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The Itty-Bitty Witch
Betty can’t wait to be a first-grade witch. But on the first day of school, her classmates start calling her “Itty Bitty” because she’s small and still uses her kinder-broom. Betty doesn’t like the nickname―or how it makes her feel itty-bitty inside. So she comes up with a BIG idea to prove winning the Halloween Dash.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2019
17 people are currently reading
2914 people want to read
About the author
Trisha Speed Shaskan
67 books90 followersAs an author of 50 books for children, Trisha Speed Shaskan carries her childhood dreams into her adult life. With the upcoming picture book Trisha wrote THE ITTY-BITTY WITCH illustrated by Xindi Yan, Trisha celebrates Halloween, magic, brooms, witches, and self-empowerment. Trisha is also the author of the picture book PUNK SKUNKS and graphic novel series Q & RAY, which are illustrated by her husband Stephen Shaskan. When Trisha isn't writing stories, she loves to laugh, travel, and spend time with her dog Beatrix and husband Stephen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 13, 2020
The art looks done by computer graphics. The kids have those big eyes to amp up the cuteness, but I love the backgrounds and sets. They set a great tone.
I thought this story worked on several levels. My favorite line is: "Practice makes Magic!" Yes! gurl. I love that. Isn't that true too. You practice and it comes off looking great, hopefully, and it's like magic. Yes.
We are are witch school and there is going to be a broom race for the grade. Betty, our witch is small and her broom is a year behind the others and the class makes fun of her and call her itty-bitty. They pound out that name and I love how the author says, and she shrank inside or she felt itty-bitty inside. That's just how you can feel. It's like you shrink inside. Still, Betty does all she can to get better and win that contest so she can be called Betty.
In some ways the end is a bit of a cheat, and maybe that's okay, I'm not sure, but the ending is good despite the cheat.
It's action packed for a children's book and very Halloween. It's a great book for young kids.
I thought this story worked on several levels. My favorite line is: "Practice makes Magic!" Yes! gurl. I love that. Isn't that true too. You practice and it comes off looking great, hopefully, and it's like magic. Yes.
We are are witch school and there is going to be a broom race for the grade. Betty, our witch is small and her broom is a year behind the others and the class makes fun of her and call her itty-bitty. They pound out that name and I love how the author says, and she shrank inside or she felt itty-bitty inside. That's just how you can feel. It's like you shrink inside. Still, Betty does all she can to get better and win that contest so she can be called Betty.
In some ways the end is a bit of a cheat, and maybe that's okay, I'm not sure, but the ending is good despite the cheat.
It's action packed for a children's book and very Halloween. It's a great book for young kids.
October 28, 2019
This is almost a really great Halloween picture book. The illustrations are fabulous, and the overall message about persevering despite being put down or bullied is great. But the book has a couple of weaknesses.
The first is the writing. It's a bit stilted in places and doesn't flow that smoothly. That's a minor quibble, though, compared to the second issue I have, which is that Betty basically comes out on top because she uses a different set of rules than everyone else. For the Halloween Dash (which is a broomstick race), the teacher, Ms. Fit, tells the class the layout of the course:
"Mind the cave and the trees. Stay on the path. Ride the breeze."
But what does Betty do? She leaves the path and flies through the cave, using her small size as an unfair advantage. On one hand, you can see how the book is trying to show that Betty is coming up with an ingenious solution to level the playing field. But, on the other hand, it's also showing that she doesn't have to follow the same rules as everyone else. Sure, the bullies learn that being itty-bitty isn't so bad, but I feel sorry for the other kids in the race who weren't acting like jerks, who followed the rules, and who lost because Betty decided to, basically, cheat.
That said, the book could offer a great starting point for discussions with kids about whether what Betty did was fair or not. And the illustrations are not to be missed. So I would tentatively recommend this one to those looking for picture books about overcoming bullying, as well as those who want some adorably illustrated Halloween books for their collection.
