The little leftover witch is a heartwarming story that follows the journey of a young witch named Tiffany. Unlike the other witches in her coven, Tiffany doesn't possess any magical powers. She feels out of place and often left behind when her witch friends go off on exciting adventures. However, Tiffany is determined to make the best of her situation. Instead of dwelling on her lack of magical abilities, she focuses on her other strengths. She is a fantastic cook and has a green thumb, tending to her magical garden with love and care.
What makes this story work so well is the fact that no one - not Lucinda, who narrates the book, and not any of the adults in her life - questions that Felina is a witch. The fact that everyone just accepts that notion as truth actually contributes to an overall sense of ambiguity that I really enjoyed. If Felina truly is a witch, then the story is fantasy, and the adults in the story live in a world where witches exist and their existence is readily accepted. There is a possibility, though, that Felina is not a witch, and that the adults of the story merely humor her insistence that she is in order to help her settle in to her new situation on her own terms. This sense of ambiguity is helped significantly by the fact that the story is narrated not by Felina, but by Lucinda, her foster sister. Lucinda’s childlike outlook makes it perfectly plausible that Felina is a witch, but also makes it equally possible that Felina’s magic powers have been invented to explain her strange behavior as she adjusts to her new family.
What makes this story work so well is the fact that no one - not Lucinda, who narrates the book, and not any of the adults in her life - questions that Felina is a witch. This Halloween-themed story was originally published in 1960, and has just been reissued by Simon Schuster with new cover art, giving it a new lease on life for 2013 readers.
She is a fantastic cook and has a green thumb, tending to her magical garden with love and care. Despite her insecurities, Tiffany shares her delicious dishes and magical plants with her fellow witches, who appreciate her unique contributions. One day, a big problem arises.
The Little Leftover Witch
Summary: As Lucinda Doon goes to bed on Halloween night she hears a sound almost like crying outside her window. She opens the window and discovers on the sycamore tree Felina, a young witch who has broken her broom and is doomed to spend the year with humans until next Halloween when she may catch a ride on another witch’s broom. Alas, Felina doesn’t like humans. She spends the night in the corner of Lucinda’s closet (witches don’t sleep in beds) and Mr. and Mrs. Doon accept a witch with some surprise the next morning into their home. Lucinda welcomes a playmate, albeit an unpleasant one, and Felina accepts Itchabody, the cat, as the only acceptable member of the household. So for the next year Felina practices her small magic (apples mysteriously disappear, Mr. Doon’s ties are all in knots, Lucinda’s favorite doll is lost) in the Doon household and learns about birthdays, Christmas, school, rules, and saying, “I’m sorry” and “Thank you.” The change in Felina by the next Halloween is, says the presiding judge at her adoption by the Doon family, “Pure magic.”
Literary elements at work in the story: There’s a literary genre called magical realism where ordinary, mundane events and magic merge seamlessly. This story may be too slight to bear that literary designation but it does blend the unlikely presence of a small witch into the daily life of an ordinary family without explanations or question.. The text, half-a century-old, has been renewed and reprinted, and though some aspects are dated, it continues to delight as a read-aloud for children as young as four and for families of mixed ages or for middle elementary readers as a chapter book. One problematic aspect is the threat of spanking when Felina refuses to sleep in a bed. It never occurs and this is a very peaceful household but the threat is there. (I’ve read this to a single child and a room full of children many times. I’ve never failed to hear, “Don’t stop. Read some more.”)
How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? Accept the blurring of magic and reality, and perspectives aren’t too important. The Doons are white; Mr. Doon is the bread winner; the neighborhood is middle class; the town is small.
