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The Witch Family

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The Witch Family is a delightful tale about two little girls, Amy and Clarissa, who are fascinated with witches and magical stories. They hear tales about Old Witch, the head of all witches, and decide to banish her to a glass hill. However, they soon feel sorry for Old Witch and create a companion for her, Little Witch Girl. The story follows the adventures of the witches living on the glass hill, including a school for witches, a spelling bumblebee named Malachi, and a mix of real-world interactions and fantastical elements. The book seamlessly blends fantasy and reality, capturing the imagination of both the characters and the readers.

Eleanor Estes, the author, weaves a magical world filled with witches, mermaids, and whimsical adventures that come to life through the eyes of two imaginative girls. The writing style is engaging and never talks down to its young readers, introducing challenging words and real information about bumblebees to build young vocabularies. The book culminates on Halloween night, capturing the innocence and excitement of trick-or-treating in a bygone era, complete with spooky elements and joyful celebrations.

Characters:

The characters are imaginative children, a cantankerous yet endearing Old Witch, and supportive magical beings that enhance the whimsical narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is imaginative and descriptive, filled with humor and rich vocabulary that captivates young readers without talking down to them.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows two girls who banish an Old Witch but later allow her to have a companion, leading to whimsical adventures that blend reality and fantasy.

Setting:

The setting blends a familiar real world with a fantastical glass hill, creating a captivating backdrop for the magical adventures.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, giving readers ample time to indulge in the imaginative elements, though some may find it slightly repetitive.

Notes:

The primary characters are two best friends, Amy and Clarissa, who are fascinated with witches.
Amy and Clarissa create their own magical world through their drawings, which come to life.
Old Witch is the head of all witches and is both funny and cantankerous.
The story features a Glass Hill where Old Witch is banished, creating a unique setting.
The narrative mixes real-world elements with fantasy, appealing to children's imaginations.
Amy has the power to decide Old Witch's fate based on her behavior.
There are magical companions introduced, like Hannah Little Witch Girl and a baby witch named BeeBee.
A talking bumblebee named Malachi helps keep Old Witch in check.
The book is filled with humor and gentle excitement, making it enjoyable for children.
The story culminates around Halloween, capturing the joy of traditional trick-or-treating experiences.
Eleanor Estes, the author, is known for her engaging writing style that doesn't talk down to children.
The book introduces children to new vocabulary and concepts, enhancing their reading experience.
It includes cultural references to mythical rites, like Bacchanalia and Saturnalia, in a whimsical context.
It has received nostalgic praise for its imaginative storytelling and delightful illustrations by Edward Ardizzone.

From The Publisher:

Old Witch, Little Witch Girl, Weeny Witch, and two real girls in a fantasy that blends the worlds of reality and imagination. A Halloween classic about the power of make-believe.

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About the Author:

Eleanor Estes (1906-1988) grew up in West Haven, Connecticut, which she renamed Cranbury for her classic stories about the Moffat and Pye families. A children's librarian for many years, she launched her writing career with the publication of The Moffats in 1941. Two of her outstanding books about the Moffats-Rufus M. and The Middle Moffat-were awarded Newbery Honors, as was her short novel The Hundred Dresses. She won the Newbery Medal for Ginger Pye.

 
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