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The Knitting Witch: A Spellbinding Tale of Magic and Mischief
Eloise meets Coraline in this spellbinding tale by the beloved author of Magic Elizabeth.
“ . . . reads like a bedtime story and will have kids giggling at Ivy Lou’s outrageous behavior.” —Avi, Newbery Award-winning author of The Cross of Lead
Ivy Lou seems to have it all—except friends. So when a witch appears and knits up some magical playmates, Ivy Lou’s parents hire her. Things quickly worsen as Ivy Lou finds her new friends, parents, and fancy house disappearing, leaving her captive in the witch’s hastily knit Horrid Little Hut.
The witch has her own motives—to groom Ivy Lou to be a witch’s child. Ivy Lou, who turns out to be terrible at making potions, casting spells, and riding on a broomstick, has met her match. Even her threat of Tantrum Number Three, to turn herself inside out, doesn’t faze this witch. Finally, as the witch is out on her nightly broomstick rounds, a terrified Ivy Lou, enchanted knitting needles in hand, has only until midnight to unknit the Horrid Little Hut and restore the life she knew.
Will Ivy Lou manage to get back home, or is she doomed to become a witch’s child forever?
Crafted with Kassirer’s timeless prose, and brought to life with exquisite illustrations by Mark Richardson, The Knitting Witch will entangle readers in the threads of this magical yarn!
MORE PRAISE FOR THE KNITTING WITCH
“With a poet’s command of imagery and a mastery of narrative, Kassirer offers a fully imagined world in The Knitting Witch that you won't soon forget." —Geoffrey Gatza, author of The Albatross Around the Neck of Albert Ross
". . . Norma Kassirer spins a tale of the mysterious passed off as truth and truth masquerading as fiction, matched ink for ink with Mark Richardson's fantastical drawings, which will catch the fancy of every spellbound reader." —Edric Mesmer, Poetry Cataloger, University at Buffalo
“ . . . reads like a bedtime story and will have kids giggling at Ivy Lou’s outrageous behavior.” —Avi, Newbery Award-winning author of The Cross of Lead
Ivy Lou seems to have it all—except friends. So when a witch appears and knits up some magical playmates, Ivy Lou’s parents hire her. Things quickly worsen as Ivy Lou finds her new friends, parents, and fancy house disappearing, leaving her captive in the witch’s hastily knit Horrid Little Hut.
The witch has her own motives—to groom Ivy Lou to be a witch’s child. Ivy Lou, who turns out to be terrible at making potions, casting spells, and riding on a broomstick, has met her match. Even her threat of Tantrum Number Three, to turn herself inside out, doesn’t faze this witch. Finally, as the witch is out on her nightly broomstick rounds, a terrified Ivy Lou, enchanted knitting needles in hand, has only until midnight to unknit the Horrid Little Hut and restore the life she knew.
Will Ivy Lou manage to get back home, or is she doomed to become a witch’s child forever?
Crafted with Kassirer’s timeless prose, and brought to life with exquisite illustrations by Mark Richardson, The Knitting Witch will entangle readers in the threads of this magical yarn!
MORE PRAISE FOR THE KNITTING WITCH
“With a poet’s command of imagery and a mastery of narrative, Kassirer offers a fully imagined world in The Knitting Witch that you won't soon forget." —Geoffrey Gatza, author of The Albatross Around the Neck of Albert Ross
". . . Norma Kassirer spins a tale of the mysterious passed off as truth and truth masquerading as fiction, matched ink for ink with Mark Richardson's fantastical drawings, which will catch the fancy of every spellbound reader." —Edric Mesmer, Poetry Cataloger, University at Buffalo
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
3862 people want to read
About the author
Norma Kassirer
8 books27 followersNorma Kassirer, a native of Buffalo, NY, is best known for her classic children's book Magic Elizabeth, a chapter book for middle-grade children that is featured in Eden Ross Lipson's New York Times Parents Guide to the Best Books for Children (Revised and Updated Edition). It was first published by The Viking Press in 1966 and subsequently by Scholastic, Random House, and Harper Collins in paperback editions. Generations of children continue to enjoy this timeless story, which has garnered 78 ratings on Amazon.com and 50 five-star rave reviews. Another chapter book, The Doll Snatchers, was also published by The Viking Press a couple of years later.
And now, a previously unpublished beginning chapter book of hers, The Knitting Witch, will be published in Fall 2024 by The Collective Book Studio and distributed by Simon & Schuster. It will be available wherever books are sold. Recently discovered by her daughter Sue and remembered vividly from childhood, this magical tale has been taken to new, unimagined heights by master illustrator Mark Richardson.
Norma is also the author of numerous books and short stories for adults including The Hidden Wife (Shuffaloff Press),illustrated by Willyum Rowe, Katzenjammered, a novella (BlazeVOX [books], Minnows as Small as Sixteenth Notes: The Collected Poems of Norma Kassirer, edited by Ann Goldsmith and Edric Mesmer, and Milly (Buffalo Ochre Press). Other stories and poems have appeared in various journals and collections, including Blatant Artifice, Sow's Ear, and Yellow Edenwald Field. Two chapbooks were published posthumously, Three Poems (The Poetry Collections, University of Buffalo) and a collection of asemic writing, The 1985 Notebook (Buffalo Ochre Papers). In 1991, author John Barth described Kassirer's stories as "sly, wry and fanciful, fairy-tale realistic."
Also a painter and book artist, examples of Norma's handmade books can be found in the collection of the Albright Knox Art Gallery and in The Poetry Collection of the University Libraries, University of Buffalo, the State University of New York. Paintings of hers are held by The Poetry Collection and The Burchfield Art Center, both in Buffalo, NY, and many others can be viewed at the Brighton Place library in Tonawanda, NY. Norma was also an avid member of Hallwalls, the renowned art gallery, where she gave readings, organized the archives, and in the early days painted the ceiling of the original space.
Norma came from a long line of writers: her father wrote articles for Canadian magazines about his experience in World War I; her brother was a prize-winning poet; a great-great aunt wrote poetry for Harper's Magazine in the 1800s; and a great-great-great uncle founded a literary journal in New York City with Edgar Allen Poe and, under a pseudonym (Harry Franco), produced a number of best-selling sea-faring novels. Her daughter Karen was actively engaged in writing and publishing, as is her daughter Sue.