Theological Conversation Partners: Churches that baptize infants act on the faith that God will be nurturing the child in Christ, not once but daily, through the family. Felina’s life in the Doon household as she’s transformed from a witch into a little girl is a very good example of this spiritual formation or Christian nurture, though those terms aren’t used. Felina is not lovable but the Doons act like she is. They care for her, insist on rules that will help her grow, support her when the world around her is critical and enjoy her. A most important turning point comes when Grandfather Doon gives her his birthday, something witches don’t have and so can’t have birthday parties. Paul refers to becoming a Christian as adoption (Romans 8:15, Gal. 4:4, Eph. 1:5) and encourages the Ephesians to grow up in every way in Christ. A household of disciplined love is the soil in which Christians grow. Giving names is important in biblical identity. Abram becomes Abraham; Jacob becomes Israel; Peter becomes Cephas. Felina claims a new name as well based on the relationships of love in her home.
Faith Talk Questions:
- Why doesn’t Felina like people? Has she ever known any? What’s the name for judgements that we make without experience or knowledge?
- Felina is impressed with how she looks after her hair is combed and she has a bath. Is how we look important to us? Why or why not?
- Why do the Doons let Felina wear her hat even though it causes problems?
- When is Felina most likely to practice small magic?
- What would it feel like not to have a birthday? Why was Grandfather Doon’s gift important to Felina?
- How did Grandfather Doon help Felina say that she was sorry?
- Mrs. Doon put a full basket of fruit out, saying that it was for everyone in the house to eat. What prompted her do this? How did this affect Felina?
- How did the Doons help Felina learn to read and know her success was important to them?
- Why does Felina choose to be called “Lucinda, Mary, George?” If you could choose your name, what would it be?
- Think of the things that make your home a good place to grow into disciples of Christ.
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Faith Talk Questions:
The coven's cauldron, a crucial tool for performing spells, breaks into pieces. With the witches unable to fix it using their powers, they turn to Tiffany for help. Remembering an old recipe passed down by her grandmother, Tiffany whips up a potion that can mend the cauldron. The coven is amazed and grateful, realizing that Tiffany's skills are just as valuable, if not more, than traditional magic. As time goes by, Tiffany gains confidence in herself and her abilities. She becomes a cherished member of the coven, not for her lack of magical powers, but for her unique talents in the kitchen and garden. The witches learn that magic comes in many forms and that everyone has something special to offer. "The Little Leftover Witch" teaches the important lesson of embracing one's individuality and finding value in one's unique skills and talents. This heartwarming story reminds us that we should never underestimate the power of kindness, creativity, and resourcefulness. It celebrates diversity and encourages acceptance, proving that everyone has a place and purpose, no matter how different they may seem..
Reviews for "The Lille Leftover Witch: Spreading Kindness and Friendship"
1. Mary - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Lille Leftover Witch". The storyline was weak and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Additionally, the pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest as I read on. It felt like a book that was trying to be whimsical and enchanting, but it missed the mark for me. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others who are looking for a captivating and engaging read.
2. John - 1 star - I found "The Lille Leftover Witch" to be a complete bore. The plot was predictable, and there were no surprises or intriguing twists to keep me engaged. The writing style was also lackluster, with the author failing to bring the story to life. I couldn't connect with the characters, and their development felt shallow. I was hoping for a magical and enchanting read, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really hoping to enjoy "The Lille Leftover Witch," but it failed to capture my attention. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were one-dimensional, and their actions and motivations were not well explained. I also found the dialogue to be unrealistic and forced. Overall, this book left me feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied. I would not recommend it to others who are looking for a captivating and well-crafted tale.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "The Lille Leftover Witch" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the story dragged on without much excitement. The characters were forgettable, and their interactions felt uninteresting. I was hoping for a magical and whimsical tale, but the book failed to deliver. I struggled to stay engaged throughout and found myself skimming through pages rather than eagerly reading. Unfortunately, this was not the enchanting read I had hoped for.
5. Emma - 1 star - I couldn't get into "The Lille Leftover Witch" at all. The writing style was bland, and the story lacked depth. The characters were underdeveloped, and I had a hard time connecting with them or caring about their journey. The plot was predictable and offered no surprises or excitement. Overall, this book was a disappointment, and I wouldn't recommend it to others seeking a captivating and engaging read.