Old Black Witch!

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a new neighbor, a prickly relative, or anyone who seems a bit 'grumpy' at first glance. It is a perfect choice for navigating those moments when a child feels intimidated by someone different or is adjusting to a big life change like moving houses. The story follows Nicky and his mother as they renovate an old home, only to find a messy, cantankerous witch living in their chimney. While the witch starts out as a nuisance, the story beautifully illustrates how patience and a shared goal (running a successful tearoom) can transform an outsider into a friend. With its cozy atmosphere and focus on blueberry pancakes, it turns a potentially scary supernatural trope into a humorous lesson on community and inclusion. It is a gentle, secular fantasy suitable for preschoolers and early elementary students who enjoy a touch of magic without the frights.