passed and I have aged (at least physically) shouldn't alter my opinion too drastically.

[amet buddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a re-read of a childhood favourite. It did not disappoint. It came with all the good witchy vibes and I love the English setting

[Olive Anoop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering to Witches

Joe Blinks is going to Canterbury to spend his Christmas with his mother, stepfather and his half sister. But the train ride to Canterbury is filled with strange happenings. And before Joe knows it he is face to face with real witches! One of the witches he meets is a young girl about his age named Twiggy. Soon, Joe is caught up in a tangled web of good witches, bad witches, and evil magic.

This book is by Anna Dale, I have never read any of her books before. I liked her style of writing, it was unique. It was unique because she had written the plot in a different tone. She had explained everything properly. This is a fantasy novel. I never took interest in this type of novel, but after reading this book, I think I may change my mind.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The appearance of the book, by which I mean the book cover, may look boring, but the the book is really amazing.
I really liked the characters. Some of the characters are Joe, Twiggy and the witches. The features of the characters were very nice. Not all the characters were believable but I still liked it. There were some main characters which were only introduced at the end of the book, and as the book went on, it revealed the important characters one by one, and the book became more interesting.
At first it was hard to understand the novel, but later it became interesting and easy to understand. The plot of the book has a mixture of adventure and suspense and a little bit of comedy which makes the story very interesting. The plot is basically about the fight of good against evil, which normally takes place in any other fantasy novel but there were a few scenes in the story which make it different from the other novels.
You may think that the setting of the novel is in some kind of fairytale land because this is a fantasy novel, but it is not. The setting of this book is simply in Canterbury. The story takes place during Christmas, which is very exciting and beautiful. Well that’s what I think but you may have different opinions.
I recommend this book for ages 10 and above, especially for the ones who love to read about magic and witches.
This book inspired me to think that anyone can do anything if they have the will and desire. And the moral of the story is that we should never give up and lose hope.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree entirely with the sentiment of the other reviewers that this is a book that suffered for the existence of Harry Potter. On the other hand, Harry Potter might have been its saving grace at the same time. This is definitely from the same genre and it was published at about the same time, so the HP comparisons are inevitable, but this is also the book that fans of HP would have picked up fresh from one of his adventures simply because they wanted to read a bit more of this semi-realistic children's fantasy. It dances the same unlikely line between a realistic fiction story and modern fantasy. There were times when I felt like I was reading a British Beverly Cleary and other times when I felt like I was reading an adventure of Merlin. It kept up that happy balance too right through the end. If nothing else, this book will tide over any reader who needs a hit of fantasy without the desire to get trapped in the depths of an epic series.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a middle grade read this was a pleasant surprise. Scratches a bit of that Harry Potter itch. ;) The characters were smart but appropriate to their age, and the witches were quite entertaining. And the abundance of black cats was a selling point for me.

[Angela Serban · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joe se trezește obligat să-și petreacă vacanța de Crăciun alături de mama sa, tatăl vitreg și micuța sa surioara, deoarece Crăciunul planificat cu tatăl său a fost anulat de vestea bolii unei matușii a tatălui. Plecat în Scoția pentru a-și vedea mătușa, tatăl este dat dispărut într-o furtună de zăpadă, iar Joe aflat la 700 de km depărtare nu are nicio posibilitate să-l ajute...sau poate că ar putea dacă ar avea șansa să recurgă la vreo 2-3 vrăji...

Călătoria cu trenul către casa mamei sale este plină de suprize și personaje stranii. Imprumutănd o tricicletă, ce se dovedește a nu fi o tricicletă, Joe este aruncat la propriu într-o casă locuită de vrăjitoare, situată în cartierul mamei sale. Aici află cu stupoare de existența mai multor sabaturi, chiar dacă cel în care a aterizat tânărul nostru erou nu e chiar un sabat deoarece Urzicilor-Moarte le lipsește un membru pentru a îndeplini regula de aur a existenței unui sabat, aceea de minimum 6 membri.

