A review by studiomikarts
The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Aubrey Plaza, Daniel Murphy, Julia Iredale

adventurous dark fast-paced

3.5

Well this book did not end how I expected! It's very rare for me to read an open-ended conclusion like this, especially in a picturebook. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think it's interesting and surprising to leave off in a way that makes it seem like the most exciting part may be yet to come (not in a sequel way; rather, it almost feels like a ghost story, where the audience is left to ponder it and perhaps spook themselves later with their own thoughts). But the ending also had too much of a real-world influence. The idea that

global climate change is on its way to releasing the witch, who may then unleash either good or evil upon the world

is a bit too much on the nose. There are other similar instances like that throughout the book, as well. Just being a little too eager to make a modern Christmas tale that addresses modern concerns about equality and the environment. Keep in mind that this is the opinion of a very liberal minded reader; I love stories that give females prominent and starring roles, and change expectations and the status quo, and more important still, stories that encourage compassion and care for animals and the environment, but I still wish it would have been more subtly attempted in this story. For instance, instead of

Kristtorn's brother literally telling her there's no place for her in the world and that she'd best stay hidden, which comes across strongly as a man telling a woman to know her place, or in other words, that women 'belong in the kitchen'

, surely there was a more artful way? I asked myself that question at many places throughout the book, unfortunately. There was also a single typo in the middle of the book that was a bit silly and rather ruined the mood and immersion on that page.

Setting the issues with the writing aside, I loved the illustrations throughout the book. They are gorgeous and make The Legend of the Christmas Witch worth owning, even with its other shortcomings. If you enjoy picturebooks primarily for the imagery, this is definitely one worth adding to your collection!