Norma vividly remembered the last words of her first poem, written at a very early age, alone at the table in the family dining room in Buffalo, New York. The words were, "and in its place stood a golden rose!" She did not remember what the poem was about, but vividly recalled the thrill that ran through her as she read that resonant last line. Where had it come from? She had no idea, but she knew that, in search of another . . . and another . . . thrill of such dimension, she would never stop writing. And she didn't.
At the time of her passing in 2013, The Buffalo News called Norma an "author, poet and artist who influenced generations of local writers and artists." Indeed, she did.
And now, a previously unpublished beginning chapter book of hers, The Knitting Witch, will be published in Fall 2024 by The Collective Book Studio and distributed by Simon & Schuster. It will be available wherever books are sold. Recently discovered by her daughter Sue and remembered vividly from childhood, this magical tale has been taken to new, unimagined heights by master illustrator Mark Richardson.
Norma is also the author of numerous books and short stories for adults including The Hidden Wife (Shuffaloff Press),illustrated by Willyum Rowe, Katzenjammered, a novella (BlazeVOX [books], Minnows as Small as Sixteenth Notes: The Collected Poems of Norma Kassirer, edited by Ann Goldsmith and Edric Mesmer, and Milly (Buffalo Ochre Press). Other stories and poems have appeared in various journals and collections, including Blatant Artifice, Sow's Ear, and Yellow Edenwald Field. Two chapbooks were published posthumously, Three Poems (The Poetry Collections, University of Buffalo) and a collection of asemic writing, The 1985 Notebook (Buffalo Ochre Papers). In 1991, author John Barth described Kassirer's stories as "sly, wry and fanciful, fairy-tale realistic."
Also a painter and book artist, examples of Norma's handmade books can be found in the collection of the Albright Knox Art Gallery and in The Poetry Collection of the University Libraries, University of Buffalo, the State University of New York. Paintings of hers are held by The Poetry Collection and The Burchfield Art Center, both in Buffalo, NY, and many others can be viewed at the Brighton Place library in Tonawanda, NY. Norma was also an avid member of Hallwalls, the renowned art gallery, where she gave readings, organized the archives, and in the early days painted the ceiling of the original space.
Norma came from a long line of writers: her father wrote articles for Canadian magazines about his experience in World War I; her brother was a prize-winning poet; a great-great aunt wrote poetry for Harper's Magazine in the 1800s; and a great-great-great uncle founded a literary journal in New York City with Edgar Allen Poe and, under a pseudonym (Harry Franco), produced a number of best-selling sea-faring novels. Her daughter Karen was actively engaged in writing and publishing, as is her daughter Sue.
Norma vividly remembered the last words of her first poem, written at a very early age, alone at the table in the family dining room in Buffalo, New York. The words were, "and in its place stood a golden rose!" She did not remember what the poem was about, but vividly recalled the thrill that ran through her as she read that resonant last line. Where had it come from? She had no idea, but she knew that, in search of another . . . and another . . . thrill of such dimension, she would never stop writing. And she didn't.
At the time of her passing in 2013, The Buffalo News called Norma an "author, poet and artist who influenced generations of local writers and artists." Indeed, she did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 4, 2024
This is a very classic feeling story and I would believe if you told me it's been around for generations (or at least since the invention of airplanes). For me, it's in the same vein as Pamela Purse, but with a stronger moral and a redemptive conclusion.
The illustrations were lovely and just right for this type of book, and I appreciated how many of them there were.
My one criticism is that it's implied throughout that not only is Ivy Lou beautiful and inherently good because of her blonde curls and blue eyes, but the witch outright states that her own stringy hair is black as evil. I prefer when children aren't taught to equate morality with phenotype presentation.
Thank you to The Collective Book Studio and NetGalley for granting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The illustrations were lovely and just right for this type of book, and I appreciated how many of them there were.
My one criticism is that it's implied throughout that not only is Ivy Lou beautiful and inherently good because of her blonde curls and blue eyes, but the witch outright states that her own stringy hair is black as evil. I prefer when children aren't taught to equate morality with phenotype presentation.
Thank you to The Collective Book Studio and NetGalley for granting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 9, 2024
I adored this children’s tale. The manuscript was discovered by the author’s daughter, and I’m so glad she’s sharing it with all of us! The story teaches a great lesson of how to behave. I’m glad I requested this.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for the eARC. All opinions are mine.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for the eARC. All opinions are mine.
October 26, 2025
Old fashioned but still fun story about a spoiled little girl and a wicked witch. This has been edited by the author's daughter, and beautifully illustrated. It seems perfectly made to be a gift for the spooky season, for knitters, for children, for book collectors.
I will say that on one page, Ivy Lou is holding her knitting needles the wrong way . . . but at least the cover is correct!
I will say that on one page, Ivy Lou is holding her knitting needles the wrong way . . . but at least the cover is correct!
April 7, 2025
Teaching children the virtues of being humble, having gratitude and exhibiting kindness is an age-old lesson that parents/guardians have taught for centuries. Nothing new to see here, folks! BUT, what if you throw in a witch who knits an alternate world that really exemplifies this lesson? Enter: “The Knitting Witch” by Norma Kassirer (illustrations by Mark Richardson) which takes a very unique approach to this overdone message.
“The Knitting Witch” is an early grade school short novel that introduces Ivy Lou: a spoiled, tantrum-throwing, ungracious daughter of very rich parents whom bend to Ivy Lou’s every will and desire especially with her three-level tantrums that upend the entire neighborhood! Nothing is ever good enough for Ivy and she wants more, more, MORE! Until one day, a witch knocks at the family door showcasing her knitting skills that magically creates friends for little Ivy Lou with promises of more. This doesn’t come to fruition and instead the witch “knits” Ivy Lou away into her witch cottage and tries to turn her into an official witch daughter. This doesn’t go so well and Ivy Lou learns the lesson of being grateful for her parents and everything she does (or doesn’t) have and is able to return home.
Is this fable new? Absolutely not. However, Kassirer takes it to another level with the creativity in “The Knitting Witch” that is magical, captivating, and very visual. The characterization of Ivy Lou jumps off the pages with a growth arc that is realistic and not rushed making the pace of “The Knitting Witch” feel very realistic and appropriate helping to solidify the message. In this way, “The Knitting Witch” appeals to children of various ages whether “The Knitting Witch” is read to them or they are reading the text on their own.
