Notable witches have long been a part of history and folklore, captivating the imaginations of people around the world. These powerful and enigmatic figures have been the subject of countless stories, myths, and legends. From ancient civilizations to modern times, witches have been both revered and feared for their abilities and knowledge of the supernatural. One of the most well-known witches is the Witch of Endor from the Bible. In the Book of Samuel, she is sought out by King Saul to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. With her mysterious powers, she is able to call forth the spirit, giving Saul the guidance he seeks.
With her mysterious powers, she is able to call forth the spirit, giving Saul the guidance he seeks. This story highlights the perceived connection between witches and the spirit world. Another notable witch is the legendary Morgan Le Fay from Arthurian legend.
A Snicker of Magic Book Review
When I was a children’s librarian, I enjoyed reading juvenile books, especially for the Battle of the Books at my work. One of the titles that I read to prepare for that competition was A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd. Even though it can be predictable, it’s a good novel about finding the right words to say what one believes in.
A Snicker of Magic involves Felicity Pickle – a 12-year-old “word collector” – and a town that used to have magic. In the past, Midnight Gulch was a magical place, but a curse drove it away. When Felicity arrives in that town, she thinks her luck will change. As “a word collector,” Felicity sees words everywhere, yet Midnight Gulch is the first place that she’s ever seen the word “home” because her nomadic mom has a wandering heart. She also meets Jonah – a mysterious do-gooder who shimmers with words that she has never seen before, and he makes her heart beat a little faster. Felicity wants to stay in Midnight Gulch, yet she has to figure out a way to bring back the magic, so she can break the spell that’s been cast over the town and over her mom’s broken heart.
I can see why my library chose this title for Battle of the Books. When I read this book, all I could think of was how cinematic this can be. This was especially true with how the words appear everywhere that Felicity looks like in someone’s hair and in strings of her Uncle Boone’s banjo. I personally think it could work better in animation since that form doesn’t limit much to the imagination like live action can at times.
In addition, Felicity Pickle is a relatable character as all she wants is a place to stay and belong. I know a lot of kids, especially her age can identify with that. She has her quirks with the words and her insecurities. She’s great at collecting words, but verbalizing them is a challenge. All she needs is the right words, and spoilers, she does. I like her friend Jonah as well. He likes to do good things for people regardless of where they live in the world. He does this because it makes him feel good and as a way to distract him from thinking of his dad who’s been deployed. Jonah also is confined to a wheelchair for unknown reasons, but he and the book don’t let his disability define him. In other words, it’s there, and it’s a part of his story. The townspeople are accommodating to him, but all they think of him is a kid who lives with them.
My only complaint is that it can be predictable at times.
The characters have quirky names: check! The main character’s name is Felicity Juniper Pickle, and her teacher is Miss Divinity Lawson.
The town the Pickles move is unique, and all of the townspeople could have their own TV shows: check! Midnight Gulch is a place that used to have a lot of magic, and everybody in it has some kind of power.
People tell stories that happen to advance the plot: check! I understand that Felicity has a hard time finding and telling her story, but does everybody have to tell theirs? I don’t know if everyone has figured out each of their own, but there could’ve been other ways to move the plot forward.
And of course, I also have to address a peeve that a lot of readers have with the book: the amount of times the word “spindiddly” and the phrase “what the hayseed” are mention. I personally didn’t mind this because “spindiddly” is such a unique word that suits Felicity perfectly. People use certain words repeatedly to describe practically everything. For example, I like to say “absolutely,” “definitely,” and “indeed” plenty of times. I’ve annoyed others by repeating these words, but that’s my thing. As for “what the hayseed,” I find the phrase to suit the location very well. It takes place in a town in Tennessee, so it makes sense that people from that part of the United States might exclaim something like that. Also, I reviewed For Whom the Bell Tolls last year, and there’s one part of the book, in which the main character says muck to everybody he knows. Yes, muck. In addition, various people say, “What the obscenity” too! In other words, I’d rather hear “what the hayseed” than “what the obscenity.”
All in all, A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd is a good middle-reader novel that tackles the power of finding the right words to say what one really means. The protagonist is certainly relatable, and the descriptions for how the words form in everywhere that she sees make the book ripe for a film adaptation. Some readers might be annoyed with its troupes and frequent use of certain words and phrases. I’d recommend it for those who love reading about magical towns and characters who struggle to speak up. It got me a snicker of magic, and you can have it too.
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A Snicker of Magic involves Felicity Pickle – a 12-year-old “word collector” – and a town that used to have magic. In the past, Midnight Gulch was a magical place, but a curse drove it away. When Felicity arrives in that town, she thinks her luck will change. As “a word collector,” Felicity sees words everywhere, yet Midnight Gulch is the first place that she’s ever seen the word “home” because her nomadic mom has a wandering heart. She also meets Jonah – a mysterious do-gooder who shimmers with words that she has never seen before, and he makes her heart beat a little faster. Felicity wants to stay in Midnight Gulch, yet she has to figure out a way to bring back the magic, so she can break the spell that’s been cast over the town and over her mom’s broken heart.
She is often depicted as a powerful sorceress and the half-sister of King Arthur. Morgan Le Fay is known for her magical abilities and her complicated relationship with Arthur. She is often portrayed as both a healer and a villain, showcasing the duality often associated with witches. In more recent history, the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe and North America give insight into the fear and persecution that surrounded witches. Women accused of witchcraft were often subjected to torture and execution. One notable figure from this dark time is Tituba, a slave from Salem, Massachusetts, who played a central role in the infamous Salem witch trials. Although her exact role and motivations are debated, Tituba's involvement in the trials and subsequent confession added to the hysteria and paranoia of the time. In modern popular culture, witches continue to be prominent figures. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling introduced a whole new generation to witches and wizards. Characters like Hermione Granger, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Professor Minerva McGonagall showcase the diverse range of witches in this fictional world. These witches possess different skills, personalities, and moral alignments, challenging traditional stereotypes. Overall, notable witches have left a lasting impact on various aspects of human culture. From mythology and folklore to historical events and literature, they continue to capture our imagination and challenge our perceptions of magic and power. While their portrayal may vary, witches are undeniably fascinating figures that have shaped our understanding of the supernatural world..
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