There is a new book called "The Witch Living Nearby" that has been attracting a lot of attention lately. It tells the story of an ordinary town that becomes the home of a mysterious witch. The main character, a young girl named Lily, befriends the witch and explores her magical world. The book is a delightful blend of fantasy and adventure, with a touch of mystery. The author, Sarah Greenfield, does an excellent job of immersing the readers into the magical world she has created. Her vivid descriptions of the witch's cottage and the enchanted forest allow the readers to imagine themselves in the story.
* There's another book by the same author, called The Witches Go on a Package Tour, with an illustrated cover; maybe that could give a clue if it's the same: http://www.amazon.com/The-Witches-Go-Package-Holiday/dp/0340393084
I know this topic s search is for another book but the pictures you posted witch s handbook and the wacky book of witches are the two books I have been trying to find for years. morwen04, thank you so much for your help the book I m looking for doesn t have a story line, so I don t believe any of your suggestions are the book I m looking for, I know for sure it s not The Witch Family as I ve owned and loved that book forever.
Her vivid descriptions of the witch's cottage and the enchanted forest allow the readers to imagine themselves in the story. One of the main themes of the book is the power of friendship. Lily and the witch's friendship blossoms despite the initial fear and skepticism from the townspeople.
Old Favorite: The Witch Family
This week, we’re featuring another Old Favorite that’s perfect for October–The Witch Family, by Eleanor Estes!
Amy and Clarissa have been best friends forever. People even think they look like sisters, with blue eyes and long straight blonde hair (although Clarissa’s is bright like the sun, and Amy’s shines like the moon). They live only three houses apart, on a beautiful lane called Garden Street, near Washington, D.C. Their favorite thing to do when they’re together on a gloomy day is to draw pictures and listen to stories about Old Witch told by Amy’s mother.
One afternoon in February, after hearing another story about Old Witch’s terrible, wicked ways, Amy and Clarissa decide that she has to be banished. So that’s exactly what they do. They banish her to live on a glass hill, with no flowers, no cute bunny rabbits and no magic powers. Just herbs, and a spelling bee named Malachi, and the chance to come back for Halloween to lead the witches hurly-burly, IF Old Witch can be good.
Old Witch finds living at the top of a glass hill with no magic, and only the companionship of her cat Old Tom (who ended up there with her) and a spelling bee rather boring. She longs to have something interesting to do, or for someone to visit. So what does she do? She tries a spell. Even though her magic is not supposed to work, this spell is powerful. It should have brought something nice to her doorstep–some tasty rabbits, her old enemy The Green Caterpillar Witch– something to break the boredom of living on the shiny glass hill. What does she get? A Little Witch Girl, with her own Little Tommy witch kitten and her own little broomstick. Hannah (for that’s Little Witch’s real name) has straight blonde hair (which should never be combed) and her own magical powers.
Amy and Clarissa, back on Garden Street, keep themselves informed of Old Witch’s wicked witchy ways. Malachi buzzes back and forth, bearing letters. It seems that Little Witch Girl and Malachi are helping Old Witch change for the better. Soon, Little Witch Girl finds herself able to leave Old Witch to attend Witch School, and together, they’re caring for a Weeny Witchy Baby. Little Witch Girl even meets a mermaid, who lives inside the glass mountain!
But is Old Witch truly reformed? On Halloween, she witches her way into their world, and Amy and Clarissa find themselves in her power. Will Little Witch Girl and her friends be able to help the girls? Has Amy and Clarissa’s meddling changed Old Witch’s nature for the better, or are they in grave danger?
The Witch Family was written in 1960, and has holds up well for being 50 years old! There’s not a TV or computer in sight…Amy and Clarissa spend most of their time playing outside and telling stories. When they’re inside, they draw or play imaginary games.
Does Old Witch live just in Amy and Clarissa’s imagination, or is she real? Each reader has to decide for themselves.
