
Parents can reach for this book when a child feels discouraged after trying something new or worries about not fitting in. It tells the story of Wittilda, a kind witch whose cupboards are bare, forcing her to find a job. After hilariously failing at several occupations that don't suit her witchy talents, she discovers her broom-flying skills are perfect for a pizza delivery gig. This humorous tale gently explores resilience, self-confidence, and the creative ways we can find our own special place in the world. Its lighthearted approach makes it a perfect, low-stakes read for children ages 4 to 8, celebrating the idea that our unique quirks can be our greatest strengths.
The story's inciting incident is poverty and food insecurity, but it is handled in a very light, fantastical, and humorous manner (e.g., being out of "pickled eels"). The approach is secular and metaphorical, focusing on resourcefulness. The resolution is entirely hopeful and empowering.
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Sign in to write a reviewA 5-year-old who is hesitant to try a new activity (like T-ball or a dance class) because they're afraid of failing or not being good at it. It's also perfect for a child who feels a little different from their peers and needs to see how unique qualities can be celebrated as strengths.
No preparation is needed. This book can be read cold. The message is clear and delivered with humor. A fun tip for parents is to look for the hidden pictures Mark Buehner often includes in his illustrations, which can add another layer of engagement. A parent hears their child say, "I'm not good at anything!" or "I quit!" after a frustrating first attempt at a new skill. The child is feeling discouraged and defining themself by a single failure.
A younger child (4-5) will focus on the funny illustrations, the silly situations of Wittilda's failed jobs, and the satisfying ending of her flying on her broom with pizzas. An older child (6-8) will better understand the underlying theme of matching your skills to the right challenge and the importance of perseverance. They will also appreciate the clever wordplay and problem-solving aspect.
Unlike many books about perseverance that focus on simply trying harder at the same task, this story's unique message is about finding the *right fit*. It champions the idea that you don't have to be good at everything, but that your unique, even odd, talents have value in the right context. The humor and quirky fantasy setting make this message highly accessible and fun.
Wittilda, a good-natured witch, has run out of food for herself and her beloved cat, forcing her to look for a job in the non-magical world. Her attempts at being a street sweeper and a weather forecaster end in comical failure, as her magical solutions are not appreciated. Dejected, she is about to give up when she sees an ad for a fast pizza delivery person. She realizes her broom-flying ability is the perfect skill for the job and is happily hired.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.