Reviews

Witch Family by Eleanor Estes

katie_s11's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

sheeena's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book as a child so for that reason alone, it's rated 5 stars. I decided to re-read it as an adult for nostalgic reasons but also because it's spooky season. I used to read it all the time and remember absolutely loving it. It's cute but I don't feel the same way that I used to sadly.

lupingirl1973's review against another edition

3.0

I read and loved this book when I was in elementary school, so when I found it in a used book store last month, I thought it was time to revisit!

vinpauld's review against another edition

4.0

This charming book is a wonderful ode to childhood imagination. Amy and Clarissa, two seven-year-old best friends, enjoy hearing tales about Old Witch and her wicked antics. They also enjoy sitting down and drawing pictures of the Old Witch's naughty hijinks. To them, the tales they hear about the Witch from Amy's mother, are as real as any events in a history book. The power of their imaginations, along with the magic of their drawings, brings the world of Old Witch to life. Anything they draw, including a little girl witch and a baby witch, magically come to life and are added to the magical realm inhabited by Old Witch. The book is somewhat episodic, which seems appropriate for a story that affirms the power of storytelling, but those looking for a strong narrative drive might be disappointed. The book is gentle and sweet and should be a great treat for young girls under the age of eight. It will probably be best appreciated by younger children and those adults who still have the ability to remember what it was like to find magic in something as ordinary as a bumblebee. As an illustrator, one of my favorite things about this book are the wonderful pen and ink drawings by Edward Ardizzone which make up an integral part of this enchanting book.

shadylane00's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

teniren's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

emjay2021's review against another edition

5.0

Oh goodness, I read this too many times to count as a child. I loved it! I don't think I cottoned on at first that the Witch Family were made up by Amy and Clarissa. Such a sweet book.

danicamidlil's review against another edition

1.0

I was not impressed by this book, which really surprised me since I grew up addicted to the Moffats' on-going saga. The way this book focuses so much on one of the little girls makes me wonder if this was written for one of the author's children. However, the main character, Amy is a bossy little brat, especially to her supposed best friend, the spineless and forgetful Clarissa. Clarissa is so two-dimensional as to be a place holder really. Her part could have been played by one of Amy's stuffed animals. She really only exists in the story as someone Amy can talk AT.
The spelling from Malachi the spelling bee is getting really annoying...
The author repeats herself so much during her lengthy and complicated explanations it's a wonder that any children understand what the heck she's trying to say.

tiffanyrich623's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

lng_f's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0