In some ways, “The Knitting Witch” reminds of the classic, popular children’s book, “Strega Nona” with its witchy magic and underlying lessons taught and thus Kassirer’s writing is perfect for the same audience. “The Knitting Witch” has elements of “scaring” children but not overly so where the message is missed. The pages of “The Knitting Witch” also encompass doses of suspense that even adults like myself very far removed from childhood are, as a result, riveted and anxious to find the outcome.
The conclusion of “The Knitting Witch” is slightly abrupt and cut off which is disappointing as Kassirer could have really hit the message/lesson home but chose not to do so. This does slightly lighten the impact of the book entirely but it could be worse.
Despite some flaws, “The Knitting Witch” is a delightful, refreshing take on an ‘old’ lesson and is suggested for early childhood readers.
“The Knitting Witch” is an early grade school short novel that introduces Ivy Lou: a spoiled, tantrum-throwing, ungracious daughter of very rich parents whom bend to Ivy Lou’s every will and desire especially with her three-level tantrums that upend the entire neighborhood! Nothing is ever good enough for Ivy and she wants more, more, MORE! Until one day, a witch knocks at the family door showcasing her knitting skills that magically creates friends for little Ivy Lou with promises of more. This doesn’t come to fruition and instead the witch “knits” Ivy Lou away into her witch cottage and tries to turn her into an official witch daughter. This doesn’t go so well and Ivy Lou learns the lesson of being grateful for her parents and everything she does (or doesn’t) have and is able to return home.
Is this fable new? Absolutely not. However, Kassirer takes it to another level with the creativity in “The Knitting Witch” that is magical, captivating, and very visual. The characterization of Ivy Lou jumps off the pages with a growth arc that is realistic and not rushed making the pace of “The Knitting Witch” feel very realistic and appropriate helping to solidify the message. In this way, “The Knitting Witch” appeals to children of various ages whether “The Knitting Witch” is read to them or they are reading the text on their own.
In some ways, “The Knitting Witch” reminds of the classic, popular children’s book, “Strega Nona” with its witchy magic and underlying lessons taught and thus Kassirer’s writing is perfect for the same audience. “The Knitting Witch” has elements of “scaring” children but not overly so where the message is missed. The pages of “The Knitting Witch” also encompass doses of suspense that even adults like myself very far removed from childhood are, as a result, riveted and anxious to find the outcome.
The conclusion of “The Knitting Witch” is slightly abrupt and cut off which is disappointing as Kassirer could have really hit the message/lesson home but chose not to do so. This does slightly lighten the impact of the book entirely but it could be worse.
Despite some flaws, “The Knitting Witch” is a delightful, refreshing take on an ‘old’ lesson and is suggested for early childhood readers.
July 11, 2024
This book felt like reading a classic, witchy fairytale straight out of the Brothers Grimm, and if someone had told me it had been around for years, I would have believed it.
The illustrations were gorgeous and fit the ambiance of the story well. This was a quick and cute read that I could see fans of fairytales enjoying.
I enjoyed this story overall, but I felt like it fell flat in the writing style and the execution of Ivy Lou learning her lesson and coming to appreciate what she had (and almost lost) at the end.
Thank you to The Collective Book Studio and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
The illustrations were gorgeous and fit the ambiance of the story well. This was a quick and cute read that I could see fans of fairytales enjoying.
I enjoyed this story overall, but I felt like it fell flat in the writing style and the execution of Ivy Lou learning her lesson and coming to appreciate what she had (and almost lost) at the end.
Thank you to The Collective Book Studio and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
November 5, 2024
Remember those creepy children's books from the 60s and 70s? This is one that was lost to time. Recently published by the author's daughter.
I LOVED it. When I saw the cover, it reminded me of my time in the school library as a child. Reading every creepy kids book I could get my hands on. The story is a little bit folktale, a little bit Grimm's fairy tale. With a lesson learned in the end. The story follows a family and a witch with an interesting magic. The cover art, endpaper (it's paperback but the inside of the cover has illustrations!), and illustrations inside the book are all beautiful with almost an Edward Gorey style. This would be a great book to read at bedtime with young school age kids. Takes about 20 minutes or so to read, longer if you let them look at the pictures and then the final paragraph ends nicely for goodnight.
I LOVED it. When I saw the cover, it reminded me of my time in the school library as a child. Reading every creepy kids book I could get my hands on. The story is a little bit folktale, a little bit Grimm's fairy tale. With a lesson learned in the end. The story follows a family and a witch with an interesting magic. The cover art, endpaper (it's paperback but the inside of the cover has illustrations!), and illustrations inside the book are all beautiful with almost an Edward Gorey style. This would be a great book to read at bedtime with young school age kids. Takes about 20 minutes or so to read, longer if you let them look at the pictures and then the final paragraph ends nicely for goodnight.
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September 7, 2025I would like a star-shaped kiss too please
June 14, 2024
“‘At least,’ whispered her mother, ‘she didn’t ask for an ocean. She isn’t nearly as unreasonable as they say.’”
Ivy Lou lives in a fancy house. She gets everything she asks for, from a horse to an airplane to a pirate ship with real life pirates. Whenever she doesn’t get her way, Ivy Lou throws massive tantrums. Because of her temper, Ivy Lou doesn’t have many friends.
One day, a witch appears at Ivy Lou’s house offering to knit her some magical playmates – but the witch actually makes Ivy Lou’s fancy house, her mother and her father, and all of her toys disappear. Now, Ivy Lou is stuck being the child of a witch, living in a little hut and wishing she could be with her family again. Is there any way she can make that happen?
My favorite thing about this book was hands down the beautiful illustrations. They were charmingly done in black, white and sepia tones with occasional splashes of color. The vivid art style really brought this story to life and made for an enjoyable reading experience.
However, I did have a slight problem with the writing style. While it was descriptive, sometimes it was overly so. I also felt like the sentences would occasionally run on longer than necessary. I could imagine a child getting a little lost while trying to pay attention to the story.
