
Reach for this book when your child is starting to look at their everyday surroundings with a sense of wonder, or when they are learning to navigate the quirks of a difficult but well-meaning friend. It is a gentle entry point into urban fantasy that validates a child's suspicion that magic might just be hiding in plain sight. In this story, siblings Jane and Rick discover a real witch named Nora who has lost her memory and is hiding in their home. As they help her regain her powers and navigate the modern world, the story emphasizes the importance of patience and empathy. The tone is cozy and comforting, making it an excellent choice for a first independent chapter book or a shared bedtime read. It bridges the gap between pure whimsy and realistic sibling dynamics, offering a safe space to explore themes of loyalty and creative problem solving.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book is entirely secular and very light. There is no real danger or trauma. The concept of a witch being 'wicked' is handled with humor and subverted to show she is simply misunderstood or grumpy, making it a very safe read.
An 8-year-old who loves stories about 'secret' worlds and who enjoys a protagonist who isn't perfect. It is perfect for the child who often imagines their toys or pets have secret lives when adults aren't looking.
This book can be read cold. There is no mature content or complex world-building that requires prior explanation. A parent might choose this after seeing their child struggle to be patient with a sibling or a friend who is being 'difficult.' It mirrors the experience of caring for someone who is a bit cranky.
Younger children (7) will focus on the humor of the magical mishaps, like the vacuum flying. Older children (10) will appreciate the irony of the literary reference to Oz and the dynamics of keeping a secret from adults.
Ruth Chew is a master of 'domestic magic.' Unlike high fantasy, this book makes magic feel accessible by grounding it in a normal kitchen or attic, which empowers a child's imagination within their own home.
Siblings Jane and Rick discover Nora, the Wicked Witch of the East, hiding in their attic. Unlike the scary legends, Nora is somewhat forgetful, prickly, and out of her element in a modern home. The children decide to help her regain her magical abilities and her memory, leading to small-scale adventures involving everyday household items turned magical, such as a vacuum cleaner serving as a substitute for a broomstick.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.