The Good Witch of Abbotsford

by Alasdair Hutton

Meet Morag, a kind-hearted witch on a magical adventure in the enchanted woodlands of Abbotsford!
When the wicked leader of her coven plots to kidnap the local children, Morag must use her magic and bravery to stop the evil scheme. With a race against time and surrounded by darkness, Morag sets out to rescue the children and bring peace back to Abbotsford.
Will she succeed in overcoming the evil powers and saving the day?
Find out in this thrilling tale of courage and magic!

55 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2024

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good witch of Abbotsfordis is a magical novel with an amazing streak of engaging storyline and memorable characters.

The story follows Morag who is a good, kind hearted witch trying to stop the immoral coven leader from kidnapping innocent children. With time sensitive urgency, her mission requires courage and guidance.

As their evil plots their plan, it's up to Morag to set things right. And this time it will be a perpetual change that will make Abbotsfordis a better place. Will she succeed?

This was an amazing read. I was able to complete the book in a single sitting as it was short and engaging with the elements of magic, surprises and curiosity. The author weaves in a beautiful narrative that encourages courageous acts of standing against evil even if you are standing alone in this battle, brave moments that defines who you truly are. There are mentions of another grimm fairytale as direct reference to the masterplan of the evil coven leader. There are illustrations as well which simply elevates the imagination for the story.

Perfect for a cosy, snug bedtime story that your kids will definitely love.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morag is the eponymous Good Witch of Abbotsford, the only good witch in a coven of rather unpleasant witches, demons, goblins and elves who live in the woodlands of Abbotsford. She is descended from good witches and only wants to use any powers for good. Unfortunately, the coven is led by Grizel, a very nasty witch who is concocting a plan to steal away all the children who visit Abbotsford House. Bob Dewar’s illustrations bring Alasdair Hutton’s wicked creations vividly to life while showing our heroine in a positive light.

I feel this story would be best read aloud, although confident new readers could certainly enjoy it by themselves. The style of writing felt like it was very much in the storytelling oral tradition and some parts of the book didn’t quite work for me because of this. The author would explain what a word meant (eg a witch’s familiar) which would work perfectly well if a storyteller was entertaining an audience. On the written page though, I felt it interrupted the flow of the story.

Other than that slight niggle though, I felt this was a book which primary age children would enjoy although younger children might like the support of an adult to read it. These witches are pretty nasty and the children in the story have to face plenty of danger and menace! I liked the reference to other fairy tales which could provide young readers with the comfort of knowing that good would win out over evil as usually happens in folk lore.

Morag is a great character and young readers will warm to her kindness, bravery and determination to do the right thing. I particularly liked the way she contacted her grandmother, also a witch of course, to ask for advice and guidance. Again, this is something young readers will be able to relate to.

The Good Witch of Abbotsford is an engaging story with themes of sticking up for what is right, courage and good triumphing over evil. This is a book which will take young readers on a magical adventure.

3.5* rounded up

[Paula Learmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is set on rural Scottish estate of Abbotsford, which Sir Walter Scott built. The story is about a coven of witches known as the Grizels. But within the coven there is Morag, who is kind, helpful, good and loved by the children. It's Morag's job to save the children from a plan that the Grizel have thought of, which would mean the children would going missing, never to be seen again. I don't want to say to much about the book, as it's a lovely story for children to read.

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young witch Morag has an evil plot to stop.

Influenced by the cover design of The Good Witch of Abbotsford I confess that I had been expecting a light hearted and simple story about the triumph of good over evil. However, this story was darker than anticipated and felt very much part of the tradition of fairy stories and morality tales, drawing on well established concepts of witches, and referencing tales and fables like Sleeping Beauty and the Pied Piper. This has the effect of making the book feel well grounded in folk-lore and classical children’s literature.

With plenty of white space between paragraphs and super illustrations by Bob Dewar, The Good Witch of Abbotsford is a book that would be perfect for young readers moving onto chapter books. Those at the younger end of the age range might benefit from an adult reading with or to them, because it might feel a little scary and the vocabulary is challenging on occasion. That’s by no means a criticism. Alasdair Hutton doesn’t patronise his audience, but rather he introduces them to new words in context that broadens vocabulary.

The plot is fast paced and exciting for young readers with considerable consideration of good and evil and plenty of peril and danger that is resolved well. I thought it was inspired to have Morag in contact with her grandmother rather than a parent, because this gives status to children not in traditional family units whilst providing respect for older generations. Morag is a super character and feels all the more realistic because she isn’t averse to some devious behaviour of her own – for the right reasons, enabling children to appreciate that good and evil are not always clear cut but that being kind to others is always preferable.

The Good Witch of Abbotsford is a story KS2 children will particularly enjoy, either as a class or home reader, or through independent reading.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guys, "The Good Witch of Abbotsford" is seriously adorable! When this book landed in my hands, my seven-year-old was basically bouncing off the walls to read it together. I mean, with those big adorable eyes? There was no way I was saying no to her.

The story centres on Moira, this super awesome witch living in the most magical woods you can imagine. But don't let the cute setup fool you - things get real when the witch coven's not-so-cool leader decides to kidnap local kids. Moira jumps into action, whips out her magical powers, and basically races against the clock to save Abbotsford's children.

We were completely in love with this book. It's got magic sprinkled everywhere, sneaks in some amazing life lessons, and was just the most fun reading experience with my little one. We were totally glued to every single page. Our reading time became this incredible bonding moment that I'll totally cherish.

If you've got a kiddo around 5 or older who digs magical stories with heart, grab this book immediately.

[Himanshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the e-version of this book from Book sirens as a free review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A little witchy book? That is middle grade? Has short chapters? And spells? Hell yeah!!! Count me in!
People who know me, know that witches are my guilty pleasure😭❤️
It takes so much effort to craft a middle grade story about witches that just delivers!! Personally I am a fan novellas, because full length novels have scope for improvements and build ups but novellas although longer than short stories, have to be precise in plot and in storytelling and they HAVE to make the reader fall in love in just a few pages. This novella was just the amount of spark I needed after reading something which left me confused.😭
It was a sprinkle of spells into my reading challenge..and guess what? I read it in one sitting! It kept me hooked! 🫶
Cutie pie story, amazing backdrop, and noteworthy introduction!!❤️
Recommended!

[Lori Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good Witch of Abbotsford is a sweet story about a good witch named Morag. Although she is good, Morag is a member of a coven of bad creatures. When the coven begins plotting to kidnap a group of children, Morag must find a way to save the day. I think this story would be great for kids ages 5-10 (with an adult reading aloud for younger ages). It’s scary enough to keep children interested but not TOO scary by any means. I love that Morag goes to her granny for help. I think this models a great lesson for kids that they can go to the adults in their life for help as well. I would recommend for any children who enjoy fairytale or fantasy type of stories.

The illustrations are absolutely charming as well!

I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Willow Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about a coven of witches living in the forest surrounding Abbotsford- Sir Walter Scott’s dream home in Scotland.
Grizel is a wicked witch and leader of a coven. She has come up with a plan to kidnap the village children and turn them into slaves.
Morag, a kind-hearted witch, decides to save the children from Grizel’s evil plan and restore peace to Abbotsford.
I really enjoyed this book, even though it is intended for a much younger audience. It's quite well written and I believe my 10 year old niece will love it, too!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and am pleased to leave this voluntary review.

[Lauren Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my daughter, Peighton (8 years old). When I asked her what she liked about the book, she said:

“I liked that basically the main message behind the book was that it’s not nice to be mean to people. I liked that Morag was a good Witch and helped the children. The pictures of the characters were good, sometimes they were really funny looking!”.

As a parent, reading this with my daughter I found this book very magical and fun and a brilliant introduction to fantasy and folklore for children.

Peighton was able to read most of the book by herself with just a little support in some places so it is a brilliant book for young readers to develop their confidence in reading by themselves!

[Fatguyreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Good Witch of Abbotsford with our youngest Daughter Amelie-Rose ( aged 8 ), over about a week of bedtime stories, and we both really enjoyed it.

It's a lovely introduction for young ones into the world of fantasy and folklore, with a great magical message of staying true to one's self and always being kind and caring.

We liked the themes of mythical creatures, nature, courage and bravery.

The cover art is bright and vibrant, and the text used throughout is clear and easy to read.

All in all, just a wonderful, fun, wholesome read that Amelie-Rose read with a little help from me here and there.

5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from us.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun little children's story about witches, goblins, elves; and the classic tale of good versus evil.

I really liked the historical link to Sir Walter Scott, and as a child would definitely have wanted to learn more after reading this. Actually, I still do as an adult!

I think this book is perfect for the intended age group. It's a good length either to read alone for those who can, or to be read to for the younger ones. Although there are "bad" witches, which might be scary for some children. It's an age appropriate level of fear though, and of course, as with most children's books, good wins, and everyone is safe.

[Varsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great story, interspersed with facts and fiction, with memorable illustrations.

The major takeaway is that one must always be their own true self. The story inculcates that one needn't always have to accept the expectations/stereotypes cast upon them by a larger, more imposing group of individuals. It teaches littles to ask for and take help when it's necessary.

Overall, a fun read. Would definitely recommend.
---
Voluntarily reviewed after reading an ARC of the book from Booksirens.

[Tami Wylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morag is a lovely kind young witch who lives in a coven of witches who loved terror children and do bad things. Morag has to pretend to be like them because she is all alone. One day she learns about a plot to kidnap all of the village children and turn them into the witches’ servants. Morag was a brave, intelligent young witch. She found the strength encouraged to defeat the evil plans of the other witches. This is definitely a story about good triumphing over evil. It’s also about finding your inner strength to do what’s right. This is a great book for kids.

[Christina Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fanciful story about a good-hearted witch named Morag who saves children from bad witches. Hutton based her adventure on one of Sir Walter Scott’s legends. There are four short chapters, each with sketching illustrations. They really help set the whimsical mood.

The main cantankerous witch is Morag’s mother. Morag is more like her grandmother who guides her and shares pivotal information.

The Good Witch of Abbotsford will satisfy middle-grade readers who like stories of enchantment and be a book parents can be comfortable with.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely read about staying true to yourself and your beliefs in the face of adversity.
I loved the cover art immediately. The birds especially just look so cheerful.
There is artwork throughout the story as well, which really brings the tale to life for the younger reader who may still be adjusting to independent reading.
It's got nice short, snappy sentences that make it quick to devour.
I think this is a wonderful story that will do very well.

[Oldbookishwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fun story and would make a great bedtime story to share with younger readers. Morag was a sweet character and very likable Grizel was the perfect villain of the story. Morag shows kindness, inner strength and determination. Grizel was the kind of villain you absolutely boo and hiss at. So it was a lot of fun reading her out loud 😂. The black and illustrations work well with story. All in all a great little read.

[Robyn Little]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My initial thought reading the title was “My idea’s been stolen!” but in all honesty, good witches have existed long in children’s fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed this Witty witchy wonderful tale of a good witch in a coven of bad. Grizel is a fun villain and Morag joins the ranks of Winnie and Meg as the sweetest witches we know of. It’s sure to be a library hit.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super cute children’s book which focuses on good overcoming evil.

I love the magic elements of the story - this would capture any child’s imagination whether they are reading by themselves or with an adult.

The illustrations are fabulous and just what every children’s book needs to bring the story to life.

This is a great little book for any child to have on their bookshelf.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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