Quotable moment:
The first is the writing. It's a bit stilted in places and doesn't flow that smoothly. That's a minor quibble, though, compared to the second issue I have, which is that Betty basically comes out on top because she uses a different set of rules than everyone else. For the Halloween Dash (which is a broomstick race), the teacher, Ms. Fit, tells the class the layout of the course:
"Mind the cave and the trees. Stay on the path. Ride the breeze."
But what does Betty do? She leaves the path and flies through the cave, using her small size as an unfair advantage. On one hand, you can see how the book is trying to show that Betty is coming up with an ingenious solution to level the playing field. But, on the other hand, it's also showing that she doesn't have to follow the same rules as everyone else. Sure, the bullies learn that being itty-bitty isn't so bad, but I feel sorry for the other kids in the race who weren't acting like jerks, who followed the rules, and who lost because Betty decided to, basically, cheat.
That said, the book could offer a great starting point for discussions with kids about whether what Betty did was fair or not. And the illustrations are not to be missed. So I would tentatively recommend this one to those looking for picture books about overcoming bullying, as well as those who want some adorably illustrated Halloween books for their collection.
Quotable moment:
June 28, 2019
Cute story of persistence. And standing up for yourself.
Beautiful artwork. Big eyes a characteristic.
Beautiful artwork. Big eyes a characteristic.
July 23, 2019
This book is outstandingly lovely. The message is sends to children is empowering and thoughtful, and the artwork is stunning. I stared at the pages long after I finished reading the words. This is would be a great addition to a home, school or public library. It's especially fitting for Halloween!
*I was provided a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
*I was provided a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
October 25, 2021
Betty Ann Batsworth was looking forward to her first day at witch school, but she soon discovered that her classmates considered her a bit of a pipsqueak, nicknaming her "Itty Bitty" because of her small size. No matter how many times Betty corrected them, telling them her real name, they persisted with this moniker, which made her feel very small indeed. Then Betty had an idea: if she could win the school's Halloween Dash, and fly faster than all of the other witches, they would have to take her seriously. But how could a little witch, with a little broom that simply wouldn't fly as swiftly as she would like, ever do such a thing...?
I was not familiar with either author Trisha Speed Shaskan or illustrator Xindi Yan when picking up The Itty-Bitty Witch, which I tracked down largely because an online friend reviewed it, and because I have a strong interest in witchy picture-books. I enjoyed the story, and found the artwork appealing, but somehow the overall product was lacking that special something that would have elevated this to the status of a favorite. Perhaps it was the writing, which felt a little clunky - there wasn't anything particularly wrong with it, but I also wasn't charmed, or drawn in by it. The friend who recommended this one had issues with the resolution of the storyline - was Betty cheating, by flying through the cave? - and for the most part I agree with her assessment of the matter. There is something problematic about Betty's actions, I think, because she does not follow the same course as the others in the race. On the other hand, I thought the story did an excellent job highlighting how name calling and bullying, even if not extreme, can make the targeted child feel small and sad and alone. In short, I had mixed feelings about this one, and ended up finding Xindi Yan's artwork the most enjoyable part of the book. If not for them, this might have been a 2 or 2.5-star title for me.
I was not familiar with either author Trisha Speed Shaskan or illustrator Xindi Yan when picking up The Itty-Bitty Witch, which I tracked down largely because an online friend reviewed it, and because I have a strong interest in witchy picture-books. I enjoyed the story, and found the artwork appealing, but somehow the overall product was lacking that special something that would have elevated this to the status of a favorite. Perhaps it was the writing, which felt a little clunky - there wasn't anything particularly wrong with it, but I also wasn't charmed, or drawn in by it. The friend who recommended this one had issues with the resolution of the storyline - was Betty cheating, by flying through the cave? - and for the most part I agree with her assessment of the matter. There is something problematic about Betty's actions, I think, because she does not follow the same course as the others in the race. On the other hand, I thought the story did an excellent job highlighting how name calling and bullying, even if not extreme, can make the targeted child feel small and sad and alone. In short, I had mixed feelings about this one, and ended up finding Xindi Yan's artwork the most enjoyable part of the book. If not for them, this might have been a 2 or 2.5-star title for me.
