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It Is Ok to Fail
Madam Hitch’s School for Witches follows a struggling witch who can not seem to master even the simplest spells or enchantments, so she returns to Witches School. What inspired your story?
The women in my life in particular my mom inspired the character of Ms. Witch. She had a knack for failure but she never gave up. She sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer but was always after me to do something with my art. I like to think she would be very proud of the book and get a chuckle out of the similarities.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
So much pressure is put on children to succeed and to win. I wanted to create a story that shows children it is ok to fail. We all do, but good things happen when we keep trying and don’t give up.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to use hand-drawn illustrations, and I wanted the book to have an old-school feel. Again, the theme of failure and that it’s ok to fail, just don’t give up. Another idea is that when you use your talents and gifts to do good things, you truly never fail.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first book in the series. I have three stories planned and just finished the second book. You will get to see more of the castle and meet a fun new character. Something unexpected happens in the second book. Ms. Witch has to face a couple of new obstacles.
Author Interview: Goodreads | Facebook | Amazon
Poor Ms. Witch. She had failed again. Failed at the simplest of evil tasks! She failed at casting spells. Failed at enchantments. Why she even failed at taking over a kingdom. What kind of witch can’t even take over a little itty bitty kingdom. It was no use. She was going to have to just throw in her hat. There was only one thing should could do now. Go back to school! She would be joining two other witches at Madam Hitch’s School for Witches. Will she and the other students have what it takes to be a real witch?
Madam Hitch’s School for Witches
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
LITERARY TITAN 