A crooked witch hat is a whimsical and enchanted accessory that is often associated with witches and magical beings. Unlike traditional pointed hats, a crooked witch hat has a misshapen and twisted appearance, adding a touch of fun and mischief to the overall look. These hats are typically made from various materials such as felt, velvet, or satin, and are adorned with embellishments like feathers, ribbons, or mystical symbols. The crooked design adds an element of charm and individuality, making each hat unique and distinct. Crooked witch hats have long been connected with folklore and mythology. In many cultures around the world, witches were believed to wear these hats as a symbol of their supernatural powers.
While the UDM kids expect some trouble from the mean kids from Dunwiddle who always hassle them, they aren’t sure what to expect from the Sage kids. They are in for some surprises – maybe Nory most of all when she sees the impact Sage has on her magic.
Sometimes obstacles make it hard to keep up with everyone else, but sometimes being differently-abled can work to your advantage because there are things that you are capable of doing that no one else can. In this magical world, you are going to interact with Flares, who engage in fire magic, Fuzzies, or the animal magicians and Flickers who make objects and themselves invisible.
In many cultures around the world, witches were believed to wear these hats as a symbol of their supernatural powers. It was thought that the crooked shape allowed witches to harness and direct their magic more effectively. Today, crooked witch hats are often used as part of costumes for Halloween or other themed events.
Deeper Messages in Upside Down Magic
Imagine a world of magic where every child comes into their powers at 10. At that point, they come into their abilities and are “supposed” to fall into the neatly organized categories of magic – fluxer, flicker, flare, fuzzy, and flyer. Now imagine that when your magic comes in, it doesn’t quite fit the “normal” mold. That’s the concept behind the great series by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins, Upside Down Magic.
My 8 year old daughter is in love with this series and I felt that I had to understand what drew her to it so much. Plus, I had listened to pieces of most of the books while with my daughter. The books center on Nory Horrace and her classmates who have magical abilities that don’t fit into the mold that everyone expects. Nory is a fluxer, someone who can change into animals, but rather than a single animal, she typically becomes a combination of things such as a kitten and dragon, a dritten! The problem is that Nory’s father happens to be the headmaster of an elite magical boarding school and they do not accept students who are not “normal.” Because of this, Nory gets sent to live with her aunt and enrolls in a program for kids with “upside down magic.”
Now that I have read and/or listened to most of these books, I have come to realize that there are a number of really important messages that weave their way through every book in the series. Two of my favorites are embracing differences in yourself and others and that it takes a village. Wow. Those are really amazing concepts to instill in kids without bashing them over the head with it. I especially like how they deal with the pressure that Nory gets from her father.
So far, each book focuses on a different kid and how their magic impacts their life, with Nory getting attention in every title. In addition to feeling a bit out of place and celebrating your differences, the three authors try to look at the other issues the class (and kids this age) might be facing.
- The students are often bullied for being different, but the point is also made that bullying can be done both intentionally and unintentionally.
- Stepping out of your comfort zone and into new situations can be scary, but it can also be totally worth it.
- Friendship, and how we treat our friends, is a common theme. You are not always going to agree with your friends and sometimes you are not always treated the way you should be, and vice versa.
- Overcoming obstacles is a way of life for these kids. Sometimes obstacles make it hard to keep up with everyone else, but sometimes being differently-abled can work to your advantage because there are things that you are capable of doing that no one else can.
The quality of books for early middle grade readers these days is phenomenal and this series is one of the reasons why. The characters are just silly enough to keep you from even realizing there is something deeper going on. Nory continues to change into all sort of different animals and the pictures you can create in your head are priceless. Who wouldn’t be shocked by a blue-bird/elephant? The 6th book is coming out in September and I know this will be one of my purchases when our book fair comes around!
Upside-Down Magic
Upside-Down Magic is the first book in the Upside-Down Magic series. The book stars Nory Horace, a nine-year-old girl with magical powers. Nory is brave, resourceful, and a shapeshifter. The young girl can transform into different animals. However, her shape-shifting talent is not as refined, so she fails to pass the Big Test. This means that she cannot join the elite Sage Academy where her sixteen-year-old brother and her sister Dalia go to school. Their father, Dr. Horace, is the principal at the Sage Academy. All is not lost as Nory is sent to live with Aunt Margo, where she can attend Dunwiddle Magic School.
Dunwiddle is a public school that is just starting the Upside-Down Magic class. This class will help children whose magic is different to make better use of their superpower. At her magic class, Nory meets other kids like her. Unfortunately, this is not the place she wants to be in. Nory hopes that she can fix her magic quickly and go back to her life. Life is no fun in a school where this young girl and her classmates are regarded as misfits. The fact that Aunt Margo is like a stranger to her doesn’t help much. However, Ms. Starr, the magic class teacher, makes all the difference in these kids’ lives.
It is in Ms. Starr’s class that Nory and those like her learn how to manage their magic and emotions. When others in school look down upon them, they must rise above it and remain true to themselves. There have been a few mishaps since the class started, but Nory and her friends are among the good guys. Ms. Starr also teaches the kids how to trust and forgive. She hopes that by the time kids are out of her care; they will also have learned that their unique abilities were not anything to be ashamed of.
They have become iconic symbols of witchcraft and are often paired with other traditional elements such as broomsticks, cauldrons, and black cats. These hats have also become popular fashion accessories, with many people incorporating them into their everyday style. They add a touch of whimsy and mystery to an outfit, allowing individuals to express their unique personality and love for all things magical. Whether used as part of a costume or as a fashion statement, the crooked witch hat continues to captivate and intrigue people of all ages. Its playful and enchanting design makes it a timeless and beloved accessory, perfect for those who embrace their inner witch..
Reviews for "Crooked Witch Hats: Not Just for Halloween Anymore"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I really didn't enjoy "Crookdd witch hat". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult to become invested in the characters. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the acting was subpar at best. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing and underwhelming film.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Crookdd witch hat" had potential, but it fell short for me. The writing lacked depth and the plot felt predictable and cliché. The special effects were also underwhelming and didn't add much to the overall viewing experience. While there were some interesting moments, they were overshadowed by the overall lack of creativity and originality.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Crookdd witch hat", but it failed to impress. The pacing was off, with slow moments that seemed to drag on and overly rushed scenes that left me feeling confused. The character development was lacking, and I couldn't connect with any of the protagonists. Additionally, the film didn't offer any fresh or unique take on the witch genre, making it feel like just another forgettable entry in the genre.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - "Crookdd witch hat" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was nonsensical and lacked coherence, leaving me more frustrated than entertained. The acting was wooden and uninspiring, making it difficult to care about any of the characters. The film had potential to explore interesting themes, but instead, it relied on cheap jump scares and predictable tropes. Overall, I found it to be an uninspired and forgettable film that I would not recommend.