Dorrie appeals to children through her relatable muddles and her ability to solve magical crises that the powerful adults overlook. The cozy gothic illustrations create a spooky but safe world where a messy child becomes the unexpected hero. Books in this family share atmospheric settings, mischievous small scale villains, and protagonists who succeed despite their mismatched socks.
Reach for this book when your child feels like they are always in the way or that their efforts to help usually end in a 'muddle.' It is perfect for the little one who worries they aren't as polished or capable as the adults around them. The story follows Dorrie, a young witch with socks that never stay up, as she accidentally unleashes a mischievous goblin while her mother, Big Witch, is busy preparing for a grand magic show. Through humor and a bit of magical chaos, children see that being small and imperfect doesn't mean you can't be a hero. It is a wonderful choice for kids aged 6 to 9 who are developing their sense of autonomy. It validates the feeling of being overlooked while celebrating the unique intuition and resilience that children bring to a crisis. Ultimately, it is a comforting reminder that even a 'messy' child has the power to save the day.