The story itself was charming and was reminiscent of classic parables and fables. It was cute, fast paced, and overall an enjoyable read. I could see children really loving this one.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ivy Lou lives in a fancy house. She gets everything she asks for, from a horse to an airplane to a pirate ship with real life pirates. Whenever she doesn’t get her way, Ivy Lou throws massive tantrums. Because of her temper, Ivy Lou doesn’t have many friends.
One day, a witch appears at Ivy Lou’s house offering to knit her some magical playmates – but the witch actually makes Ivy Lou’s fancy house, her mother and her father, and all of her toys disappear. Now, Ivy Lou is stuck being the child of a witch, living in a little hut and wishing she could be with her family again. Is there any way she can make that happen?
My favorite thing about this book was hands down the beautiful illustrations. They were charmingly done in black, white and sepia tones with occasional splashes of color. The vivid art style really brought this story to life and made for an enjoyable reading experience.
However, I did have a slight problem with the writing style. While it was descriptive, sometimes it was overly so. I also felt like the sentences would occasionally run on longer than necessary. I could imagine a child getting a little lost while trying to pay attention to the story.
The story itself was charming and was reminiscent of classic parables and fables. It was cute, fast paced, and overall an enjoyable read. I could see children really loving this one.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2024
This story was very reminiscent of older fairytales and witch stories. Ivy Lou is a very spoiled child and would throw tantrums whenever she didn't get her way. This attracts a witch who promises to help the family, but instead knits and transforms their house into a witch's hut and tries to make Ivy Lou turn into a witch child.
I appreciated that the witch didn't give in to Ivy Lou's tantrums - she thought they were amusing. I didn't quite understand the witch's motivations. And I don't know if I like the message that inherently beautiful things equal good and ugly things equal evil. It seems like a pretty antiquated idea.
I enjoy the vintage feel of the illustrations and felt that they really helped tell the story.
Fans of traditional fairytales and fables will likely enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciated that the witch didn't give in to Ivy Lou's tantrums - she thought they were amusing. I didn't quite understand the witch's motivations. And I don't know if I like the message that inherently beautiful things equal good and ugly things equal evil. It seems like a pretty antiquated idea.
I enjoy the vintage feel of the illustrations and felt that they really helped tell the story.
Fans of traditional fairytales and fables will likely enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2024
Ohhh Ivy Lou!! How you make all those other literary naughty children look totally angelic!!
Reminiscent of Grimm's Fairy Tales, this is the story of an extremely spoiled little girl [quite possibly the most spoiled girl ever ], her family that cannot control her [but loves her so much in spite of her naughtiness and tantrums ] and a witch who promises to make everything better [three guesses as to the truth in that LOL ]. What happens next is up to you to find out [and what a fun time that will be].
A totally engaging story that is thought-provoking, lesson-teaching, and just a tiny bit creepy, and filled with delightful illustrations that really add to the overall story and will delight all that read it. Littles and their adults will really enjoy this story and seeing all the the extras in the illustrations and it will evoke quite a bit of conversation.
Well done!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Norma Kasirer, Mark Richardson - Narrator, and The Collective Book Studio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reminiscent of Grimm's Fairy Tales, this is the story of an extremely spoiled little girl [quite possibly the most spoiled girl ever ], her family that cannot control her [but loves her so much in spite of her naughtiness and tantrums ] and a witch who promises to make everything better [three guesses as to the truth in that LOL ]. What happens next is up to you to find out [and what a fun time that will be].
A totally engaging story that is thought-provoking, lesson-teaching, and just a tiny bit creepy, and filled with delightful illustrations that really add to the overall story and will delight all that read it. Littles and their adults will really enjoy this story and seeing all the the extras in the illustrations and it will evoke quite a bit of conversation.
Well done!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Norma Kasirer, Mark Richardson - Narrator, and The Collective Book Studio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2024
a great little story to teach kiddos that it’s important to be grateful for what we have. good little read for halloween time as well for the kiddos!
November 18, 2025
Cute. 3.5 stars
June 27, 2024
This story feels like a Brother’s Grimm classic. The cover of the book drew me in. I love the illustration style. It looks old fashioned. The story is about a girl, Ivy Lou, who is spoiled rotten, ungrateful, and doesn’t have any friends. Her parents are willing to give her anything which ends up in a deal with a witch. Ivy Lou learns that there are dire consequences to her selfish ways and the things that she says (when she throws tantrums). It’s a fun, dark fairytale with a happy ending. My children enjoyed it, but it took a while to get through because it is rather long and wordy.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this fun title.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this fun title.
October 23, 2024
10/22/2024 My only regret is that I only downloaded this to my Kindle so couldn't enjoy the illustrations in all their glory, oh wait, could I see it on my PC's Kindle app? I will investigate! Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
10/23/2024 Very shortly after beginning to read this book on my Kindle Paperwhite, it struck me that I was definitely missing out by not being able to see all the illustrations in full color. After some frantic searching across various websites and devices, I was finally able to access a non-grayscale copy, and oh readers, what a delight this was!
Don't get me wrong, the pictures are totally serviceable in black and white -- and arguably this book could be enjoyed without pictures altogether -- but why needlessly deny yourself the pleasure? Mark Richardson's delightful watercolor and ink illustrations, done primarily in sepia tones with the occasional highlight in green and purple, so perfectly suit this whimsical but thoughtful tale of a small family learning how to be better.
The main character is not, as the title would suggest, a mystical being. Instead, our protagonist is the obnoxious Ivy Lou, a beautiful little girl who is dreadfully spoiled by her parents. Whenever she doesn't get her way, she launches into a series of tantrums that her cowed parents inevitably give way to. Soon, their resources -- material or otherwise -- are drained as they cater to their demanding little girl.
Unsurprisingly to anyone not in Ivy Lou's family, she has no friends. When a witch shows up on their doorstep promising to make perfectly obedient little friends for Ivy Lou to boss around, Ivy Lou's parents hand over the last of their money to help their little girl acquire the only thing they haven't been able to give her. The witch even shows them delightful little samples knit out of magic yarn, and Ivy Lou gleefully anticipates the acquisition of a small army of helpless minions.
