The Witchling's Wish

by Lu Fraser, Sarah Massini (Illustrator)

A magical, beautifully illustrated picture book about what it means to be a friend.

Little Witchling lives alone in her mountain top and more than anything else, she wishes for a friend. So, when her spell-book tells her that the secret ingredient is the fur from a little girl's favourite teddy, she knows what she must do.

But the teddy belongs to Lilly, who can't bear to part with him. Will Little Witchling give up her dream of a real friend? Or just maybe, is there a way for her and Lilly to make the wish come true, together?

With a heartwarming rhyming text and breathtaking illustrations from Sarah Massini, this magical friendship story is perfect for little witches everywhere!

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Halloween, Childrens, Fantasy, Witches, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2021

About the author

I’m supposed to be writing something about myself for the author page on my new website but, to be honest, I spend most of my time being hugely surprised that I’m now a published writer (so you can imagine my reaction when I come across one of my books in a bookshop!). How I’ve managed to create and publish picture books when I can barely use the remote control is a constant source of wonder to both me and my family but… here I am!

I’ve come to the conclusion that the ‘about me’ bit should be big on shortness and short on boring-ness so I’m just going to tell you five things about me that no one knows (Shhh! They’re a secret!) and leave it at that…

1: I secretly think I could be Indiana Jones – I even have the hat…

2: I do, on occasion, eat cake for breakfast.

3: I’m not very good at telling the time, even ‘though I’m a grown up.

4: I talk to Gertie, The Littlest Yak, all the time (when I get stuck on something, I ask her what she thinks I should do….)

5: I practice interview questions when I’m driving in the car so that I don’t accidentally let it slip that I eat cake for breakfast or talk to a yak…

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful illustrated book was a delight to read. Not only because of the absolutely gorgeous pictures but the layout, design and verses. Speaking in rhyme is my all time favourite for books such as this one for children.

Witchling needs to wish herself up a friend.
She’s lonely has no one to play with.

It’s a great lesson to teach children about kindness and putting others before yourself.

If my children were young or I’d have Grandchildren by now I’d certainly had purchased this book, for sure.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ Simply Adorable! A Must Read!

Oh my gosh The Witchling's Wish Children's Book, is so adorable!
Not only is the illustrations simply superb the storyline is really sweet and teaches children to Be Kind, to Share and the Value or Friendship.

The Little Witchling was lonely and desperately wanted a friend.
So she decides to conjure a spell, but she's missing one vital ingredient.... the fur from a one-eyed Ted!

So she sets out to find Ted!
What she finds is much more special, she finds a new best friend.

Children will love this story, it had a Whimsical feel and a rhyming style verse. The illustrations just bring the story to life. I know it's only a few pages long but I actually didn't want it to end and found myself saying awww at the end. It's such a feel good, loveable read.
Perfect for a bedtime story. A great read for ages 4-7years.
Definitely a book I highly recommend!


Thank you to Bloomsbury Children's Books and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.




You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet! I think I would have really loved this as a child so I'm bumping it to five stars because I think by this point in my life I've read so many picture books about friendship that the message felt just a little tired to my adult self and maybe more of a four star book. I loved all the details in the illustrations (especially the cut-aways where we see inside the various rooms of witchling's house) and the rhyme scheme is lyrical and pleasant. The idea of a young witch meeting a human child is not new, but I know I would have delighted in it when I was a little girl and wished I could have a magical friend. Lovely for any time of year and also a good choice for children wanting something non-frightening but witch-y at Halloween.

[Milton Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little witchling lives all alone and yearns only one thing. A friend. Luckily, she had a spell book that has just the spell for her to make a friend. The only problem is that there is an ingredient that she is missing. She finds the last ingredient for her spell in a little girl's bedroom. While trying to get the ingredient, the little girl and the witchling become friends! This sweet picture book shows that real magic can happen anytime and anywhere, without the help of a magic spell. I love books about friendship for little kids and this one really hits at it in the heart. Lu Fraser does a wonderful job telling the story with rhyme while Sarah Massini brings the story life with beautiful illustrations.

Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!

Ashley C. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable- ‘tis the season! 🐈‍⬛🔮

[Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet little story with adorable illustrations.

[Emily Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely soft illustrations. Would work well for a Halloween themed storytime/read, but also for friendship-themed storytimes.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute book with a lovely story and gorgeous illustrations. Little witchling is a very sweet character and all she wants is a friend so she decides to cast a spell to make one. She soon learns that it's not as simple as that!

[Ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when the plot of a book is "the real prize was the friendship we found along the way" and this was exactly that!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. The illustrations are gorgeous and so beautiful. I really liked the texture of the pages too! The story is very sweet and magical. Even though it's about a witch, it's more about friendship and finding a friend. Has nothing to do with Halloween. There was only one part where I felt like it was abrupt and weird. Found it weird how the little girl was just so welcoming to a random little witch landing on her bed. That's why I thought when she said, "...it's very nice to meet you" was weird. I felt like a hello would have been better than introducing yourself right away. It didn't seem realistic to me.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witchling's Wish is a beautiful book about a little witch, Witchling, who is lonely and wants a friend so she finds her spell book but soon realises she needs something for her spell that would mean taking it away from a little girl.

This is a great book all about friendship and it's lovely to see the friendship between Witchling and Lilly grow throughout the book. This gives a nice representation of how friendships can be difficult to start but with some empathy and understanding it can go a long way. The children were intrigued to see what the Witchling would do when it came to the teddy but they all agreed with the pairs decision in the end.

The illustrations are gorgeous and fit perfectly with the magical and witchy theme of the book. The children were lovingly seeing all the places Witchling ended up and noticing all the little things in the background, particular when she was at home in her spell room. They found it very interesting seeing all the little witchy magical themed details.

This is a beautiful rhyming story that we have read many times since receiving the book. This story is so much fun and a great way to show how important friendship can be and how sometimes they can be started in the most unexpected circumstances.

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another witch picture book I somehow never heard of until recently, when I stumbled across it in my local bookshop, buried and hidden amongst other children's picture books. Surprising, as 'The Witchling's Wish' is absolutely adorable and precious.

At its warm and light heart, it is about friendship, and how to go about making friends and forming connections with other people, often in the most unexpected places. Kindness, generosity, sharing, thoughtfulness, and selflessness are key to making true friends.

I've decided not to reveal anything more in my review, other than the witch in 'The Witchling's Wish' is a lonely little girl (how did she come to be in a stone mountain home, with only beetles, a green lizard, and a blue owl for company, anyway?) dressed in green, and whose broom is knobbly and wobbly, and the friend she ends up making is a POC.

And the book is told in the sweetest, most delectable rhyming.

Delightful timing!

Swish, sugary, enchanting ley-lining!

Come here, 'The Witchling's Wish'. Come and join 'Witch in Training', 'Sunday the Sea Witch', 'Witch Hazel', 'My Mummy is a Witch', 'Once Upon a Witch's Broom', and 'A Spoonful of Frogs' on my witchy picture book shelf. My own little branch of spell books, and coven.

Witchy magic forever!

Final Score: 4/5

[beckys_book_blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got goosebumps reading this book! I absolutely loved it.
This book has everything: gorgeous illustrations, fantastic rhyme and a heart warming story about friendship.

In the story the little Witchling lives all by herself in a drippy, bug ridden pointy house. She doesn't mind this, if only she could have a friend. The little Witchling decides to make a spell.

The ingredients for her spell lead her to a little girls bedroom where she goes to collect a hair from a one eyed teddy bear. She gets something much better than this from her visit though. As a result of her own selflessness and being so kind to the little girl she makes a friend of her own.

This would be the perfect book to have in an early years setting or infant class to reinforce the importance of friendship, how to make friends and be kind to others. The perfect story to use as part of a PSHE lesson too. It would also make a brilliant bedtime story and I can imagine it becoming a favourite.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's Publishing for this eARC. I will be pre ordering this so we can add it to our bookshelves on 16th September.

[Emma Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witchling's Wish by Lu Fraser and Sarah Massini is a wonderful tale of friendship.
The little Witchling lives in the misty mountains and is lonely, she loves her home, doesn't mind the beetles or the dripping of water, but what she truly desires is a friend. Little Witchling needs a 'one-eyed teddy' for her spell to create a friend and she finds one in the home of a little girl called Lily.
The story tells us of how the teddy is an adored companion and he has been loved so much, he only has one hair left on his head. The story concludes with the little Witchling declining Lilly's offer of her teddy's last hair and how this act of selflessness gains her what she was searching for - a friend.

The gloriously descriptive text rhymes and would be a wonderful addition to any KS1 classroom where children are being taught adjectives. There is huge scope for a series of lessons based on the language alone and the illustrations could also form another lesson. There is something new to locate on each page and the artist really makes the pictures come alive. The text could also be used in PSHE lessons or even to solve disputes in the classroom - I'd definitely use it in this way.

[Ellee Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copyright date: 2021
Star rating: 5
Award: N/A
Genre: Fiction
Summary w/ themes: This book is about a little witch who is content with her life, except for the fact that she doesn't have a friend. She decides she will have to make a friend, and when the last thing required for this friend is a one-eyed teddy bear, she flies into the city to get one. However, the little witch didn't realize this teddy bear would mean so much to this little girl, so she gives up on her plan. As she turns to leave, the two realize that they can become friends, and that the witch doesn't need a spell to make a friend anymore. This book has a theme of friendship.
Use for future classroom: This could be a fun read aloud around halloween time.
Thoughts of book: I thought this was a cute book and I liked that the words rhymed and that there was wordplay within the book. I also enjoyed that the little witch was able to find a friend instead of creating one, because finding a new friend is more authentic than just making one.