December 27, 2025
Betty Ann Batsworth is so excited for her first day as a first-grade witch BUT those happy fluttery feelings quickly come crashing down.
I really liked this story - it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.
The author does an amazing job of drawing the characters - their expressions were so wonderfully done and I really enjoyed the colors chosen for this story.
I also liked that throughout the book, the author shows that not everyone was against Betty - Taylor Toadsley was in her corner from day 1, it just took Betty a while to see who her true friends were.
I think this is a really great book to use to teach kids about how some names - even if they aren't 'bad words' - can hurt. Objectively, Itty Bitty Betty is kinda cute. It's fun to say and it's accurate to her size.
But what matters is that the nickname hurts her. And the book really does a great job of showcasing the effects of meanspirited names and different ways you can overcome them.
All of the other first-grade witches immediately notice that she's rather small compared to them and quickly make fun of her. Betty tries to stand up for herself, but it is really hard.
"Is that your kinder-broom?"
"...She isn't big enough for a real broom. Let's call her Itty Bitty."
But Betty carries on, correcting and ignoring the bullies in turn. Then the teacher tells them about the Halloween Dash. And Betty gets an idea.
"She started to feel itty-bitty inside"
And so the training montage begins - but will winning one race really be enough to stop the bullies? Or is that just wishful thinking?
"If she won the Halloween Dash, maybe she wouldn't be called Itty Bitty anymore!
I really liked this story - it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.
The author does an amazing job of drawing the characters - their expressions were so wonderfully done and I really enjoyed the colors chosen for this story.
I also liked that throughout the book, the author shows that not everyone was against Betty - Taylor Toadsley was in her corner from day 1, it just took Betty a while to see who her true friends were.
I think this is a really great book to use to teach kids about how some names - even if they aren't 'bad words' - can hurt. Objectively, Itty Bitty Betty is kinda cute. It's fun to say and it's accurate to her size.
But what matters is that the nickname hurts her. And the book really does a great job of showcasing the effects of meanspirited names and different ways you can overcome them.
October 4, 2020
Adorable, Halloween-themed picture book. I absolutely loved the color palette and witchy aspects, and the messages of learning to accept your differences / using them in creative ways to your advantage was spot on. I do wish that Betty was shown acknowledging the non-bully classmate Taylor, who literally stuck up for her the entire story. And the bullies quick turnaround once Betty won the race was a bit too quick. Still, the art was a definite 5/5; I will definitely be reading this before every Halloween!
October 4, 2019
Betty is so excited to begin first-grade at witch school. Small for her age, Betty's broom is small as well. But the other kids laugh at her kinder-broom and start calling her Itty Bitty instead of Betty.
And no matter how many times she corrects them, they continue to all her Itty Bitty, which always makes her feel small inside. It doesn't help that she isn't as fast or as skillful as the other witches whenever they practice flying on their brooms. And the other witches aren't very nice about it.
But when the teacher announces the Halloween Dash, a competition among the students, Betty is convinced that if she wins the race, the other kids will stop calling her that awful name. Betty maps out the race course, makes up a rhymes to remember it and practices, practices, practices. Will her strategy work or will Betty be hindered by a "kinder-broom" and her size?
The Itty-Bitty Witch is less a Halloween tale and more a story about how hurtful the name-calling of peers can be. The text and illustrations really capture Betty's sinking self-esteem the more she is called Itty Bitty as she struggles to keep up with the other kids. However, readers see how quick thinking and cleverness save the day for Betty. The colorful, digital cartoon-like illustrations compliment a text with lots of onomatopoeia and I like the fact that the first-grade witch class is quite diverse. A fun book for kids that is sure to become a favorite.
And no matter how many times she corrects them, they continue to all her Itty Bitty, which always makes her feel small inside. It doesn't help that she isn't as fast or as skillful as the other witches whenever they practice flying on their brooms. And the other witches aren't very nice about it.
