"Switch Witch" is a children's book written by Audrey Ades and illustrated by Haydini. The book tells the story of a witch who visits children's houses on Halloween night, exchanging their unwanted candy for a special toy. The main character of the book is a young girl named Lola. Lola loves Halloween, but she doesn't like the sugary candy that she collects while trick-or-treating. One day, Lola's mother tells her about the Switch Witch, a friendly witch who helps children trade their Halloween candy for a surprise gift. Excited about the idea, Lola decides to give it a try.
Named after the Germanic goddess Eostre, Ostara marks the official arrival of spring, when day and night are in perfect balance, signifying the return of light and the triumph of life over winter's darkness. It's a time of renewal, fertility, and the reawakening of nature from its winter slumber, as flowers bloom, animals mate, and the Earth comes alive with vibrant energy.
Imbolc is a time of hope, inspiration, and preparation, as pagans look forward to the return of warmth and abundance while still acknowledging the lingering chill of winter. The eight holidays of the Wiccan year, also known as the Sabbats, provide regular occasions for practitioners to come together, whether it s for coven rituals or more informal circle celebrations.
Excited about the idea, Lola decides to give it a try. She puts all of her unwanted candy in a special box before going to bed on Halloween night. In the middle of the night, the Switch Witch arrives and takes the box of candy, leaving behind a beautifully wrapped toy in its place.
Spiraling Into the Center: The Wheel of the Year & Lunar Sabbats
My herbal and magickal practice is deeply tied to the rhythms of the land - and that rhythm is set by the steady turning of the Wheel of the Year. The sacred turning of seasons known as the Wheel of the Year is celebrated by modern Pagans who either are Wiccans or Druids or practice a tradition derived from (at least in part) Wicca or modern Druidry. That is not to say that the festivities found within the Wheel of the Year are exclusively Wiccan or of the Druid tradition, but the structure of these celebrations within an eight Sabbat format is directly derived from Wicca and modern Druidry as we’ll learn below.
I realized that while I’ve been writing about the individual Sabbats, I hadn’t taken time yet to invite you in to learn more about the Wheel of the Year as a tradition, from its structure to ever-changing meaning to the ways that we shape it into a tradition informed by the land we live with. So in this three part series I’ll do just that!
Let’s start by diving into where the Wheel of the Year comes from and it’s structure. If you’re looking for a broader discussion on making the wheel of the year more personalized to your practice, come this way.
The next morning, Lola wakes up to find the toy and is thrilled with the surprise. She realizes that she made a great trade and that she can now enjoy Halloween without worrying about the excess candy. Throughout the book, Lola shares her story with her friends and classmates, encouraging them to try switching their candy with the Switch Witch too. The book highlights the importance of moderation and healthy habits, showing children that they can still have fun on Halloween while also making healthier choices. "Switch Witch" is a fun and imaginative book that promotes a positive message about balanced eating and the joy of giving. It encourages children to think creatively and teaches them about the concept of bartering. The colorful and engaging illustrations by Haydini bring the story to life, captivating young readers and sparking their imagination. Overall, "Switch Witch" is a delightful book that combines the excitement of Halloween with a valuable lesson about making healthy choices. It is a perfect read for children during the Halloween season, offering an alternative perspective on the traditional candy-filled holiday..
Reviews for "Exploring the Possibilities: The Switch Witch Book Revolution"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found the Switch Witch book to be incredibly confusing and hard to follow. The storyline jumped around so much that I struggled to keep up with what was happening. Additionally, the characters were poorly developed and lacked any depth or complexity. I was hoping for a captivating and immersive read, but unfortunately, I was left feeling disappointed.
2. John - 1 star - The Switch Witch book was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was dry and lacked any creativity or originality. The plot was predictable and uninteresting, failing to hold my attention throughout the entire book. I found myself constantly checking how many more pages I had left before finally reaching the end and being relieved to be done with it. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining and well-written story.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Switch Witch book, but it fell short of my expectations. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked any real growth or development. The dialogue was often awkward and unrealistic, making it difficult for me to connect with the story on an emotional level. The overall pacing was also quite slow, and I found myself losing interest in what should have been an exciting and mysterious plot. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied by the end of the book.
4. Michael - 1 star - I regret wasting my time on the Switch Witch book. The plot was convoluted and poorly executed, leaving me feeling confused and frustrated. The writing style was clunky and filled with unnecessary descriptions that didn't add anything to the story. The book lacked a clear direction and failed to deliver any meaningful messages or themes. Overall, it was a disappointing read that I would not recommend to anyone.