The Witch's Table

by Melinda Beatty, Stefano Tambellini (illustrator)

When a young witch inherits a rather cantankerous family heirloom; she has to figure out how to outwit her cursed companion.

The Table had been in the Witch's family for a very long time.
No one remembered who had cursed it to stay with them forever, but none of them liked it much.

The young witch initially tries to thwart the Table's shenanigans. But after some time living with the Table, she begins to notice how cold the kitchen floor is on a brisk winter's day, how many nicks and scratches the Table has endured, and how hard it is to stand on all four legs for so many hours, and she comes to realize compassion will get her further than cleverness. This charming and hilarious picture book is about empathy and trying to find common ground with the people--or furniture--around you.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Halloween, Humor, Holiday, Childrens, Witches

Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is ADORABLE! It has a great message of compassion and thinking of others without being preachy in the slightest. The artwork is cute and funny and I can see little ones giggling with the antics of the table.

It’s not good to act out, even if one isn’t understood, but compassion is always a good first response.

Debating if I want to be a cool aunt and gift this to my nephew or keep this in my personal library, lol. I’ll probably read it one more time and then pass it on. It’s so good!

5, I knew I would love this book and I did, stars.

[Patricia Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute! Did anyone notice the endpapers are the same as the tablecloth she puts on the table!?

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young witch has to deal with an ornery table that has been in her family for generations despite repeated attempts to get rid of it. A bit about our table friend. It is not unusual for a table to have legs. But it is a little strange for those legs to have feet - with toes. Feet that can kick and walk around.

At first our young witch simply outsmarts the table. But then she begins to empathize with it. Maybe it's feet are cold? Or they hurt? Maybe the table is lonely! Once the young witch starts to empathize with the table, their relationship flourishes. And they become friends.

A lesson for us all! While Halloween is mentioned, this is not really a Halloween book. Instead, it walks us through all of the seasons with the table as the witch discovers new things about her now beloved table and brings more light to her world.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looks and feels like a classic in a good way, after first glance I actually looked at the publication date because in some ways it almost seems like it's from the 70s. It is a lovely tale about how showing some appreciation and kindness can help change someone's attitude (even if it's an object meant to curse your family).

The illustrations are great. I love the cat and many of the other details. Because of the size of some of the pictures, I'm not sure that I would use this in a storytime. If it was a very small group then it may work; probably best with elementary school students.

[A Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is strange and adorable. As the synopsis says, Beatty crafted this story about "empathy and trying to find common ground with the people - or furniture - around you." The illustrations are odd and charming. I love that the witch works at The Black Spider Cafe and I love how the different seasons are depicted. I really enjoy the book and I only wish there was someone(s) in the illustrations with visible disabilities to make it more inclusive. I am adding this to my library wishlist for certain!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A message book, but not too heavy. And the message is wildly needed: before punishing, before banishment, try to figure out what is stressing someone out. The witch inherits a four-footed, troublesome table. But with a bare minimum of observation, the witch notices that the table is cold, naked, lonely, and tired. Not to spoil the big reveal, but she takes care of the table's needs and everyone's life is better for it.

A lesson for everyone, and yet another reason why picture books aren't just for kids.

[Thomas Scholtes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! This books is sweet and funny, beautiful and enlightening. Beatty’s story is easy to digest but may leave the kids (and certainly adults) with a lot more to think about. And each page is complimented by Tambellini’s amazing artwork, bringing the fun tale to life and giving you a lot to look at (and maybe a cat to search for with every page turn!). Just a great read that gives a nice lesson about how we can all treat people (and tables) a little better.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A witch cleverly uses kindness to curry the favor of a cantankerous family heirloom and ends up with some fine furniture for friends. Clever artwork is full of eye-catching details. What a heartwarming and uplifting story for Halloween, one that emphasizes loving kindness instead of meanness or fear.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I commend this book for being highly creative. A table with legs is passed down from generation to generation, and none of the witches who have owned it like it. But when the youngest witch inherits the table, what happens when she starts to treat it with compassion? very thought provoking.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A witch inherits a cursed table. She thinks she has it figured out, but she realizes how she treats the table might not be how the table wants to be treated. A funny story that talks about learning about others and what they want.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this! It had a classic feel to it and the story was sweet. The illustrations were just precious as well.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book answers the question of: what would happen when we start caring for others?
The illustrations have a classic feel to them.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet and a little bit spooky. This is a great story about looking out for your friends!

[Shanaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely!

[Lynne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't expect to like this one as much as I did (after all it's a book about a table) but it was wonderful and had an important message.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has a great lesson about kindness.

[Syntaxx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story demonstrating empathy.

[R.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story with beautiful illustrations reminiscent of Tomie dePaola. Great for any witchy youngster around the year.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a good laugh out of this one

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is okay, I guess; not really to my tastes (I found the feet on the table pretty gross 😅). The story is fine, and I appreciate what it’s trying to do.

[Rediz]

YES. ABSOLUTELY. YES.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter picked this out at the local library, and it has been a hit!