The Witchling’s Wish by Lu Fraser and Sarah Massini – picture book review

It’s hard to put your finger on that magical moment when you go from meeting someone new, to becoming firm friends. I remember the first time my little one started school and we ushered her in through the classroom door, encouraging her to be herself and to be kind. I smile to myself thinking back to that moment, and whilst The Witchling’s Wish by Lu Fraser and Sarah Massini isn’t about starting school, it gently echoes the sentiment of being yourself, being kind and those wonderful sparks of magic as you begin to form friendships.   

Here’s a special advance peek at The Witchling’s Wish, which is published later this September by Bloomsbury Children’s Books. How exciting! 

The Witchling’s Wish by Lu Fraser and Sarah Massini

Synopsis

Little Witchling lives alone in her mountain top and more than anything else, she wishes for a friend. So, when her spell-book tells her that the secret ingredient is the fur from a little girl’s favourite teddy, she knows what she must do.

But the teddy belongs to Lily, who can’t bear to part with him. Will Little Witchling give up her dream of a real friend? Or just maybe, is there a way for her and Lily to make the wish come true, together?

The Witchling’s Wish is a pretty rhyming story. It’s full of wonderful wording that wishes and whooshes you through at pace, keeping interest firmly held! 

The story plunges you into Little Witchling’s world from the first page, where we see that she is happy, but also lonely as she doesn’t have a friend. Absolutely breathtaking illustrations really do steal the limelight in this picture book and create such a beautiful, immersive feel throughout. 

I think we all agreed that because of this, Little Witchling comes across as being so utterly delightful, that you can’t help but cheer her on in her quest for finding a friend with all of your heart.

As like all good stories that feature witches, a spell is brewed. But not just any spell. It’s a spell to magic up a friend. 

A missing ingredient sends Little Witchling on an unexpected adventure, where she meets Lily. 

And, it’s here where we see even more magic revealed with buckets of acceptance, and then an ultimate decision that must be made by Little Witchling.

Our overall thoughts

Wow. Just Wow. The Witchling’s Wish is just SO beautiful to look at. The intimate and detailed illustrations make you feel like you are right there as the story unfolds. We love the pacing and flow of the rhyme and though the story is just ever so slightly predictable, there’s an undeniable warmth and comfort in this. With kindness winning through in the end, just as it should. 

An immersive, magical tale of kindness and friendship that will leave your heart bursting with joy. 

Pre order your copy now! 

As I mentioned before, The Witchling’s Wish isn’t out just yet, but you can pre order it from all good bookstores such as Waterstones, Foyles and Amazon, in time for it’s release in September 2021.

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Disclosure: We received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own.