Dezvăluirile tinerei Prunella despre Cartea lui Mabel și pagina pierdută care conține o vrajă foarte puternică îi aduc aminte de anumite întâmplări din tren ce i s-au părut ciudate...Dacă aveți chef de-o carte pentru copii, plină de magie, cu mături zburătoare, poțiuni magice, vrăjitoare îndăratnice și arțăgoase, descântece șoptite, pisici vorbărețe, șobolani machiavelici, baghete cu sclipici, un grimoar străvechi, spirite ale vântului, mesaje scrise cu cerneală invizibilă, ochelari fermecați, Târguri la Miezul Nopții sau doar de-un ceai de urzică, Șoptindu-le vrăjitoarelor e perfectă.

Denumirile locurilor și numele personajelor au fost delicioase. La Două Țipete de Bufniță, Mormoloaca, Bețișoarele Sorții, Sabatul Pipistrelle, al Urzicilor-Moarte, al Viperelor, Cazanul Auriu, Inelul lui Tor Dree te ajută să intri mai ușor în poveste și să descoperi cum soarta lumii poate atârna de un joc de marocco.

[L.A.L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand all the stellar reviews. I thought this story was on the boring side and rather basic. Maybe a better story to read to children, but I found it definitely on the elementary side. There were elements of it that were fun and unique, but that was lost because of the simplistic writing, the flat characters, and the weak plot. Even the "plot twist" at the end was overly clichéd and predictable. Unlike Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux or P.L. Trevor's Mary Poppins, this is not a children's book that I would want to keep and reread. This book is clearly written for young readers and even then, I know of many other wonderful children's stories that I would recommend over this one. 2 stars.

Also, I don't get the title. The title doesn't seem to connect to the story at all. Then again, I did skim some, so maybe I missed something.

[Manon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely read!

[Terra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering to Witches by Anna Dale was a truly enchanting story for all ages. If you or your child like The Wizard of Oz then you most likely love this book. A pure bewitching tale with lots of magic.

Joe Binks is just your ordinary boy living with dad as mum has remarried. Being quite ordinary it is fun when on his way to mum's for Christmas holiday he is singled out by a witch and given a special item of which he has no idea of having such a thing.

Twiggy is a little girl witch who is in training and the witches in her coven totally under estimate poor little Twiggy's powers. Doing menial jobs is supposed to be a learning experience for her but she doesn't really seem how. Twiggy has the curiosity of a cat and seems to have their nine lives also with the little fixes the cutie gets herself into.

The whole mysterious caper starts out on the train that is taking Joe from London to Canterbury and continues right up until the end of the book with lots of magic and who-done-its. Lots of spells and potions, strange ingredients and places along with fairies and animals help make this witchy tale absolutely delightful.

I accidentally came across this book and am ever so glad I did. The author has done a wonderful job at giving us a pure clean tale without scaring us. This book is simple enough for an eight year old but enchanting enough for adult. Not only will it keep your interest but you will not want to put this book down until the very last word.

I really believe this is a book that elementary teachers across the globe should encourage their students to read.

