My copy of No Such Thing As a Witch is so well worn and well loved that it lives its life inside a ziploc bag. When you take it out little pieces of broken up paper flutter out like confetti. This is absolutely the kind of book that makes kids fall in love with Ruth Chew. It’s magic and there’s just the right amount of suspense without being actually scary. Plus there are animals. How could you go wrong?
Tad and Nora have a new neighbor, Maggie Brown, who loves animals. Nora has a strong suspicion that she may be a witch, but Nora’s mother insists there’s “no such thing as a witch.” When Nora and Tad start tasting Maggie’s fudge, they know there’s something up. One piece makes you like animals, after two pieces you can talk to them, after more? Well, you can bet Tad and Nora find out.
Children will love hearing the thoughts of the family dog and the mice that live in the walls. Grown-ups may be a bit disturbed at how freely the children go with a stranger (even a neighbor), but it’s a good conversation to have with your kids.
Great for: Reading aloud to little ones. This was a huge hit with with my first graders. This is also a good choice for advanced readers in first or second grade because there is nothing concerning in the content. Also, because of all the animals, this may capture the interest of some children that are usually racing through Animal Ark and Puppy Place books.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – None.
Profanity – None
Death, Violence and Gore – None.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Does magic fudge count?
Frightening or Intense Things – There is a small amount of tension as the children try to help Mrs. Brown. It’s nothing serious.
I love all the old Ruth Chew books. I wonder if my library has this. Sadie would probably enjoy it.
I think most of mine come from e-bay lots, but I have junky paperbacks. If I had my way they’d be ex-libris which would hold up much better. I’m a little sad that a judicious reissue of some of them hasn’t been done. There’s such a need for easier chapter books.