But when the teacher announces the Halloween Dash, a competition among the students, Betty is convinced that if she wins the race, the other kids will stop calling her that awful name. Betty maps out the race course, makes up a rhymes to remember it and practices, practices, practices. Will her strategy work or will Betty be hindered by a "kinder-broom" and her size?
The Itty-Bitty Witch is less a Halloween tale and more a story about how hurtful the name-calling of peers can be. The text and illustrations really capture Betty's sinking self-esteem the more she is called Itty Bitty as she struggles to keep up with the other kids. However, readers see how quick thinking and cleverness save the day for Betty. The colorful, digital cartoon-like illustrations compliment a text with lots of onomatopoeia and I like the fact that the first-grade witch class is quite diverse. A fun book for kids that is sure to become a favorite.
August 26, 2020
This is a very cute story about a little witch, Betty, who is learning to be a witch. She is teased at witch school because she is so itty-bitty, but ultimately learns that she has her own unique talents. Beautiful illustrations, too. Good message and fun to read.
October 23, 2020
Betty is teased for being the smallest first grader, but her size proves an unexpected advantage.
Betty’s classmates call her “Itty Bitty” because of her size. Betty hates her nickname and tries to prove herself to the bigger kids. But she is unsuccessful until the annual Halloween dash when .
This picture book follows the standard trope in which someone is teased/bullied for something that eventually allows them to beat his/her classmates, which then causes the former bullies to accept and even admire the person. Personally, I don't think this method of combatting bullying and gaining peer acceptance is a viable real life strategy, but that hasn’t affected its popularity in books and movies. The story does, however, do a good job of telling how name calling makes someone feel.
The morals are that bullying is wrong and that everyone is special in his or her own way.
Betty’s classmates call her “Itty Bitty” because of her size. Betty hates her nickname and tries to prove herself to the bigger kids. But she is unsuccessful until the annual Halloween dash when .
This picture book follows the standard trope in which someone is teased/bullied for something that eventually allows them to beat his/her classmates, which then causes the former bullies to accept and even admire the person. Personally, I don't think this method of combatting bullying and gaining peer acceptance is a viable real life strategy, but that hasn’t affected its popularity in books and movies. The story does, however, do a good job of telling how name calling makes someone feel.
The morals are that bullying is wrong and that everyone is special in his or her own way.
September 25, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Itty-Bitty Witch, written by Trisha Speed Shaskan and illustrated by Xindi Yan, a witchy lesson in believing in oneself.
Betty is thrilled to start her first day of school as a “first-grade” witch. However, she’s scarcely in the door before she’s the subject of teasing from two of the other girls, who pick on her smaller size and “kinder-broom”. They dub her “Itty Bitty”, and despite her firm protests of “My name is Betty!”, the young witch can’t help but be hurt by the other girls’ words, feeling itty-bitty on the inside. Upon learning of the school’s annual Halloween Dash broom race, Betty sees the chance to prove herself and earn her classmates’ respect. She gives her all in training, but finds that her smaller size make some maneuvers even more difficult. Can Betty find her groove before the big race, and prove that she’s as formidable an opponent as any other witch?
Encouraging and sweet. Betty’s tale is a classic story of learning to love oneself despite bullying or detractors, and finding one’s strengths to lean into. By the end, it’s Betty’s sharp mind that proves her secret weapon, and her small size ends up being an asset in the race as well. And while the bullies of the book come around to Betty a bit quickly to feel organic, the most important development is that Betty has grown to believe in herself, and no longer lets the words of others make her feel “itty-bitty inside”. It’s an important lesson for young bookworms wrapped in a fun, Halloween-themed package (though this one could certainly be enjoyed year-round). The soft, expressive cartoon characters are winning, and the palette creates a spooky/cute vibe. The length was fine, and JJ enjoyed it (in particular, one classmate’s repeated exclamation of “Wicked!”). A sweet Halloween tale with a timeless message, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
July 7, 2019
Most people reach a point in their lives when despite their excitement for a future event, they've learned to not wish their days away. Once in a while though, in the midst of a hot and humid week, thoughts of cooler and clearer weather drift into your thinking. Autumn follows summer bringing clarity. It also includes a favorite holiday enjoyed by many.
