−19%

How to Be a Witch

✍️ Balkan, Gabrielle
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$16.08 $19.99 Save $3.91 (19%)
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This juvenile nonfiction title dismantles the popular image of green-faced, warted witches brewing harm in dark cauldrons. Instead, the narrative focuses on the history of women whose knowledge of nature made them targets of fear over many centuries. Balkan outlines how modern witches continue these traditions by working as everyday natural healers who serve their communities. The ending offers a practical spell and potion recipe designed for children and families to read together.

🏛 Rise X Penguin Workshop 📅 2024 📖 48 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780593751190
Fun Fact
Balkan's 'How to Be a Witch' is an essential, heartwarming entry point for young minds into the positive, empowering side of modern witchcraft. It excels at demystifying a historically maligned concept, offering a fresh perspective on natural healing and inner strength. While it won't satisfy those seeking complex ritual or darker occult lore, it perfectly serves its purpose as an accessible, family-friendly guide. It belongs on every bookshelf dedicated to fostering open-mindedness and celebrating the wisdom within and around us.

📝 Description: How to Be a Witch

Gabrielle Balkan presents a juvenile nonfiction picture book that addresses historical stereotypes surrounding witches. The text explains how knowledgeable, powerful women who healed others were demonized across centuries by men who feared losing pride or power. It traces how certain people preserved and passed down their lived and learned knowledge regarding the natural healing power of plants and flowers over many centuries. Those identifying as witches today use this traditional wisdom to help the people around them as natural healers. Written for a target audience of readers ages two to twelve, the work functions as a read-aloud text for families or covens. The volume concludes with backmatter containing a suggested potion and a kid-friendly spell suitable for celebrating Halloween or discovering inner magic throughout the year. The author qualifies for this subject through a background of publishing factual nonfiction books for young readers covering animal record-breakers, map navigating, and information about the United States. Illustrations created by Shana Gozansky accompany the text. The volume suits young children learning about nature, plants, flowers, activism, social justice, and Halloween celebrations. It does not suit readers seeking a guide to dark magic, gruesome potion ingredients, or traditional folklore depictions of scheming figures in pointy hats.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This volume succeeds in redefining witchcraft for a new generation by focusing on natural healers and wise community figures rather than sensationalism. However, it does not suit readers seeking rigorous academic history, complex theological debates, or traditionalist Wiccan doctrine. Those looking for dense scholarly analysis or adult-oriented occult theory will find the accessible language and charming illustrations too simplistic. It is strictly designed for young audiences and their families, meaning older practitioners might perceive the content as overly introductory or sanitized. While it effectively dispels outdated imagery, it lacks the depth required for serious study, serving instead as a gentle, empowering introduction to positive magical practice.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Families and young readers seeking an accessible entry point into the world of witchcraft will find this book particularly rewarding. It strips away intimidating jargon and cartoonish stereotypes, replacing them with a warm, inviting narrative that emphasizes compassion, nature, and inner wisdom. Parents will appreciate its gentle approach to discussing history and misrepresentation, making it an ideal read-aloud that sparks curiosity without overwhelming the novice. It empowers readers to view witchcraft as a positive, helpful spirit rather than a dark or mysterious force, fostering self-discovery and a deeper connection to the natural world through charming illustrations and clear language.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
If you're a parent seeking to introduce your children to a positive, empowering view of witchcraft, or a young reader curious about nature's wisdom and challenging stereotypes, this book is for you. It's an excellent read-aloud for family exploration.

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

This volume succeeds in redefining witchcraft for a new generation by focusing on natural healers and wise community figures rather than sensationalism. However, it does not suit readers seeking rigorous academic history, complex theological debates, or traditionalist Wiccan doctrine. Those looking for dense scholarly analysis or adult-oriented occult theory will find the accessible language and charming illustrations too simplistic. It is strictly designed for young audiences and their families, meaning older practitioners might perceive the content as overly introductory or sanitized. While it effectively dispels outdated imagery, it lacks the depth required for serious study, serving instead as a gentle, empowering introduction to positive magical practice.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely not. This book is an empowering, stereotype-busting look at witches as natural healers and wise individuals, focusing on positive contributions and connection to nature, not dark arts.
Designed as juvenile non-fiction, it's perfect for elementary-aged children and families. Its conversational tone and engaging style make it ideal for reading aloud and sparking discussions.

📖 Who should read this

If you're a parent seeking to introduce your children to a positive, empowering view of witchcraft, or a young reader curious about nature's wisdom and challenging stereotypes, this book is for you. It's an excellent read-aloud for family exploration.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Demystifying Witchcraft

This book bravely challenges the centuries-old, fear-driven caricatures of witches. It meticulously separates fact from fiction, replacing images of green-skinned villains with a nuanced understanding of individuals who have historically been revered for their deep knowledge of natural healing and their role as wise, helpful members of society, often unfairly demonized due to misunderstanding or societal power dynamics.

Nature's Healing Wisdom

At its heart, this work highlights the profound connection between witchcraft and the natural world. It illustrates how ancestral practices centered on understanding herbs, plants, and the earth's rhythms were foundational to the identity of many who were labeled witches. The book subtly guides young minds to appreciate the healing power of nature and to recognize their own potential as stewards of well-being.

Empowering Inner Magic

More than just a historical reinterpretation, this book acts as a guide to discovering one's inherent capabilities. It reframes 'magic' as the power of intention, empathy, and knowledge, encouraging children to tap into their own inner strength, intuition, and capacity for positive impact. It's an invitation to cultivate a mindful, compassionate, and empowered approach to life.

📜 Historical context

For centuries, the term 'witch' has been weaponized, used to demonize wise women and healers, often by those threatened by their influence. This book stands firmly within the modern tradition of reclaiming and re-educating, presenting witchcraft not as dark sorcery, but as a lineage of earth-centered wisdom and community care, offering a corrective to historical prejudice.

📚 Glossary

Witch (redefined)
Stereotype
Natural Healing

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. What does 'magic' mean to you, and how can you use your own special qualities to help others?
  2. Think about a plant or animal you admire. What lessons can you learn from nature about strength, healing, or connection?
  3. Have you ever heard something about a person or group that turned out to be untrue? How can we be kind and challenge unfair ideas?

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