I recently came across a captivating book called "Switch Witch." This children's book written by Audrey Kinsman and Joey Kinsman is a delightful tale that combines Halloween, imagination, and the power of kindness. The story revolves around a young boy named Eli who is excitedly preparing for Halloween. He is looking forward to going trick-or-treating and collecting his favorite candy. However, Eli's plans take an unexpected turn when he meets a peculiar witch named Switch. Switch is not your typical witch; instead of casting spells or causing mischief, she has a special magical power.
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Switch is not your typical witch; instead of casting spells or causing mischief, she has a special magical power. Switch has the ability to transform children's Halloween candy into something wonderful. She encourages children to trade their candy with her in exchange for a surprise gift or a special experience.
Fall 2023
Monday September 25th
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Sweet and awkward 16-year-old Ruby Gillman is desperate to fit in at school, but she mostly just feels invisible. She's prevented from hanging out with the cool kids at the beach because her over-protective mom forbids her from getting in the water. When she breaks her mom's rule, Ruby discovers that she is a descendant of the warrior Kraken queens and is destined to inherit the throne from her grandmother. The Kraken are sworn to protect the world's oceans against vain, power-hungry mermaids.
Monday September 25th
Fast X
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they've ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom's world and destroy everything -- and everyone -- he loves.
Monday October 2nd
In Anisqoyo Park
Hocus Pocus
After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
Friday October 13th
The Blackening
Seven friends go away for the weekend, only to find themselves trapped in a cabin with a killer who has a vendetta. They must pit their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies against the murderer to stay alive.
Friday October 27th
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy butler (Richard O'Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky."
Monday October 30th
Kiki's Delivery Service
In this anime feature, 13-year-old Kiki moves to a seaside town with her talking cat, Jiji, to spend a year alone, in accordance with her village's tradition for witches in training. After learning to control her broomstick, Kiki sets up a flying courier service and soon becomes a fixture in the community. But when the insecure young witch begins questioning herself and loses her magic abilities, she must overcome her self-doubt to get her powers back.
Friday November 3rd
Barbie
8:00 pm and 10:00 pm
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Monday November 6th
Past Lives
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrest apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Decades later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life.
Friday November 17th
Meg 2 - The Trench
Jonas Taylor leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal, prehistoric sharks and relentless environmental plunderers, they must outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless predators.
Eli is initially skeptical about the idea, but decides to give it a try. Little does he know, this decision will lead him on a magical adventure. Throughout the book, Eli and his friends meet Switch on different Halloween nights and trade their candy for unforgettable experiences. They go on thrilling rides, explore enchanted lands, and even visit other planets. Switch teaches them the importance of sharing and the joy of giving. The children soon realize that these experiences are far more valuable than any candy they could have collected. As I read "Switch Witch," I was captivated by the vivid and imaginative descriptions. The authors effortlessly transport readers into a world filled with magic and wonder. The illustrations by Pamela Goronkin perfectly complement the story, bringing the characters and settings to life. One of the things I loved most about this book is its underlying message of kindness. "Switch Witch" encourages children not only to share their candy but also to share their kindness with others. The book reinforces the idea that acts of kindness can create magical moments and bring joy to both the giver and the receiver. In conclusion, "Switch Witch" is a charming children's book that combines Halloween, imagination, and the power of kindness. It takes readers on a magical journey where they learn the importance of sharing and the joy of giving. This book is not only entertaining but also teaches valuable life lessons. I highly recommend "Switch Witch" to children and parents alike, as it is sure to inspire and delight readers of all ages..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Through the Ages: How the Swotch Witch Book Shaped the Craft"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I found "Swotch Witch Book" to be incredibly underwhelming. The plot was disjointed and poorly developed, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected from the story. The characters lacked depth and were difficult to relate to, making it hard for me to invest in their journeys. Additionally, the writing style was unengaging and lacked the descriptive language necessary to bring the world to life. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 2 stars
While "Swotch Witch Book" had an intriguing premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was inconsistent, with moments of intense action followed by long periods of stagnant storytelling. The dialogue felt unnatural and forced, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Furthermore, the world-building was shallow, leaving me with more questions than answers. Ultimately, I was left unsatisfied by this book and would not consider reading the rest of the series.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
I had high hopes for "Swotch Witch Book", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, following the same tropes and clichés as many other fantasy novels. The character development was minimal, and I found it hard to care about their fates. Additionally, the prose was overly simplistic, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. While it was an easy read, I was left wanting more substance and complexity from this book.
4. John - 1.5 stars
"Swotch Witch Book" was a letdown for me. The writing style was choppy and difficult to follow, making it hard to stay engaged with the story. The author relied too heavily on telling rather than showing, leaving little room for the reader's imagination. I also found several inconsistencies and plot holes that further detracted from my enjoyment. Overall, this book felt rushed and poorly edited, and I would advise others to skip it and look for a more polished fantasy novel.