On October 31 Halloween allows costumed trick-or-treaters to go door to door hoping for generous neighbors. In the realm of children's books there are beings who are not costumed. They don't pretend to be ghosts, witches, superheroes, robots, famous or fictional personalities because that's who they are. The Itty-Bitty Witch (Two Lions, July 16, 2019) written by Trisha Speed Shaskan with illustrations by Xindi Yan is a warmhearted story of using what others see as a fault to seize the day.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
On October 31 Halloween allows costumed trick-or-treaters to go door to door hoping for generous neighbors. In the realm of children's books there are beings who are not costumed. They don't pretend to be ghosts, witches, superheroes, robots, famous or fictional personalities because that's who they are. The Itty-Bitty Witch (Two Lions, July 16, 2019) written by Trisha Speed Shaskan with illustrations by Xindi Yan is a warmhearted story of using what others see as a fault to seize the day.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
September 25, 2019
On the first day of her first-grade witch class, armed with her kinder-broom and small size, Betty is given the not so nice nickname, Itty-Bitty. Her classmates’ teasing makes Betty feel itty-bitty. So Betty decides that if she wins the Halloween Dash, a broom race, then she’ll no longer be Itty-Bitty.
Trisha Speed Shaskan’s The Itty-Bitty Witch is a charming picture book about a small heroine with a giant spirit, who teaches readers a big valuable lesson about perseverance, kindness, and the magic of believing in yourself.
Through amusing storytelling, fun word choices, and delightful world-building, Shaskan will put a spell on little readers as they eagerly join Betty on her magical adventure. Shaskan’s heartfelt story and Yan’s enchanting illustrations are beautifully woven together to create an adorably bewitching world full of witches, silly spooky elements, and spellbinding magic.
Perfect for Halloween reading, The Itty-Bitty Witch is sure to charm and delight.
Trisha Speed Shaskan’s The Itty-Bitty Witch is a charming picture book about a small heroine with a giant spirit, who teaches readers a big valuable lesson about perseverance, kindness, and the magic of believing in yourself.
Through amusing storytelling, fun word choices, and delightful world-building, Shaskan will put a spell on little readers as they eagerly join Betty on her magical adventure. Shaskan’s heartfelt story and Yan’s enchanting illustrations are beautifully woven together to create an adorably bewitching world full of witches, silly spooky elements, and spellbinding magic.
Perfect for Halloween reading, The Itty-Bitty Witch is sure to charm and delight.
October 18, 2019
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The Itty-Bitty Witch got us right into to Halloween spirit! 🎃This little witch was ready for her first day of school but was NOT thrilled with her nickname ‘Itty Bitty.’ She wanted to prove that she may be little but can make it big in the Halloween race!
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The illustrations are so cute! Bright and cartoon-like 🕷
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The Itty-Bitty Witch got us right into to Halloween spirit! 🎃This little witch was ready for her first day of school but was NOT thrilled with her nickname ‘Itty Bitty.’ She wanted to prove that she may be little but can make it big in the Halloween race!
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The illustrations are so cute! Bright and cartoon-like 🕷
October 7, 2019
A very cute book about a little witch that is picked on for being small. This would be a great Halloween book for elementary children that touches on bullying and how everyone has different strengths.
October 28, 2019
this was the absolute cutest. slow clap for betty persevering and standing up for herself the entire time. i appreciate her little friend taylor who stayed nice and encouraging unlike the other kids...
April 14, 2019
A cute story about a witch trying to be treated not so itty bitty...until she finds her small size can be a benefit!
September 6, 2025
Note: I received a signed copy of this book from the publisher at ALA Annual 2019.
July 17, 2019
Absolutely adored this Halloween tale of courage and determination! I absolutely adore all of Trisha Speed Shaskan's books and she is truly a wonderful person!
