A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling like an outsider or starting to question rules that seem arbitrary or unfair. It’s perfect for the child who tries their best to be good, but feels like their efforts are misunderstood by adults. The story follows a young witch who, after being punished for sneaking into a celebration, is told she must become a “good witch” in a year's time. She spends the year performing acts of kindness, only to discover that the grown-up witches believe being “good” means being good at evil. This charming German classic explores themes of justice, defining your own moral code, and the courage to stand up to corrupt authority. It’s a humorous and empowering fantasy that celebrates forging your own path, even if it means breaking the rules.
The definition of "good" is subverted; the protagonist must defy authority to uphold her own morals.
Mild Peril
Mild
The Little Witch is caught and threatened by older witches; her broom is burned as a punishment.
Scary ContentMild
The elder witches are portrayed as cruel and menacing, but in a classic fairy-tale style.
Sensitive Topics
The core of the story is a direct, secular exploration of moral ambiguity and questioning authority. It posits that established systems and figures of power can be corrupt. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, as the protagonist successfully rebels against an unjust system. The ending involves revenge, where the Little Witch renders the council powerless, which is presented as a form of righteous justice.
Ideal Reader
An 8-10 year old who is beginning to recognize hypocrisy in rules and authority. This book is for the child who feels misunderstood, tries hard to do the right thing, and is frustrated when the goalposts seem to move. It's also a perfect fit for young readers who love classic fantasy, talking animals, and clever, independent protagonists.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold as it is gentle in tone. However, parents may want to be ready to discuss the ending. The Little Witch's act of taking the other witches' spellbooks and brooms to burn them in her own bonfire is a powerful act of rebellion. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the difference between justice and revenge, and when it is right to stand up to authority. A parent has heard their child say, "But that's not fair!" or express confusion when they followed the rules but still didn't get the expected positive outcome. The child is struggling to reconcile their innate sense of fairness with the seemingly arbitrary rules of the adult world.
Age Experience
Younger readers (ages 8-9) will connect with the fun magical adventures, the funny talking raven, and the straightforward victory of a kind hero over mean bullies. Older readers (ages 10-12) will more deeply appreciate the sophisticated themes: the subversion of expectations, the critique of corrupt power structures, and the importance of an internal moral compass over externally imposed rules.
What Makes It Special
While many books feature magic and witches, this one's unique contribution is its direct confrontation with moral relativism. The villains are not a simple force of evil; they are an establishment with a twisted definition of "good." The story champions a personal, compassionate morality over conformity to a flawed system, making its empowerment message particularly nuanced and memorable.
Read plot summary
A 127-year-old witch, considered young in her world, desperately wants to join the annual Walpurgis Night dance. After she is caught sneaking in, the Witch Council gives her a challenge: she can return next year if she proves herself to be a "good witch." With her talking raven Abraxas, she spends the year performing kind deeds and helping people, believing she is fulfilling her task. When she presents her good deeds to the council, she is horrified to learn their definition of a "good witch" is one who excels at malice and wickedness. In a triumphant climax, she uses her magic to disarm the cruel elder witches and create a new tradition based on her own compassionate values.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The head witch says a 'good witch' is someone who is good at doing bad things. Why do you think the older witches believed this was true?
2
The Little Witch's raven, Abraxas, warns her against doing so many good deeds. Was he right to be worried? Why or why not?
3
At the end of the book, the Little Witch takes away all the other witches' spellbooks and brooms so they can't do magic anymore. Do you think this was a fair thing to do? What would you have done?
4
Which of the Little Witch's good deeds from her year of practice was your favorite? Why did you like that one best?