[Mary Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this book is positively gorgeous! It’s a delight to read the flowing, rhyming about what it really means to find and be a friend. While Little Witchling is cheerful and kind, she is also desperately lonely. What is really needs is a friend, so she sets about finding one the only way she knows how…through magic! While looking for that last vital ingredient, she makes a surprising discovery; there is another path to friendship. The subtle palette used in the illustrations create a lovely atmosphere that suits the story perfectly. The design is simply luscious. And as we are coming into that “witchy” time of year, I can’t think of a better story to share with a friend of your own. Imaginative, charming and, of course, magical.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely marvellous – even if it was a case of knowing exactly where it was going after just one or two spreads. A young witchling needs a certain ingredient for her spell to make her a friend to get her out of her loneliness, not imagining what will happen when she pops into someone's bedroom in order to get it. Nicely energetic artwork, and a really clever rhyming narrative make this one to share with groups – and groups. And groups. This is a really appealing and warm volume, despite the witch-girl's dark and soggy beginnings.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightfully, heart-warming story of what it means to be a friend. Little Witchling wants nothing more that to have a friend. When her spell book tells her the ingredients of how to make a friend she knows just what to do. When she encounters Lilly, who has the magic ingredient (the fur of her favourite teddy), will Little Witchling realise what true friendship is all about. My four year old daughter adored this book. Delicately written by Sarah Massini with whimsically, magical illustrations from Lu Fraser.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure magic! I picked it up and was immediately in love. The lyrical text is charming and heartfelt. And the illustrations? Oh, I could get lost in these fabulous illustrations. It is a perfect story time selection. The story begins with Witchling having an empty space she thinks only a friend can fill. She decides to cast a spell for one, but along the way finds her wish did not require a spell afterall. This is a must read! And a must share!

Quote: "Your heart is bigger than I thought a heart could be."

[Susan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly sweet, imaginative, beautifully illustrated story of a Witchling who lives alone in a cozy (but drafty and damp) hideaway who longs for a friend. She decides to conjure one up, but needs one final ingredient which eventually leads to a very unexpected but longed for resolution. This sweet story is excellent for young readers who crave magic stories but don't need to perpetuate dated stereotypes of ugly and scary witches. Little Witchling is adorable. Plus the rhyming text is charming.

[Lindsay Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a young witchling looking to conjure up a friend. Along the way she realizes she is missing an important ingredient: fur from a one-eyed stuffed bear. She soon discovers that her kindness may be all that she needs to create a friendship.

With beautiful artwork, sing-songy lyricism, and a heartfelt lesson at the end, I will be sure to be reaching for this one again.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about what makes a friend; can you sew one? Is it a magic spell made of the ear-wax of an iguana? Must a lonely witch confront a scary one-eyed teddy bear? Or maybe the little girl who owns the teddy bear has a better idea about sharing and thinking of others instead of oneself. Maybe some grownups need to read this book, too

[Jane Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes my heart beat happy

I love the illustrations, and the message is quite on point. I recommend this book for anybody who has children (or even for themselves!) who might be lonely, and in need of guidance of how to be a friend. The rhyming in the story is not all cheesy and left me with a smile.

[Bree Sotirovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

A girl is looking for a friend. She can't find one or make one so she casts a spell instead. She finds out she needs a one eyed teddy bear in order for it to work, but she doesn't have one. she finds a girl fast asleep with one and while she needs the bear in order for the spell to work, she finds she no longer needs it once she wakes the girl. It is soft and sweet as can be.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Witchling loves living on her spooky mountain doing witchy things. But it's a bit lonely. She decides to cast a spell to get a friend. But she doesn't have all the ingredients. She sets off to find the final piece and finds something she didn't expect.

This is a cozy little read with some pleasantly spooky vibes. I'm glad everything worked out well in the end.

[Ł e X I E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book was so cute! Though it could definitely do well during spooky season, I think it’s something that applies year round because it’s all about kindness and friendship! The illustrations are beautiful, too!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this story was lovely, my daughter however felt the message of "how to make a friend" was a bit too obvious. A cute read for someone who wants a witchy Halloween story, that is sweet instead of spooky.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's Picture Books

This is an incredibly heartwarming story of a little witch who wishes for a friend, but one of the ingredients for the spell is the very last hair of an over-loved teddy bear! Can she convince the bear's owner to help?

Super cute. Friendship themes!

[Sarah Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witchling's Wish by Lu Fraser is a delightful, heart-warming tale full of magic and charm! The story is a perfect mix of whimsy and warmth, with sweet, playful illustrations. Fraser’s gentle, rhythmic prose makes it a joy to read aloud.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and beautiful illustrations