July 25, 2019
Super cute- a good look on how being small is okay! My boys loved the ending (the play on itty bitty)
September 11, 2019
Love this adorable book by one rad author! :-)
September 27, 2019
Betty is a witch who gets teased by her classmates. But she perseveres.
September 28, 2019
Adorable, I love this story. I've have read it to my nephew a few times, it seems to be a favorite of his. I like how she never gave up. Great story
October 3, 2019
Spooktacular! My eight year old loved it. It is a story about being made fun of that teaches us that name calling is not a nice thing to do to others. Itty Betty maybe small but she is mighty.
October 10, 2019
What is perceived as your weakness may actually be your strength <3 very cute book about perseverance! Betty is adorable and the artwork is beautiful!
October 17, 2019
so cool, i enjoy Halloween, KU, kid reads ... i am a big kid at heart and this book made me happy. the illustrations are awesome!! so fun! must read for all kids a like. check it out!!
September 2, 2019
This is a great picture book for children of all ages in my opinion. As a newly published book I feel like this is great for our current society where kids as young as five and six are being bullied for their size. In this book Betty, or Itty Bitty as her classmates call her, is being bullied for her size. Throughout the story Betty tries and tries to show her classmates that she isn’t little. But eventually she uses her size to her advantage. I gave this book a 5 star because I really find the storyline of the book appealing for young readers. I also gave it 5 stars because my 4-year-old stepdaughter was super interested in the book, normally she hates any kind of reading, the illustration was very dark and eye catching which appeals to the book since Betty is a witch. It also shows how hard Betty worked to conquer her classmates, it showed her determination, rather than just simply stating she tried her best. I also gave this book 5 stars because the book flows. It doesn’t just jump from subject to subject. It shows every part of the race that Betty had to overcome.
9/2/19
9/2/19
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2021
The Itty-Bitty Witch is about Betty, a young witch excited to start first grade. However, her first day gets off to a rocky start when the other witches call her Itty-Bitty, due to her small size and her 'baby' broom. Despite Betty constantly telling them her name, they proceed to use said-nickname, which makes her feel bad. The only way to gain her classmates' respect, Betty figures that she has to win the Halloween Dash. But how can she do that with her small size and broom?
I was debating between rating it four or five stars, but the wonderful illustrations influenced me towards five stars. The artwork truly was great, and I love how cute Betty is! One of the unclear things to me about The Itty-Bitty Witch was the actual race itself- did Betty cheat and/or use a loophole? Additionally, the witches pretty much immediately accepted Betty; I wish that would have been a little bit longer. However, I am glad that I read this book and it is perfect for the Halloween I like!
For young readers.
Hope everybody had a fun Halloween!
I was debating between rating it four or five stars, but the wonderful illustrations influenced me towards five stars. The artwork truly was great, and I love how cute Betty is! One of the unclear things to me about The Itty-Bitty Witch was the actual race itself- did Betty cheat and/or use a loophole? Additionally, the witches pretty much immediately accepted Betty; I wish that would have been a little bit longer. However, I am glad that I read this book and it is perfect for the Halloween I like!
For young readers.
Hope everybody had a fun Halloween!
September 3, 2020
Cute little story about a 1st grade witch. Little Betty still has her little broom and is teased by her classmates for being small and still having her Kinder-Broom. The tease her and call her Itty-Bitty, which makes Betty mad. But she show them in the end when the class participates in a broom race!
I loved the illustrations! So colorful! Good book for Halloween even if it really has nothing to do with the holiday really. As a perk- it's not going to scare the littles!
I loved the illustrations! So colorful! Good book for Halloween even if it really has nothing to do with the holiday really. As a perk- it's not going to scare the littles!
October 29, 2020
A cute Halloween story that really focuses on persistence and to never give up on yourself. The story focuses on Betty a first grade witch but her size seems to stand as an obstacle in her way. After finding out about the big witch race Betty is determined to prove herself to her classmates and win the big race. She tackles many obstacles throughout the story but, will the ending leave her feeling 'itty bitty" is the real question?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews