A Good Witch by Beth Christopherson
This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here.
Bea has the delightful ability to find magic throughout her world. While there are hints of deep sadness both within Bea and within her family, nothing has stopped her from finding awe and wonder in all that surrounds her. Yet, Bea knows that things are not quite right. Her mother misses dinner with Bea and her Mimi, but, more importantly, her mother does not see the sparkle in the world anymore. But, perhaps, as a family, they can find their magic again.
A Good Witch is an impeccable graphic novel for children ages five to eight. Author Beth Christopherson has crafted a very real-feeling family with the perfect touch of magic. While I had initially assumed that we would see Bea and her family perform spells or craft miraculous amulets, I was pleasantly charmed to find that the magic Christopherson was referring to was one we can call achieve: the magic of curiosity about and reverence for the world.
Through the text and images by Nicholas Child (which I will comment on later), it becomes clear that Bea’s father is no longer in her life. While it is a tad unclear as to how he left (moved away, or perhaps, passed), his absence is keenly felt by the reader without being a central character. I comment on this feat because I was so struck by Christopherson’s ability to show rather than tell. No one can doubt why Bea’s mother lost her magic, but no one comes out and says it. This also allows readers to think about how events outside of their control can make someone lose something they had not appreciated before. But it also shows a road back to seeing magic in the world again.
Child’s illustrations are enchanting. They are exaggerated enough to provide intrigue for readers and show the expressions of real, 3D human beings in their 2D portrayals. Yet, Child’s work is also grounded enough for readers to connect with the characters, Christopherson’s words, and both the world of A Good Witch as well as their own. I am far from an expert in art styles, but my untrained eye detects a hint of folk art or even illuminated manuscripts (this latter comparison mostly comes because it reminds me of the animation style of the movie The Secret of Kells). This is not to suggest that Child is merely copying any particular style, as his style does feel unique, just that I see enough outside inspiration that I was curious.
I highly recommend Beth Christopherson’s A Good Witch both for its target audience of kids aged five to eight years old, but also for any reader who wants to find their magic again.
Comments
Post a Comment