October is a month full of so much energy, with the change from Summer to Autumn and the anticipation for Halloween. We enter a liminal space, a space between. The sun is setting sooner, the air is getting colder, and things are getting spookier. Of all the icons that represent Halloween, none is more iconic than the Witch. Perhaps we have been so fascinated with witches because they are so much like regular people, just more with their pointed hats and magic spells. Not all witches are evil with green skin and crooked noses, some use their magic to help others and the help the world around them. These books are highlighting all sorts of witches and their different kinds of magic.
Written by Erin Bow
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Los Angeles; New York: Disney-Hyperion, 2026. Fiction. 184 pages.
A pair of witch's helpers must put aside their dislike for one another to help rescue their missing witch. A cat named Butter, with a self-proclaimed destined to be a great hero and a raven named Owl who doubts the validity of Butter's skill in divination. If they want to have a chance to reunite their magical family, they will need to work together on a quest of mighty and terrifying dangers. Will they be able to work together to save their witch? This is an energetic adventure book that will appeal to those who like books with humor with their fast-paced adventure.
Written by A.A. Livingston
Illustrated by Katya Longhi
New York: Flamingo Books, 2025. Picture Book.
Grizelda the Green is a mean old witch who hates Halloween with all her being. This year she aims to put a stop to the holiday once and for all. But her brewed plans might be as spoiled as a rotten apple as this year may be the most memorable year for Grizelda and the trick-or-treaters. Told in silly and clever rhymes, this book is a perfect Halloween read for the whole family.
By Jennie Poh
New York: DK Flip, 2025. Intermediate.
Myrtle Stormwishper thought she was done with magic for good when she put her wand down to enter retirement. When adventure comes literally knocking at her door, she picks her wand back up to answer the call, but worries that her spells have gotten rusty and her broom a bit too dusty. Nevertheless, Myrtle sets forth to rediscover her magic with the help of her strange friends in the Anderson House, a retirement home for witches. This playful and spooky book is the first in a series that will sure to delight any reader.
Written by Melinda Beatty
Illustrated by Stephano Tambellini
New York: Little Bee Books, 2025. Picture Book.
A young witch inherits a peculiar family heirloom in the shape of a cursed table. It's been in her family for so long no one remembers who cursed it to stay with the family, and no one likes it. The young witch tries to stop the tables tricks and crankiness but as time goes on and they get to know each other better, the witch starts to notice how hard it is for the table to be just a table. The floor is too cold, it's hard to stand on four legs all the time, there are so many scratches along the wood of the table. Maybe it's time to use compassion instead of cleverness. This book is charming and hilarious story about empathy and finding common ground with people you don't see eye-to-eye, or eye-to-table-top, with.
Written by Robin Bennett
Illustrated by Rachel Grant
Philadelphia: RP Kids, 2024. Informational. 136 pages.
Discover the magic of the natural world through activities and crafts that support mindfulness and self-love. Learn about nine plants that inspire wellness and self-care. A Green Witch starts their journey by befriending a plant, through knowing them you know more about yourself. The plant will be your ally and teacher, helping you learn about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, how to feel safe in your body and become even more joyful. This is a book for those wanting to bring a bit of magic into the real world through nature and the plants living around us.
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