Ofc, the witch has no intention of upholding her end of the bargain. Having heard of Ivy Lou's selfishness and stubbornness, she's decided that she's found the perfect wicked apprentice, and quickly sets about knitting away the little girl's old life so she can mold Ivy Lou into her own image. Will she succeed, or will Ivy Lou find the gumption to save herself and her parents from the witch's evil machinations?
I haven't been charmed this way by a children's chapter book in such a long time! I'm genuinely surprised that I never encountered Norma Kassirer's work before The Knitting Witch, and am only sorry to hear that she passed away in 2013. Fortunately for readers everywhere, her daughter Sue found this manuscript among her mother's effects and got it ready for publication, in no small part by enlisting Mr Richardson to illustrate the wise and flowing text. The result is a tale that feels at once classic but eternally relevant to raising good children. While kids can absolutely read this on their own, it's perfect for them to read with their adults as well. Honestly, any adult could benefit from reading this, with or without their kids: after all, in the immortal words of Roald Dahl's Oompa Loompas, "A girl can't spoil herself, you know."
The Knitting Witch by Norma Kassirer & Mark Richardson was published October 1 2024 by the Collective Book Studio and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
10/23/2024 Very shortly after beginning to read this book on my Kindle Paperwhite, it struck me that I was definitely missing out by not being able to see all the illustrations in full color. After some frantic searching across various websites and devices, I was finally able to access a non-grayscale copy, and oh readers, what a delight this was!
Don't get me wrong, the pictures are totally serviceable in black and white -- and arguably this book could be enjoyed without pictures altogether -- but why needlessly deny yourself the pleasure? Mark Richardson's delightful watercolor and ink illustrations, done primarily in sepia tones with the occasional highlight in green and purple, so perfectly suit this whimsical but thoughtful tale of a small family learning how to be better.
The main character is not, as the title would suggest, a mystical being. Instead, our protagonist is the obnoxious Ivy Lou, a beautiful little girl who is dreadfully spoiled by her parents. Whenever she doesn't get her way, she launches into a series of tantrums that her cowed parents inevitably give way to. Soon, their resources -- material or otherwise -- are drained as they cater to their demanding little girl.
Unsurprisingly to anyone not in Ivy Lou's family, she has no friends. When a witch shows up on their doorstep promising to make perfectly obedient little friends for Ivy Lou to boss around, Ivy Lou's parents hand over the last of their money to help their little girl acquire the only thing they haven't been able to give her. The witch even shows them delightful little samples knit out of magic yarn, and Ivy Lou gleefully anticipates the acquisition of a small army of helpless minions.
Ofc, the witch has no intention of upholding her end of the bargain. Having heard of Ivy Lou's selfishness and stubbornness, she's decided that she's found the perfect wicked apprentice, and quickly sets about knitting away the little girl's old life so she can mold Ivy Lou into her own image. Will she succeed, or will Ivy Lou find the gumption to save herself and her parents from the witch's evil machinations?
I haven't been charmed this way by a children's chapter book in such a long time! I'm genuinely surprised that I never encountered Norma Kassirer's work before The Knitting Witch, and am only sorry to hear that she passed away in 2013. Fortunately for readers everywhere, her daughter Sue found this manuscript among her mother's effects and got it ready for publication, in no small part by enlisting Mr Richardson to illustrate the wise and flowing text. The result is a tale that feels at once classic but eternally relevant to raising good children. While kids can absolutely read this on their own, it's perfect for them to read with their adults as well. Honestly, any adult could benefit from reading this, with or without their kids: after all, in the immortal words of Roald Dahl's Oompa Loompas, "A girl can't spoil herself, you know."
The Knitting Witch by Norma Kassirer & Mark Richardson was published October 1 2024 by the Collective Book Studio and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
September 29, 2024
Ivy Lou is a child who has two indulgent parents that gives her whatever she wants. Ivy Lou has only one problem in her life — no friends. The parents end up caving into letting her have everything she wants as she has perfected three levels of tantrums. The neighbors are more than upset when she has her tantrums as sh shrieks so loudly that she causes things to fly and break in the neighborhood homes. Due to the parents being rich, they always fix and repair what has happen to their houses as well as their own home. One day Ivy Lou is so upset, she threatens to turn herself inside out. Her parents give in to her demand. One day a witch with a green face, red eyes, a pointed hat, a black cloak, broomstick and knitting needles. The witch knitted a long scary where three children appeared and played with Ivy Lou. As time passed the witch kept knitting the scarf until it was very long. Ivy Lou’s parents touched the scarf and disappeared, then things inside the house as well as the house itself. Ivy Lou is taken to become the witch’s daughter. The witch isn’t happabout Ivy Lou as she is not turning into a very good daughter for her. She orders Ivy Lou to knit a black scarf and have it done by midnight or else! Ivy Lou knows that the scarf must be knitted perfectly or she will be very sorry. As she works as quickly as possible, she suddenly finds the almost done scarf unraveling no matter what she does. It continues to unravel and doesn’t stop. Why ? What will the witch do?
The author wrote a story about a very spoiled child who only thought about herself. There were no rules in the book that Ivy Lou followed. The book shows what happens to Ivy Lou’s selfish desires. The illustrator did an excellent job of illustrating Ivy Lou’s most horrible moments and the diabolical expressions of the witch. It is an old fashioned style in look and feel, but its’ storyline’ moralism has a charm that tones down some of the more dated elements. I loved the outrageous behavior that Ivy Lou resorted to so she would get her way. I thought the illustrations were perfect for the book.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the aut/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author wrote a story about a very spoiled child who only thought about herself. There were no rules in the book that Ivy Lou followed. The book shows what happens to Ivy Lou’s selfish desires. The illustrator did an excellent job of illustrating Ivy Lou’s most horrible moments and the diabolical expressions of the witch. It is an old fashioned style in look and feel, but its’ storyline’ moralism has a charm that tones down some of the more dated elements. I loved the outrageous behavior that Ivy Lou resorted to so she would get her way. I thought the illustrations were perfect for the book.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the aut/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
July 1, 2024
The Knitting Witch is a delight. As an adult, I read it both with a nostalgic eye, and with my niece and nephews in mind; and when I finished, I wrote down the publication date so I can pick up a physical copy. Main character Ivy Lou breaks rules in zany ways that grab the reader's attention, but as badly as she acts out, she undergoes an equal discipline and lesson via the witch. Norma Kassirer writes approachably for middle grade readers, and utilizes dry humor, irony, and matter-of-fact descriptions of impossible things, reminding me of favorite books I read at that age. For its age group, The Knitting Witch is witty, very entertaining, and a great fable.
