Witches in the Kitchen: A Year in the Life of a Junior Witch.

Anne Hutchings is a public-school teacher and librarian in Ajax,
Ontario.

A delightful blend of fact and fiction, Witches in the Kitchen chronicles the life in the life of junior witch Ivy, who, because of her failing grade in cooking, is sent to live with her spinster aunts, Thistle and Nettle, and her Granny Grackle in order to sharpen her culinary skills.

Written as Ivy’s grimoire (journal or diary), we learn all sorts of witchy history, tips, and lore. Common misconceptions about witches are dispelled. For example, we are told that the familiar and gruesome “eye of newt and toe of dog” lines from Shakespeare’s Macbeth are not at all what they seem. Rather it is simply a secret code, developed by witches as a result of the persecution suffered in earlier times, designed to discourage the unskilled from dabbling in witchcraft. We learn that “familiars” are helpful companions, not pets, and that male witches (don’t insult them by calling them warlocks!) don’t like to shave and are known for their wood- and metal-working ability. Included are directions for making twig people and preparing potions, or herbal remedies. With Ivy and her family and friends (Baba Yaga from Russia, La Strega from Italy, etc.) we celebrate holidays and festivals such as Beltaine (Mayday), Midsummer’s Day, Samhain (Hallowe’en), and Yule (Midwinter’s Day).

Illustrated in full colour, and utilizing a variety of fonts and type sizes which effectively divides the text into distinct sections, Witches in the Kitchen is a visual delight. Entertaining and informative, it will provide young readers with hours of fun and enjoyment. Everything you ever wanted to know about witches can be found within the pages of this book. Highly recommended.