Witch's Broom

Matter-of-Fact Magic

by Ruth Chew

Amy's mother found the little broom in their back yard, near the peach tree. It didn't sweep very well. But Amy and her friend Jean found it could do other things -- and one of the things it could do was FLY!

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Witches, Middle Grade, Science Fiction Fantasy, Magic, Young Adult

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Ruth Chew is the author of a number of popular books for young readers, including Secondhand Magic and The Wednesday Witch. She was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Washington, D.C. She studied art at the Corcoran School of Art and worked as a fashion artist. She was the mother of five children.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the more boring of Chew's witch stories. I appreciate that the new editions brand them as "matter of fact magic" because that's exactly what they are. In some there are interesting things like consequences and actual exciting adventures with a hint of danger, but this is so innocent and friendly. Poor Dad, though, who wants a pet bird so badly.

Interestingly, it seems that Amy is left alone all day while her parents work, the she seems to be about 9 or 10 years old. Of course, Jean's mom is right next door. That's Brooklyn in the old days for you, I guess.

Lots of original illustrations inside, in a whole different style than the cover, rather heavy and dark. I'm not particularly fond of them and would not have been when I was a child, either.

I will continue to read more by Chew as I find it. And I do recommend her books to ppl who think that the idea of magic is fun... the witches are not evil, and the books won't give anyone nightmares.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn because I've only read a few of Ruth Chew's books. On one hand, I love the concept she created. Many of her tales involve some kind of magic, which I'm usually not a fan of, but she creates this magical realism in that most of her books are set in Brooklyn, where I used to live. So I'm very aware of the setting of Prospect Park, so adding magic into the real-world setting fascinates me.

Her stories are pretty simple, and usually are all set up with two children who discover some magic in Brooklyn, many involving witches. This one is that kind of story, in which two girls, Jean and Amy, discover a blue bristled broomstick that takes them to a cave in the mountains inhabited by a tribe of witches.

While this seems like a fun concept, I found it kind of dragged. I know I'm not the audience, but I do have a love for children's literature as an adult. I still will go on reading Chew's stories, I guess I just wish there had been more conflict and twists and turns. But I'm still a fan. My rating - 3/5

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy's mom finds a broom in her backyard. Amy and her friend Jean notice the broom behaving oddly, and discover that it can fly! With exciting adventures and a bit of mystery, Amy and Jean help a witch and make a new friend. Cute, enjoyable fantastical story.

[Leisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-reading books from my childhood collection. Book #4. Rating based on my past affection for the book and warn fuzziness of memory. Really not readable at my age, but that's okay. Re-homing this book.

[Susanna Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

so much fun----loved it---probably read it in a day

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was ten. It was my favorite book! I just read it again. So fun!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very neat because there was a bluejay that was trying to get into the house. You will find out why when you read the book.

[Siri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a favorite of mine as a child and now I’ve read it to my daughter. The magic and the mystery and the friendship that Chew adds into her books are delightful.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Half-O-Ween!! 🎃👻💀

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very typical Ruth Chew book. Short and sweet.

[Madame Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of two girls taking a magical broom all over New York City.

[Amanda Curless · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review for “Witch’s Broom”

Summary:
A girl and her friend find a worn out broom that doesn’t want to sweep the floor. They find out that the broom will fly and that it is missing its witch. They go on flying adventures together trying to find the mystery of this broom and its missing witch.

Review
Again, this book is not timeless and reflects the time in which it was written. I wouldn’t recommend this book as a starter to fantasy. The artwork is new on this edition and is filled with color. It accurately depicts the story with the two girls pictured on the cover flying on the blue broom with the bristles facing front. It is recommended for ages 8-10.

[Shonaigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical story about two friends who go on an adventure upon a flying broomstick. Remember re-reading it a number of times. The girls in the story become responsible for making sure the broom is returned to it's rightful owner and thus save a young witches embarrassment. It also included nice illustrations. An American book, sorry to hear that it is now out of print.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day Amy' mother finds a broom in her backyard, but it isn't a very good one. It won't sweep up anything. But what it can do is fly. It's a magic broom that belonged to a witch. Amy and her friend Jean can now go on the most amazing adventures, but what about the witch who owns the broom?

A very simplistic chapter book for early readers. Recommended for ages 8-10.

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic Ruth Chew with a broom and a witch and an enchanted bird and two under-supervised young girls stumbling upon the magic that seems to run rampant in Brooklyn.

This one is kind of loosely written, but not with huge holes in the story. I enjoyed it.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those magic loving 2nd/3rd graders - a good magic in our lives side step for the Harry Potter loving but not necessary reading kid. Since it was published in the late 70s it is a touch dated (re: gender roles, household chores, etc.) but the new covers give it a fresh look.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl finds an old broom...it turns out to be a magical witch's broom that takes her and her friend on many fun adventures.

[Ruth Soz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Chew was my J.K. Rowling growing up. I think I started reading these after my mom got me the first book - they're definitely books I associate with my childhood!

[Angie Lisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Chew was one of my favorite authors as a kid - I still enjoy the magic woven in her stories!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my absolute, all-time favorite book as a kid. ❤

[Crystal Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Chew was one of my favorite authors during my childhood. I have fond memories of reading her Witch books. They fostered my love for children's literature.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about two girls, Amy and Jean, and a magic broom.