The artwork by Mark Richardson is pretty remarkable. It reminded me of the artist Dirk Zimmer, and at times of Sir John Tenniel's illustrations for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Tomie dePaola's for Strega Nona. The mixture of realism and surrealism/exaggeration, as well as the often muted color palette, made for unsettling imagery. I won't go too far into it, but I would have eaten his creepy illustrations up as a middle grade reader! He took me back to when I first read all those beloved eerily-beautifully illustrated books, and I'm excited to get this book and others illustrated by him for my niece and nephews.
Overall, I was very happy with The Knitting Witch, and would reach for this any time to read to my niblings. It was genuinely fun to experience, and I won't get tired of looking at the many detailed illustrations. My thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the digital Direct Reader Copy I read!
The artwork by Mark Richardson is pretty remarkable. It reminded me of the artist Dirk Zimmer, and at times of Sir John Tenniel's illustrations for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Tomie dePaola's for Strega Nona. The mixture of realism and surrealism/exaggeration, as well as the often muted color palette, made for unsettling imagery. I won't go too far into it, but I would have eaten his creepy illustrations up as a middle grade reader! He took me back to when I first read all those beloved eerily-beautifully illustrated books, and I'm excited to get this book and others illustrated by him for my niece and nephews.
Overall, I was very happy with The Knitting Witch, and would reach for this any time to read to my niblings. It was genuinely fun to experience, and I won't get tired of looking at the many detailed illustrations. My thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the digital Direct Reader Copy I read!
October 11, 2024
When I requested this ARC from NetGalley I didn’t really imagine that it was so short or a fairy tale. Given that it was listed as for Middle Grades and compared to “Coraline “I was quite disappointed when I read it. I cannot imagine a middle grade student who would like this book nor does it resemble, in any way, “Coraline”. That book was scary, this doesn’t even ruffle a feather.
If I review it for what it is, a fairy tale that elementary school students might enjoy, then the three stars I gave it are generous. Nothing happened in this book. It spent three chapters describing, at great length, Ivy Lou’s tantrums, which might have been ok if the book were about 150 pages longer or if, other than Tantrum 3 they were relevant to the plot. The part after the witch appeared had potential but eventually was the same thing repeated; the witch tried to make Ivy Lou a proper witch’s child and Ivy Lou moved slowly towards that end. The story would have been much more interesting if she did become a witch’s child and then either stayed that way, or somehow, redeemed her way back to a regular child. The whole unknitting thing came from nowhere - I assumed that the star had something to do with it but it is not even hinted at. In fact the star was an unnecessary addition except as a symbol of the mother’s love. Other than that it did nothing.
I will agree with other reviews that it read exactly like an old fashioned fairy tale and the writer can take credit for that, but other than that I wouldn’t recommend buying this book. Taking it out of the library maybe, but not spending money on it.
If I review it for what it is, a fairy tale that elementary school students might enjoy, then the three stars I gave it are generous. Nothing happened in this book. It spent three chapters describing, at great length, Ivy Lou’s tantrums, which might have been ok if the book were about 150 pages longer or if, other than Tantrum 3 they were relevant to the plot. The part after the witch appeared had potential but eventually was the same thing repeated; the witch tried to make Ivy Lou a proper witch’s child and Ivy Lou moved slowly towards that end. The story would have been much more interesting if she did become a witch’s child and then either stayed that way, or somehow, redeemed her way back to a regular child. The whole unknitting thing came from nowhere - I assumed that the star had something to do with it but it is not even hinted at. In fact the star was an unnecessary addition except as a symbol of the mother’s love. Other than that it did nothing.
I will agree with other reviews that it read exactly like an old fashioned fairy tale and the writer can take credit for that, but other than that I wouldn’t recommend buying this book. Taking it out of the library maybe, but not spending money on it.
October 13, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Knitting Witch is a slightly darker fable for all-ages by Norma Kassirer. Originally written in the 1960s (and recently rediscovered and brought to publication by the author's daughter), this illustrated release from indie press Collective Book Studio is 88 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
Mostly aimed at primary grade readers (Lexile 860L grades 2-5), this is an enthusiastic and action filled fairy tale with a -very- bratty little girl who has notoriously epic tantrums (she threatens to turn herself *inside out*! *shudder*), and her poor long-suffering parents trying to cope with her outbursts.
It's fully illustrated throughout, and the art by Mark Richardson is full of small wryly humorous details which reward observant readers and invite them to take a closer look.
It's age appropriate, but high-stakes and moderately thrilling for a children's book. Stylistically, it is in the same general camp as Roald Dahl and E. Nesbit, and will appeal to lovers of classic children's fiction.
Four stars. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, or gift giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Knitting Witch is a slightly darker fable for all-ages by Norma Kassirer. Originally written in the 1960s (and recently rediscovered and brought to publication by the author's daughter), this illustrated release from indie press Collective Book Studio is 88 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
Mostly aimed at primary grade readers (Lexile 860L grades 2-5), this is an enthusiastic and action filled fairy tale with a -very- bratty little girl who has notoriously epic tantrums (she threatens to turn herself *inside out*! *shudder*), and her poor long-suffering parents trying to cope with her outbursts.
It's fully illustrated throughout, and the art by Mark Richardson is full of small wryly humorous details which reward observant readers and invite them to take a closer look.
It's age appropriate, but high-stakes and moderately thrilling for a children's book. Stylistically, it is in the same general camp as Roald Dahl and E. Nesbit, and will appeal to lovers of classic children's fiction.
Four stars. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, or gift giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 14, 2025
I really loved this book! Reading that it’s a “found manuscript” from years ago just proves there have been spoiled, temper-tantrum throwing children for YEARS!! As well as weak-minded, clueless parents who give into their empty threats & just throw money at the problem, creating larger problems down the line.
I DID wonder about how a book published in 2024 contained references to “out-dated” things. First, there’s a laundry chute. Most of the houses I grew up with had laundry chute. It was the “older” homes (like my Grandma’s house built in 1929–originally w/o a bathroom, bc of outhouses!) that didn’t have them.
