Ivy Lou is a wealthy child who is given everything by her overindulgent parents, in The Knitting Witch: A Spellbinding Tale of Magic and Mischief. However, if they say “no” or even hesitate, Ivy Lou has three tantrums she can use to get her way. One day a witch (hence the title) shows up, promising the one thing Ivy Lou’s parents cannot buy (friends for Ivy Lou). But as the woman is a witch, things do not go as hoped and Ivy Lou gets a taste of her own medicine. Cleverly combining the classic fairy tale with a modern feeling, this is a delightfully illustrated and written book. Some slightly scary moments/images are seen or mentioned, but overall things are handled tastefully.
Norma Kassirer’s text is strongly supported by the illustrations of Mark Richardson, but the images tell the story as well. The two elements combine to take you on an adventure that is both familiar and fresh. I did read this via an online reader copy (though it is currently available) so I plan on finding a finished copy to see if the sepia tones are done differently or are slightly stronger than they were in my copy.
Overall, this book is good for anytime, but not for all readers. It is a fairy tale that has taken inspiration from Grimm’s Fairy Tales and slightly darker stories like them, yet still keeps it a bit lighthearted. And while it is about witches and would be good for Halloween, it is an anytime read as well (though Halloween is mentioned). I’m assuming it is not in a picture book format, but probably isn’t in a traditional looking “novel” form so know your reader as it might seem “too young” for some.