The general consensus among my friends was that it was all real. I remember loving Little Witch Girl and Malachi and Lurie and all the other characters living on the Glass Hill…as well as being a little afraid of Old Witch. This book was passed around the classroom, and in third grade, I remember we put on a play based on the further adventures of Amy and Clarissa and The Little Witch Girl and Malachi. It probably wasn’t very good, but we certainly had fun!
Eleanor Estes was a children’s librarian in Connecticut and New York. She obviously understood children, because her books have been very popular, and continue to be read, fifty or sixty years after their original publication. She received several awards for her writing, including one Newbery Award for Ginger Pye and three Newbery Honors–The Middle Moffat, Rufus M., and The Hundred Dresses. Her final book, The Curious Adventures of Jimmy McGee, was published the year before she died in 1987, and is a sequel to The Witch Family, with Amy and Clarissa telling the story of a plumber named Jimmy who finds a magical stovepipe hat. At the time of her death at the age of 82, Eleanor Estes had written 18 books for young readers and one adult novel.
The Witch Family is a great book to read aloud to a group. Amy and Clarissa are about eight years old, so its probably aimed at third and fourth grade readers. If you have witch fans in your house, or are looking for a not TOO scary Halloween story, this could be enjoyed by kids as young as five. Fifth or sixth grader readers who missed this when they were eight might enjoy the look back into their early elementary years.
So if you’re looking for a fun, slightly old fashioned favorite for Halloween, try The Witch Family. It’s a great read!
Edited to add extra picture.
Their bond grows stronger as they embark on various quests and face challenges together. This aspect of the story teaches readers about the importance of acceptance and understanding. Another noteworthy aspect of the book is its portrayal of the witch as a complex and multidimensional character. She is not the typical evil witch often depicted in folklore and fairy tales. Instead, she is shown as a kind-hearted and misunderstood individual who uses her powers for good. This subversion of stereotypes adds depth to the story and gives readers a refreshing perspective on witches. Overall, "The Witch Living Nearby" is a charming book that will captivate readers of all ages. Its enchanting storytelling and memorable characters make it a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. The powerful message of friendship and acceptance resonates long after the last page is turned. Sarah Greenfield has created a magical world that readers won't want to leave..
Reviews for "The Witch Living Nearby Book: A Tale of Enchantment and Intrigue"
1. John Doe - 1 star
This book was an absolute disappointment. The storyline lacked depth and the characters were uninteresting. I was expecting a thrilling tale about a witch living nearby, but instead, I got a mundane story with no excitement or intrigue. The writing style felt forced, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the book. Overall, I would not recommend "The Witch Living Nearby" to anyone looking for an exciting and captivating read.
2. Sarah Smith - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Witch Living Nearby," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was predictable, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The author did not take advantage of the potential depth and complexities that a story about a witch could offer. Additionally, the pacing was slow, making it difficult to maintain interest. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed with this book.
3. Michael Johnson - 2.5 stars
"The Witch Living Nearby" had an intriguing concept, but it failed to deliver a compelling story. The writing lacked finesse, with awkward dialogue and unnecessary descriptions. The characters felt lacking in development, and their actions often felt illogical. The potential for suspense and mystery was there, but it was not executed well. While the book had its moments, it ultimately fell flat, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader.
4. Emily Brown - 1 star
I was genuinely disappointed by "The Witch Living Nearby." The plot was meandering and lacked direction, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters were poorly developed, and I felt no connection to any of them. The writing style was uninspiring, and I found myself constantly skimming through pages to find something interesting. Overall, I couldn't wait to finish this book and move on to something more enjoyable. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
5. Robert James - 2 stars
"The Witch Living Nearby" had potential, but it failed to hold my interest. The pacing was uneven, with long periods of inaction followed by rushed developments. The characters lacked depth, and their motivations were often unclear. While the concept of a witch living nearby was intriguing, the execution fell short. The book felt disjointed and left me wanting more from the story. I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a particular affinity for stories about witches.