Earwig and the Witch

Reach for this book when your child feels intimidated by a new environment or a bossy authority figure and needs a boost of clever confidence. Earwig is not your typical sweet orphan: she is a bold, manipulative, and highly capable girl who refuses to be bullied when she is adopted by a selfish witch and a terrifying demon. Unlike stories that focus on trauma, this tale highlights a child using her wits, observation, and a bit of mischief to turn a hostile situation into one where she holds all the power. It is a refreshing look at agency and resilience for children aged 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate the way it validates a child's right to take up space and demand fair treatment, even if Earwig's methods are a little unconventional. It is a short, humorous read that transforms the scary idea of a new home into a puzzle to be solved through creativity.