In his inaugural venture into the Ms. Witch Chronicles series, Edward Boyd presents Madam Hitch’s School for Witches, a children’s book that offers a delightful blend of whimsy and life lessons. The narrative follows Ms. Witch, a character who, upon facing challenges in her career, embarks on a journey of self-improvement and learning at the hands of Madam Hitch alongside a group of her witch peers. Boyd skillfully portrays Ms. Witch’s struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the value of perseverance and hard work in the face of adversity.

Boyd’s artistic prowess shines in his illustrations, marked by a playful exaggeration of character features that injects a unique vibrancy into the story. Ms. Witch, for instance, is distinctively rendered with long legs and a singular eye, complementing the eerie yet captivating settings of woods, towers, and castles. Boyd’s consistent use of a specific color palette — greens, greys, and blacks — adeptly encapsulates the book’s mood and enhances the gothic theme. The book’s narrative style is notably distinctive, foregoing traditional dialogue to focus on storytelling through actions and descriptions. This approach showcases Boyd’s creative storytelling and reinforces the book’s underlying message about the importance of persistence and resilience. The addition of humor weaves a layer of light-heartedness into the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience. Plot elements like a stray sasquatch and a moving castle further enliven the story, adding elements of surprise and intrigue.

Madam Hitch’s School for Witches is particularly well-suited for older elementary-age children who are drawn to gothic themes. The book successfully merges a meaningful message with a blend of slightly spooky, humorous, and engaging artwork. This combination ensures that the story remains captivating while imparting valuable lessons. Boyd’s work is a creative and thoughtful contribution to children’s literature, offering young readers an enchanting journey into a world where challenges are met with determination and a touch of magic.

Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CT96YTST