The Little Witch

“First published in 1957, this story of a young witch who’s itching to become part of the grown-up witch world has a sprightly tone and a feel that’s somewhere between fairy tale and Harry Potter. That’s a sweet spot for magic-loving children just beginning to read on their own, and you don’t see many books hit it this well. (It would be a fantastic read-aloud, too.)…There’s a morally satisfying fairy-tale ending — a glorious moment of table-turning that speaks to our pent-up frustration at the arbitrary rules of the universe that put mean people in charge. The illustrations — charming, scratchy black-and-white line drawings by Winnie Gebhardt-Gayler — seem like they could have been done yesterday.” —Maria Russo, The New York Times Book Review

“All children who tremble at the thought of witches – allay your fears! – For as of Walpurgis Night last, the bad witches have been rendered powerless and only one good little witch remains. How this came to be is the content of a delightful book to be read in episodes or at one happy sitting…How the little witch casts her most powerful spell will leave readers thoroughly satisfied and young bedtime listeners ready for only pleasant dreams.” —Kirkus Reviews 

“Mr. Preussler’s books were read aloud to generations of German children. They adored his characters.”–Douglas Martin, The New York Times

“Elements of folklore in Preussler’s books are intertwined with conversations, funny dialogue, discussions of old and young, and angry disputes that are rooted in the everyday life of families and school. Preussler revealed…that he possessed an almost inexhaustible fantasy, an unfailing sense of humor and situation comedy. German children between the ages of four and twelve are still his fans.”–Horst Kunneman, Bookbird

Praise for Otfried Preussler’s Krabat and the Sorcerer’s Mill:

“One of my favorite books.” –Neil Gaiman 

“In Preussler’s masterpiece, the terror is real, the love sweet, and the suspense twisted tight.” –J. Alison James