Second, it referenced a traffic “cloverleaf”. I LOVE cloverleafs! My hometown had a “2 leaf” one. They got rid of 7 years ago in favor of dead-common straight exits that look like every other exit in the country.
Third, I found it interesting that the witch brought a NEWSPAPER (no doubt purloined!) home with her every morning! 😁😁 When I read that this was a manuscript written by an author who passed on in 2013 & who published most of her books in the 1960s, it made sense.
Looking at the illustrations, I found it was interesting that Ivy Lou didn’t really smile until the very last illustration. That was when she was among friends. It says a lot. No one wanted to be her friend when she was a rich spoiled brat who threw temper tantrums.
I DID wonder about how a book published in 2024 contained references to “out-dated” things. First, there’s a laundry chute. Most of the houses I grew up with had laundry chute. It was the “older” homes (like my Grandma’s house built in 1929–originally w/o a bathroom, bc of outhouses!) that didn’t have them.
Second, it referenced a traffic “cloverleaf”. I LOVE cloverleafs! My hometown had a “2 leaf” one. They got rid of 7 years ago in favor of dead-common straight exits that look like every other exit in the country.
Third, I found it interesting that the witch brought a NEWSPAPER (no doubt purloined!) home with her every morning! 😁😁 When I read that this was a manuscript written by an author who passed on in 2013 & who published most of her books in the 1960s, it made sense.
Looking at the illustrations, I found it was interesting that Ivy Lou didn’t really smile until the very last illustration. That was when she was among friends. It says a lot. No one wanted to be her friend when she was a rich spoiled brat who threw temper tantrums.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
Gentle and quick | How lovely that Kassirer's daughter unearthed this story from her mother's things, and was willing to share it. My sister and I used to love "witch" stories when we were little, the number of Ruth Chew books we had! (I say "had", but I still have six of them in the house now, as a childless adult) This felt much like those well-loved books of childhood, with a touch of Mrs Piggle-Wiggle as a child learns a lesson about their behavior. This is not a long read, it'll be for young readers just barely starting chapter books, and it's got excellent illustrations, though my fellow knitters should prepare themselves: not once are the needles shown being held in any actual knitting position. It's an artistic choice for a book for young readers, we can deal with it. I enjoyed this enough that I'll seek out Magic Elizabeth, one of Kassirer's other books, as it sounds so familiar but I can't tell if I've read it. Wouldn't it be marvelous if this late publication brought readers back to some of those classics? The "witch" books led me to Diana Wynne Jones (through Witch Week), who took me to so many other authors. With those memories in mind, I heartily recommend this one!
ARC provided free of charge, which did not impact my review
ARC provided free of charge, which did not impact my review
September 20, 2024
There is no doubt that Ivy Lou is a spoiled little girl. Her well-meaning mommy and daddy have given her everything she wants, and if they have ever been reluctant to give in to her Ivy Lou's legendary tantrums have left even the neighbors begging them to give in. But in spite of all of her toys and her personal freeway and her private ship crewed by her own pirates Ivy Lou has no friends. When a witch shows up offering to knit some magic friends for Ivy Lou, Daddy uses the last of his money to hire her. Unfortunately the witch has her own reasons for being interested in Ivy Lou, and soon Ivy Lou's life of privilege is gone. As her old life fades Ivy Lou tries to settle in to being a witch's child, but something in her old life just won't let go.
Reminiscent of Roald Dahl, The Knitting Witch starts with a very nasty little girl, gives her exactly what she deserves, and then redeems her in a fresh and satisfying way.. Mark Richardson's illustrations set the perfect mood for Norma Kassirer's expert storytelling.
Reminiscent of Roald Dahl, The Knitting Witch starts with a very nasty little girl, gives her exactly what she deserves, and then redeems her in a fresh and satisfying way.. Mark Richardson's illustrations set the perfect mood for Norma Kassirer's expert storytelling.
July 4, 2024
I have very mixed feelings about this story. On one hand I loved the illustrations, they were beautiful and helped add so much life to the story, on the other hand the story really wasn't that great. I can see how Kassirer was trying to go for the lesson learned structure but most of the story focus so much on the horrible attitude of Ivy that when it came around time for the story to switch gears and Ivy start to learn why her attitude and actions were not okay it ended up lacking in execution. Her lessons are very short livid and doesn't hit the impact that it could have, it felt more like Ivy went through a few inconveniences as opposed to actually learning why her attitude was an issue, and so when it wrapped up with her realizing she has been terrible it didn't feel sufficient enough.
Its an easy read and moves quickly but overall I think the story needed a better balance in execution to really hit the impact of teaching a lesson.
Its an easy read and moves quickly but overall I think the story needed a better balance in execution to really hit the impact of teaching a lesson.
August 3, 2024
I wish there were more children's books like this. It reminds me of books I read as a child, or ones much older than me. It has a nostalgic style.
Fans of Lemony Snicket would love this. It has a dark humor and cautionary tale vibe.
It would be good for children to read this and see that getting everything you want whenever you want without consequences may not make you or those around you as happy as you think. Honestly, it will be good for parents to see as well.
When the witch comes to the family, they love the idea of her doing magic and creating children for Ivy Lou to play with. She has no real friends because she's spoiled, selfish, and rude.
The witch ends up enchanting the house and Ivy Lou's parents, and everything she once had is gone--except the star.
I don't want to spoil it, but I really did like it. It won't appealing to everyone, but I hope the people who need it will find it and love it!
Fans of Lemony Snicket would love this. It has a dark humor and cautionary tale vibe.
It would be good for children to read this and see that getting everything you want whenever you want without consequences may not make you or those around you as happy as you think. Honestly, it will be good for parents to see as well.
When the witch comes to the family, they love the idea of her doing magic and creating children for Ivy Lou to play with. She has no real friends because she's spoiled, selfish, and rude.
The witch ends up enchanting the house and Ivy Lou's parents, and everything she once had is gone--except the star.
I don't want to spoil it, but I really did like it. It won't appealing to everyone, but I hope the people who need it will find it and love it!
June 9, 2024
Ivy Lou is spoiled rotten, and throws different fits to get her way from her parents. One day a witch comes to the house, and offers to knit some children for Ivy Lou to play with. For some reason Ivy Lou can not make friends.
