The Children’s Book Review | October 19, 2015
Written by Audrey R. Kinsman
Illustrated by Milena Kirkova
Age Range: 3 years and up
Hard cover: 20 pages
Publisher: Four Boys Industries
ISBN: 9780692366097
What to expect: Gift set, Fun, Healthy Idea, Holiday Tradition, Interactivity
The Switch Witch and the Magic of Switchcraft is actually a beautiful gift set that includes a Switch Witch doll and a storybook centered on the Switch Witch character. The doll is unique and charming in itself, and a fun accompaniment to the story, as well as an interesting way to kick off the Halloween holiday season. Audrey R. Kinsman’s story is every bit as charming, as are the vivid illustrations by Milena Kirkova.
The story begins with a sensible question: Have you ever wondered why witches are part of Halloween? Witches, it turns out, need candy – for various tasks, from fueling their brooms, to warming their homes, to heating up their bathwater to soothe “their achy Witchy bones.” From here, the unique tale presents the story of Switch Witches traveling across the globe to collect the candy of good boys and girls who leave it out for them, in exchange for toys (thus, switch Witch). In addition to being remarkable story telling, and a very innovative twist on Halloween, the switching of candy for toys presents families with a clever way of trading Halloween sugar rushes for healthier options by presenting children with an alternative take on Halloween. The story wisely doesn’t dismiss the thrill of candy, but rather speaks on behalf of a more balanced approach: “Your witch is okay with you keeping a few pieces of loot, But eat it all up and she’ll leave nary a newt.” In this way, the doll that comes with the book serves to animate the story, since children are encouraged to name their Switch Witch and to find a good spot for it in their home, so it can watch over all “the good things you do.” Kids are encouraged to write a note explaining to the Switch Witch their desired toy, and to leave their offering of candy out after bringing their haul home on Halloween night. The book and doll is such an innovative and lively package, since the excellent story goes beyond the page and seeks to establish a new family tradition. Excellent book, creative doll, innovative idea, and truly new Halloween holiday tradition! Children will love the story and the activities it inspires, and parents will be glad for the healthier habits it encourages in their children.
Add this book to your collection: The Switch Witch and the Magic of Switchcraft
Available Here:
This healthy, allergy-friendly Halloween must-have can officially be found at TARGET stores, and TARGET.com.
Book Trailer
Fun Stuff
Their FREE Switch Witch APP is also available on Google Play and the App Store.
About the Author
Audrey Kinsman (pictured right) is the creator of The Switch Witch and the Magic of Switchcraft. A proud mother of two young boys, Kinsman struggled with finding a solution to the piles of candy that her two sons collected while trick-or-treating in 2013. An inspiration on a cross-country flight lead to the creation of the The Switch Witch and the Magic of Switchcraft.
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The Switch Witch and the Magic of Switchcraft, by Audrey Kinsman, was reviewed by Trevor Jockims. Follow along with our book reviews and articles tagged with Books About Witches, Candy Books, Family Traditions, Halloween Books, and Healthy Eating Books for Kids—as well as our Ages 4-8, and Picture Book categories—to discover more great kids books.