[Sina & Ilona Glimmerfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe muss die Weihnachtstage bei seiner Mutter und ihrer neuen Familie verbringen. Während der Zugfahrt trifft er auf merkwürdige Menschen und zu allem Übel steigt er einen Bahnhof zu früh aus und muss sich auf einem Dreirad auf den verschneiten Weg nach Canterbury machen, doch das Dreirad hat ein Eigenleben und bevor er sich versieht, landet er in einem Hexenhaus und wird in das größte Abenteuer seines Lebens verwickelt.
Ein sehr schönes Buch, das Kinderherzen nicht nur zu Weihnachten höher schlagen lässt. Joe lebt bei seinem Vater in London und freut sich schon sehr auf die Ferien und die Weihnachtstage, aber sein Vater muss zu seiner Schwester reisen, die sich ein Bein gebrochen hat. Die neue Familie seiner Mutter ist langweilig, sein Stiefvater ist pingelig und duldet keine Haustiere und seine kleine Schwester Esme ist so ordentlich und brav, dass sie ihn nur nervt. Kein Wunder, dass Joe sich auf die langweiligsten Tage in seinem Leben einstellt, doch hier täuscht er sich gewaltig, schon auf der Zugfahrt geschehen sonderbare Dinge und bald ist seine Welt angefüllt mit Magie. Er trifft auf das Hexenmädchen Twiggy, geht auf einen Mitternachtsmarkt, reitet auf einem Besen durch die Luft , lernt alles über Windgeister und gerät in große Gefahr, denn ohne es zu ahnen, ist er bereits mit in die Suche nach einer verlorenen Seite eines Hexenbuches verstrickt.

Ein wundervolles Kinderbuch, das ich jetzt bereits zum zweiten Mal voller Freude gelesen habe. Den Leser erwartet eine Weihnachtsgeschichte voller Magie mit vielen schrulligen Charakteren und zauberhaften Ideen.

[Riffana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book around maybe ten years ago,and something about it still makes me pick it up at the library from time to time until now. I read the other reviews before writing this, and I think that alot of people mentioned harry potter. Funny thing is, the thought of harry poter never crossed my mind. I am a huge fan of harry potter and i think that i never thought of these two books together because even though both has witches, they are dealing with very, very different type of witches. Now, I really liked this book because of the attention to detail and the plot twists. Its so simple, yet so intricate. I loved the feels the book gave me, and so many concepts were explored, step parenting, father son relationship, (step) sister brother, friends, belonging(for twiggy), loyalty. It is definitely comparable to harry potter, which explores those concepts as well. Guys, buy this book for your children, it will leave them with a favourite childhood book :)

[Debbie Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Joe and his father are making plans for their Christmas together, things change abruptly. Joe is sent to Canterbury to spend Christmas with his mother, stepfather and young stepsister. This is where the fun begins! With a wild train ride, a mix-up when Joe departs the train, an enchanted bike that propels Joe down the wrong rode and into a house full of witches, Joe doesn't know how his holiday could get more exciting! It does! Together with his new witch-friend Twiggy, they share adventures that Joe had only dreamed of!
While this book is written for the 5th-7th grade student, it is written for the enjoyment of all ages! Anna Dale does a brilliant job of describing the country-side of England, the workings of the English village and the characters. She draws your attention as soon as you start reading and keeps it until the final word.
I highly recommend this book to any reader. I do hope that this becomes a series.

[Sara Booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molto piacevole l'atmosfera natalizia che si respira in questa storia, ambientata in una nevosa cittadina inglese, dove solo la descrizione ambientale basterebbe a far percepire la magia nell'aria. Ma ecco che invece le magie ci sono sul serio, dato che la cittadina è abitata da molte streghe...
La trama di questo libro l'ho trovata carina e piuttosto interessante, anche se poteva essere scritta meglio, ci sono scene un po' confusionarie, dove non si capisce "cosa sta succedendo e a chi", ma a parte questo, con un po' di buona volontà, si riesce a sorvolare lo stile e godersi la storia. La nota dell'autrice dice che questo libro è stato scritto in due mesi, e purtroppo si vede, sarebbe stato meglio se fosse stato scritto con più calma, sicuramente ne avrebbe tratto beneficio.

[Serena.. Sery-ously? · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molto carino e per nulla banale o scontato! Peccato non abbia avuto successo, secondo me è simpaticissimo!!
Sicuramente è pensato per un pubblico molto giovane, eppure non risente di ciò e pure alla mia (veneranda :D) età è godibilissimo!!
Tanta magia, amicizia e coraggio.. Un cattivo degno di questo nome e tanti pasticci!