Witch Cat

by Lucy Rowland, Laura Hughes (Illustrator)

With illustrations by the award-winning Laura Hughes, this charming, delightfully rhyming story about finding where you belong is perfect for Halloween!

Pippin has always been a witch's cat . . . But he can't help but wonder if there's more to life!

Setting out boldly by the light of the moon, Pippin tries out the life of a pirate's cat (too much water!), a knight's cat (too many dragons!), and a pet cat (too many ribbons!).

Nothing feels quite right and Pippin wonders if he's doing something wrong . . .

Until he realizes that maybe he's meant to be a witch's cat after all!

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 2025

About the author

Lucy Rowland works as a speech and language therapist for children. Her experience and passion for her work prompted her to make the leap into writing picture books. When she’s not daydreaming about story ideas, reading A. A. Milne, or thinking up new rhymes, she enjoys backpacking, baking, and long walks on the beach. Lucy Rowland lives in London.

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute Halloween read about finding the place you belong. Two stars for me (as in okay) but it's objectively of a good enough quality that I can't slander it like that. 2.5 stars rounded up.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch Cat is less a story about Halloween and more a story that mainly focuses on stereotypical events that both start as well as end on the day.

Instead the story is about a witch's cat who believes there has to be more to him than what he is doing already and that is all the explanation we are given about the situation. Instead of the millions of other formulaic books that say you need to be coddled and reminded of how great you are, Pippin decides to do something about it.

The book is mainly written in short rhymes with a soft flow. And emphasis adds to the fun of the story, especially if you are trying to get younger readers to help join in.

Although the illustrations aren't the best, they aren't AI. The look seems like a child mastered the drawings while helping to give a bit more cartoonish yet detailed glimpse into the book. The only thing that bothered me was there was a bit of foreshadowing at the beginning when you looked into the background, which was later done away with.

All in all it was a cute story and one that encourages readers to try on new hats before sticking fully wirh their choices, especially if they are already happy with the results.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rhyming of the words had the dyslexia worked up.
I do love the sassiness of the cat's face.

[Alyssa Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch Cat By Lucy Rowland is a delightful picture book that follows the whimsical journey of Pippin, a curious black cat who wonders if he might be happier living a different life than his usual one with a kind witch. Searching for something more, Pippin tries out being a pirate's cat, a knight's cat, a pet, and even joins a circus- each adventure bringing humerous mishaps and fresh experiences. Despite all his exploration, Pippin comes to realize that his true home is right where he started, alongside his beloved witch. The story uses energetic rhymes and vibrant illustrations to bring Pippin's adventure to life, ultimately delivering a heartfelt message about belonging and appreciating what you have. This book offers both a fun read-aloud and a sweet lesson that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, making it a warm , charming choice for young readers and cat lovers alike.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pippin has always loved being a witch’s cat, but then he starts to long for something different. When he discovers a pirate ship about to leave, he is invited to join the crew and solve their mouse issues. But the sea is not the right place for seasick Pippin and he quickly leaves them at the first island they visit. It’s there that he considers very briefly being a knight’s cat but the local dragon keeps him moving. Perhaps being a pet? A cowboy’s cat? Nothing quite seems right, until he sees a rather witchy broom. But how is Pippin to find his way back home? This picture book is told in rhymes with just the right mix of Halloween and humor.

Great for sharing aloud and full of fall fun. Appropriate for ages 3-6.

[Amber Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom to a curious six-year-old, Witch Cat was pure magic for both of us. Pippin’s whimsical journey to find where he belongs sparked giggles, wide-eyed wonder, and even a few thoughtful questions about identity and home. The rhyming text is delightful to read aloud, and the vibrant illustrations kept my daughter enchanted from start to finish. It’s a gentle, imaginative reminder that sometimes the place we’re meant to be is the one we’ve loved all along. A perfect pick for Halloween—or any cozy storytime.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch Cat was a pure delight and featured a deeper theme of figuring out where you belong. We adored the different adventures Pippin went on while trying to determine what kind of cat he wanted to be. I love the author’s choice to feature some of kids favorite things to dress up as -- pirates, knights, cowboys, etc — for Pippin’s adventures. It added another layer of fun to the story. The illustrations are also whimsical and fit the vibe of the story. I can see this easily becoming a favorite in our house.

[Kelly Celesky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a cute cover and it’s an even cuter story. A black cat named Pippin has always thought he had to be a witches cat because he’s a black cat. He wonders, does he HAVE to be? So he sets out, trying different cat roles on for size. A pirate’s cat? No. A house cat? Not his thing. And so it goes, until Pippen realizes maybe he’s meant to be a witch’s cat after all! This would be a great book to read to a child around Halloween.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few times that I got the rhythm of the rhyme straight away and made the reading of the book so much more enjoyable but it's a delightful story even if you don't get the rhyme. This is so cute and the illustrations are delightful.

[Bethany Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Library Borrow) definitely more Halloween oriented. Rhymes were alright, not in a rush to get it again but wouldn’t avoid it

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was cool! Great Rhymes

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute word play and message about being yourself/the grass is not always greener/trying new things

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit long for Storytime, but would work well with parents/kids.

[Juli Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a witch-adjacent human with a cat named Pippin, I am obliged to give this adorable book about Pippin, a witch's cat, five stars.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet! And the illustrations are so adorable!

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute story about a witch cat that wants to try out another job as a cat. The cat travels all over to see where he fits in. Would make a nice Halloween season story.

[Sophie Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

forced diversity. like a black Medieval knight, 17th century black pirate, and a black cowboy.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Themes of independence, adventure, and a place of belonging.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! Pippin needs to discover what type of cat she wishes to be. Told through ryhmes this picture book will become a favorite!

[Alice (Children's Books Librarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully told in rhyme, very Halloween themed!