But when the witch knits, she knits away the house, and Ivy’s parents, and everything she loves. Soon she is tricked into believing she is the child of the witch, and she has to help make spells. But being unmagical, she fails each time. She doesn’t learn to knit either. She is very miserable. And it doens’t work to throw tantrums with the witch. She loves to watch them.
Cute parable like tale of what happens when you always get your way. Not as heavy handed as it sounds, and it is actually a pleasant little read.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 17th of September 2024.
But when the witch knits, she knits away the house, and Ivy’s parents, and everything she loves. Soon she is tricked into believing she is the child of the witch, and she has to help make spells. But being unmagical, she fails each time. She doesn’t learn to knit either. She is very miserable. And it doens’t work to throw tantrums with the witch. She loves to watch them.
Cute parable like tale of what happens when you always get your way. Not as heavy handed as it sounds, and it is actually a pleasant little read.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 17th of September 2024.
February 15, 2025
Ivy Lou is quite the spoiled child, one who wreaks havoc on everyone around her, even her neighbors. Her temper tantrums when she doesn't get her way are so legendary she even attracts a witch who promises to give Ivy Lou everything her heart desires. Unfortunately, it seems everyone but Ivy Lou and her parents know that you should never trust a witch.
This was just a cute little read ultimately about appreciating the things that really matter, jot material objects, and that the word No, especially in parenting, is not always a bad thing.
Overall, even though the author originally wrote this story decades ago, I found that it would definitely hold up to its more modern counterparts and can see it becoming a beloved story for young readers.
As always, thanks to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for the eArc!
This was just a cute little read ultimately about appreciating the things that really matter, jot material objects, and that the word No, especially in parenting, is not always a bad thing.
Overall, even though the author originally wrote this story decades ago, I found that it would definitely hold up to its more modern counterparts and can see it becoming a beloved story for young readers.
As always, thanks to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for the eArc!
September 22, 2025
I was drawn to this book first by the wonderful title and second by the illustrated cover. The illustrations continue throughout the book and add to the enjoyment of this fairytale, which is reminiscent of an old-fashioned fairytale. I read that the author passed away in 2013, and her daughter came across this unpublished story. I love the three levels of tantrums that Ivy Lou can create. The descriptions are so vivid, and if you have ever had a child who is prone to tantrums, you can relate to the 3 levels and descriptions. I love the moral lesson that is taught to Ivy Lou and her parents, too. It is dark humor, but most kids love dark humor and understand it even better than adults.
Thank you to Netgalley and The Collective Book Studio for this book, which was published in October of 2024.
Thank you to Netgalley and The Collective Book Studio for this book, which was published in October of 2024.
July 2, 2024
I was immediately drawn to The Knitting Witch because of the beautifully illustrated cover - so reminiscent of childhood Halloweens! Maybe it was the art style, but the story itself reminded me a bit of Maurice Sendak's Pierre (also super nostalgic!)
Despite that initial draw, the story fell a little flat for me and I'm still not sure why. Maybe it was more anticlimactic than I expected? I will say I wondered briefly if the Witch was going to teach Ivy Lou the lesson of gratitude on purpose and redeem herself, so I appreciate that she simply remained 'evil' for the whole story.
All in all though, this was a quick, cute read!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.)
Despite that initial draw, the story fell a little flat for me and I'm still not sure why. Maybe it was more anticlimactic than I expected? I will say I wondered briefly if the Witch was going to teach Ivy Lou the lesson of gratitude on purpose and redeem herself, so I appreciate that she simply remained 'evil' for the whole story.
All in all though, this was a quick, cute read!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.)
September 20, 2025
Ivy Lou is a terrible spoiled unpleasant little girl whose parents give her anything just to avoid one of her terrible temper tantrums (the only thing she appears to be good at). Ivy Lou wants it all, so when a witch comes to the door, of course Ivy Lou wants a witch too. Little does she realize that witches are even more terrible spoiled and unpleasant than even she.
This story is told in a classic 60s style with a pretty clear (though not explicitly stated) moral and a protagonist who is not at all powerful, much less likable. Which isn't to say it isn't a fun story. I suppose I was hoping that more actual knitting would be involved.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This story is told in a classic 60s style with a pretty clear (though not explicitly stated) moral and a protagonist who is not at all powerful, much less likable. Which isn't to say it isn't a fun story. I suppose I was hoping that more actual knitting would be involved.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2024
3.5/5 stars
I don't typically read children's books but the cover and title of this one got me. The Knitting Witch follows a spoiled little gremlin child named Ivy Lou who throws massive tantrums.
This book was silly and sweet. I do think the actual "lesson" portion of the story is a tad short compared to the bulk of it, which highlights Ivy Lou's tantrums. Overall it was a silly story that gave old fairytale vibes (think Grimm's fairytales) in a good way. I loved the art style and I think that is really what made the book for me.
Thank you Netgalley and The Collective Book Studio for an E-arc.
I don't typically read children's books but the cover and title of this one got me. The Knitting Witch follows a spoiled little gremlin child named Ivy Lou who throws massive tantrums.
This book was silly and sweet. I do think the actual "lesson" portion of the story is a tad short compared to the bulk of it, which highlights Ivy Lou's tantrums. Overall it was a silly story that gave old fairytale vibes (think Grimm's fairytales) in a good way. I loved the art style and I think that is really what made the book for me.
Thank you Netgalley and The Collective Book Studio for an E-arc.
August 4, 2024
I stumbled across this while browsing the fantasy section of NetGalley. It surprised me after I downloaded it to see a children’s book. I figured it to be middle-grade at the least and, well, of course I read it anyway. It was adorable!
A spoiled girl who got everything she ever wanted gets swept away by a witch. This witch thought she’d be perfect to take up the role as witch since she’s such a terrible little girl. Through trial and tribulation she realizes she wants to be a normal girl with friends and family and accidentally works hard to get her parents back again.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC.
A spoiled girl who got everything she ever wanted gets swept away by a witch. This witch thought she’d be perfect to take up the role as witch since she’s such a terrible little girl. Through trial and tribulation she realizes she wants to be a normal girl with friends and family and accidentally works hard to get her parents back again.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC.
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