The Owl Witch

by Myriam Dahman, Nicolas Digard, Júlia Sardá Portabella (illustrator)

In a solitary house on a secluded island lives a woman known as the Owl Witch who longs for companionship.

One evening, a traveller called Noor arrives with a mysterious invitation from her master, Blackink Baldassare, a devilish force who rules the depths of the sea.

Can the Owl Witch outsmart the wily Blackink and help Noor to regain her freedom?

A richly atmospheric gift of a book about courage and empowerment, from the award-winning creators of The Wolf's Secret and Leina and the Lord of the Toadstools, illustrated by the internationally acclaimed artist Júlia Sardà.

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Picture Books

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2025

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a cliff, high above the sea, lives a woman known as the owl witch. She is mysterious and often feared by local fisherman. What they don’t know is that she lives in lonely solitude. A strange visitor knocks on her door and she embarks on a venture after being summoned by sea folk.

The artwork in this book is stunning and paired with the story makes this book a masterpiece. It’s dark and magical. Children who love fairytales and folklore will love it. This is one we will keep on the shelf.

We read the hardcover in English. I’m rating it 4.5***** because I do wish it was longer with a less abrupt ending.

[frabamakaba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how the illustrator creates the world and chooses colors. I also love how she creates creatures and draws animals, but the graphic representation of the people in this book didn't appeal to me. Nevertheless, it's a very whimsical story that's fun to read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

"en las tardes de invierno, cuando los pescadores se juntan en las tabernas de los mares del sur, a veces hablan sobre la isla, fría y remota, donde una solitaria casa de madera se erguía en lo alto de un acantilado."

[Helen (Books by the Sea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly illustrated, and a wonderfully magic folklore-inspired tale. The perfect picture book that ignites imagination and wonder.

[I'mogén · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a random read that pulled me in by the stunning cover. I was left smiling to myself after being transported into a beautifully illustrated, whimsical fable-esque story.


Very enjoyable indeed.


Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!

[Kelly Gibbons · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such an autumnal delight to read upon an evening. the writing and illustrations matched each other so well! beautiful and enchanting, to slip away into a fairytale

[Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time these authors and illustrator collaborate it is the most beautiful story and illustration accompaniment. It is strange. It is beautiful. I treasure this book!!

[Adele Lostinaclassicworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Su un'isola fredda e remota, vive in una solitaria casetta sulla scogliera la Strega Civetta. Lei riesce a vedere la verità e i segreti più nascosti, per questo marinai e pescatori non si avvicinano all'isola, la verità fa sempre paura.
Ma una sera d'inverno alla porta della Strega Civetta bussa Nur, una giovane donna che le consegna un misterioso invito di Nicodemo Nerinchiostro...

Ho amato questo volume: c'è una Strega che non ha nulla di malvagio, ma che anzi è pronta ad aiutare gli altri; una giovane donna che ha bisogno di aiuto; e un cattivo che crede di essere più astuto di tutti.
È una storia che ha tutti gli elementi delle fiabe di una volta, di quelle che si leggono e rileggono vicino al camino, con una tazza di cioccolata calda in mano e il cuore pieno di serenità.

Questo volume ci fa viaggiare tra terre lontane, mari in tempesta e cieli incantati. Ci mostra una donna forte e determinata, che sa usare con garbo l'astuzia e l'intelligenza. La Strega Civetta è un personaggio che conquista, perché lascia intravedere anche il suo lato più intimo e il desiderio di non essere più sola.

I disegni di Júlia Sardà regalano profondità alla storia trasformando ogni pagina in un piccolo mondo da esplorare. Avevo già letto altri albi illustrati da lei, ma ogni volta rimango incantata dalla sua bravura.

[Sai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for Palestine this September https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfundi...

[Boszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit dark, great if you enjoy spookiness or thrills.
The story line is lovely and the illustrations are absolutely amazing.

[María José · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dios mío mis lesbianas perfectas

[David 75 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story