The Witch's Walking Stick

Reach for this book when your child feels like they are the only one doing the chores while everyone else has all the fun. It is a perfect choice for the quiet child who feels overlooked or bossed around by older siblings and needs a gentle, humorous reminder that their kindness is a quiet strength. The story follows Margaret, a mistreated girl who finds a witch's magic stick and decides to use its power to bring some much needed balance to her home life. While the setup involves a classic fairy-tale dynamic of a hardworking girl and her lazy relatives, Susan Meddaugh infuses the story with modern wit and a satisfying sense of justice. It is appropriate for children ages 4 to 8, providing a safe space to explore feelings of resentment and the desire for agency. Parents will appreciate how the book models standing up for oneself without losing one's heart, all while keeping the tone light and comical through its expressive illustrations.