The Time of the Witch

The Time of the Witch centers on Laura, a young girl deeply affected by her parents' separation. In a moment of longing, she confides her deepest wish for their reunion to an old woman, who turns out to be a genuine witch. This encounter sets in motion a series of magical events, as the witch grants Laura's wish, but with unforeseen and potentially chaotic consequences that Laura must navigate. The book handles parental separation directly, using it as the emotional catalyst for Laura's desperate wish. It explores a child's profound longing and emotional turmoil when their family structure changes. The magic itself is portrayed as a powerful, unpredictable force, rather than strictly good or evil, mirroring the complexities of real-life situations. The emotional arc begins with sadness and a deep yearning, transitions into wonder and then suspense or even fear as the wish's consequences unfold. It likely resolves with a bittersweet acceptance and a newfound understanding of family dynamics and personal agency. This book is specifically for children who are grappling with parental separation, divorce, or significant family changes, and who might fantasize about magical solutions to their real-world problems. It's also suitable for readers who enjoy a touch of magic and mystery within a realistic setting. A parent might reach for this when their child is expressing strong wishes for their family situation to change, or when they are struggling to accept a new family dynamic. It can serve as a gentle way to open conversations about wishes, consequences, and the things we can and cannot control. Parents should be prepared to discuss the concept of wishes and their potential outcomes, as well as the reality that some things, like parental relationships, cannot be magically fixed. The witch character might be mildly unsettling for very sensitive children, so a preview might be helpful. Younger readers (ages 7-8) might primarily engage with the magical adventure and the witch, while older readers (ages 9-11) will likely connect more deeply with Laura's emotional journey, the complexities of her family situation, and the moral implications of her wish. What sets this book apart from many "wish gone wrong" stories is its grounding in a deeply emotional, realistic family problem, giving it more poignancy and a subtle therapeutic angle by exploring the 'why' behind the wish with sensitivity.