The Would-be Witch

Matter-of-Fact Magic

by Ruth Chew

Two children are convinced that the owner of the nearby antique shop is a witch.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Witches, Middle Grade, Halloween, Young Adult

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Ruth Chew is the author of a number of popular books for young readers, including Secondhand Magic and The Wednesday Witch. She was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Washington, D.C. She studied art at the Corcoran School of Art and worked as a fashion artist. She was the mother of five children.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was in the discard bin at my local library and I was horrified. I LOVED the Ruth Chew witch books as a kid. I definitely fondly remember The Witch's Buttons and What the Witch Left. This story isn't as good (or at least isn't as good as I remember the other ones being), but to me it still seems worthy of library space. I love the artwork too.

UPDATE: Ruth Chew's obituary ran recently in The San Francisco Chronicle, and this book cover was shown. RIP, Ms. Chew.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, calm, and full of magic that feels like it could be an everyday occurrence in the lives of young children.

[Kat!e Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the whole concept of matter-of-fact magic. I love how much fun the kids have with the magic, and how they study it out to figure out how it works. I wanted more about the guy who sold the silver polish, though -- I feel like he had a story of his own.

[Just a Girl Fighting Censorship · Rating 2 out of 5]

This middle-grade book felt like two stories that didn't fit together. If thoroughly explored, each one could have been interesting and entertaining on its own, but the crowded plot prevents either from flourishing.

The children never really face any actual obstacle. There are no consequences to anything they do, and no lessons are learned. Some mildly fantastical things occur, but nothing is done with them to make it a cohesive story.

The Would-be Witch character is terribly underdeveloped and a blip in the book despite being the title character.

[Cristina Ingbritsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read and I enjoyed the variations of representations of witches. It didn’t follow the stereotype entirely. Was quite refreshing to see that in a book of its time. Never read a Ruth Chew book before. Would love to read more 😊

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin and Andy are just regular kids. They meet Zelda after her cat follows the children home. The children go to return the cat and the adventure begins.

[Reine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been incredibly heartwarming 🖤

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andy and Robin visit Zelda’s antique shop and a white cat mysteriously follows them home. When their mother tells them they may trade the cat for a knick-knack, they polish a pair of silver birds with polish their mother has recently purchased. To their amazement, the birds come to life and build a nest in Robin’s closet. The magic polish also helps the children fly and shrink as they help Zelda, a would-be witch, realize her full potential. This story, for younger readers who prefer kinder, gentler witches, will appeal to a wide audience. These Ruth Chew re-issues are easy to read and pleasantly illustrated. Order if needed.

[Jennifer Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming children's adventure. Reminded me of Oz books by Frank Baum, The Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton, and even my own early reader series Family Magic. After overloading my brain with world-in-peril type stories that put heavy burdens on young protagonist shoulders, it is very refreshing to turn to everyday magical problems - the kind that kids can sneak into their bedrooms while the parents aren't looking.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as some of the others, but a fun story nevertheless.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Allanna put "The Wednesday Witch" on her bookshelf, I started thinking, "Ruth Chew, Ruth Chew....I've read something by her before" and found this little gem. It was one of my favorites as a child! Now to re-read it....

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is the owner of the antique shop a witch? What do you think...

[Sha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book when i was younger & would love to get a copy for my daughter, sadly i no longer have mine for some reason i cannot think....

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how we got on this topic at the office holiday lunch, but I fondly remember checking this book out at the school library as a child. Thus begins my new 'Kids' Lit' bookshelf.

[Kaijsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but a bit slow. Cute magic salt-and-pepper shaker birds.

[Crystal Allen]

Ruth Chew was one of my favorite authors during my childhood. I have fond memories of reading her Witch books. They fostered my love for children's literature.

[Culleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a book review for work. It was a quick, easy read. Cute story about magic.

[Heather Iveson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I'd judge this book today, but at the time it was one of my favourites and was read many times over.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fantasy book a i love series and this is the serie I want to keep reading