"The Wednesday Witch" "The Wednesday Witch" is a charming children's book written by Ruth Chew. The story follows Mary Jane, a young girl who moves to a new neighborhood with her family. Mary Jane and her brother, Toby, quickly discover that their new neighbor, Mrs. Coven, is not just an ordinary old lady - she is a witch! Mrs. Coven, also known as the Wednesday Witch, is a lovable character with a special power. Every Wednesday, she can transform into any animal she wishes.
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From the Buckhorn Road, past Colliding Rivers, Idleyld Park, Eagle Rock, Watson Falls, Whitehorse Falls, Clearwater Falls, dogwood and water and rhododendrons and trees and water. Since the trees there like to get together as forests and the forests are in the mountains and the mountains are often far from home and work starts early in the morning, sometimes it makes sense for loggers to temporarily live closer to the job.
Every Wednesday, she can transform into any animal she wishes. Mary Jane and Toby are fascinated by her abilities, and they develop a close friendship with the Wednesday Witch. Throughout the book, Mary Jane and Toby get involved in various adventures with the Wednesday Witch.
The Wednesday Witch at Stump Lake
I could almost believe a whiff of certain smells, caught just right, has the power to physically transport me to another time or place. Sourdough can be like that for me. This summer it was the mint in my garden. Mmm, Oregon cow pasture! Most recently, though, I experienced this transport not with a smell, but with a book.
My sister Kathy is three years older than I. We have both loved books for as long as we can remember, and we loved getting books from the Scholastic Book Club in grade school whenever we had a quarter or two. I would read all of my books and as many of Kathy’s as I was able. She had a good headstart on me. One of her books that I read and loved was The Wednesday Witch by Ruth Chew.
For years, I had no reference points to help me remember how old I was when I read the book, but now it’s easy to find that it was published in 1969. I assume, then, that it was the summer either before or after the second grade. I had no recollection of plot. I remembered that there is a witch (the title helps tremendously), that the witch’s cat gets left with a little girl, that the witch rides a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom, and that the girl feeds the cat canned tuna fish. I don’t know why the tuna stuck with me for over 45 years.
Kathy is an incredible giver. She will use a special occasion as an excuse to give gifts if she needs to, but she doesn’t depend on them. Last time we were together, she handed me a box of things she had collected for me. In the bottom, I discovered a copy of The Wednesday Witch . I almost went to Stump Lake and 1969.
Details of The Wednesday Witch don’t matter nearly as much as where I was when I read it. I grew up in Oregon. My Grandpa and my Dad were loggers. Since the trees there like to get together as forests and the forests are in the mountains and the mountains are often far from home and work starts early in the morning, sometimes it makes sense for loggers to temporarily live closer to the job. Stump Lake is about 60 miles from where we lived. Sixty swervy, curvy (“If you’d sit up and look at the scenery you wouldn’t get sick!”) miles that seem to follow every bend in the Umpqua River. The most beautiful drive in the world. From the Buckhorn Road, past Colliding Rivers, Idleyld Park, Eagle Rock, Watson Falls, Whitehorse Falls, Clearwater Falls, dogwood and water and rhododendrons and trees and water. At that time, it was obvious where the name Stump Lake came from. A logged area had filled with water, but not enough to cover the stumps. It was a fun landmark on our way to Diamond Lake or Crater Lake. I’ve looked for recent pictures of it and seen the satellite photos. The stumps have rotted away.
Photo of my logging Grandpa
Grandpa and Grandma were staying in a camper trailer at the lake on weekdays so Grandpa could be closer to work. They came home on weekends to get groceries, do laundry, and tend to household chores. One week they took Kathy and me to the lake with them! I remember almost no details about that week. But I remember the smell of the propane stove and lights in the confines of the trailer. At the end of the day, Grandpa would bring in the smell of sawdust and chainsaw oil. We would get in bed when it got dark, but we could have light for a while so we could read. The book I had was The Wednesday Witch. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a good book or not. Just seeing the cover takes me back to that cozy bed next to my sister, dark forest outside, Grandma and Grandpa inside, witches won’t hurt me, vacuum cleaners might fly.
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They help her retrieve her lost magical items, assist her in solving problems, and even accompany her on a journey through time. Together, they navigate through some tricky situations, using their wits and the Wednesday Witch's magic. One of the highlights of the story is when Mary Jane and Toby become mice thanks to the Wednesday Witch's magic. As mice, they explore the world from a different perspective and learn valuable lessons about empathy and understanding. They also encounter other animals who teach them important life lessons. "The Wednesday Witch" is a delightful tale that combines the magic of witches with relatable everyday situations. It explores themes of friendship, family, and the power of imagination. The book captures the imagination of young readers with its whimsical storytelling and engaging characters. Ruth Chew's writing style is accessible and captivating for children, making it an excellent choice for young readers who enjoy stories about magic and adventure. The book also features charming illustrations that bring the characters and their adventures to life. Overall, "The Wednesday Witch" is a heartwarming and magical children's book that will captivate readers young and old. It teaches important lessons about friendship, understanding, and the power of imagination. Whether read alone or shared with others, this enchanting tale will leave readers wanting more adventures with the Wednesday Witch..
Reviews for "The Wednesday Witch: A Contemporary Take on a Traditional Tale"
1. John - 2/5: I found "The Wednesday Witch" to be quite dull and uneventful. The story lacked excitement and failed to hold my interest. Additionally, the characters were flat and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1/5: I was extremely disappointed with "The Wednesday Witch." The plot was confusing and poorly developed, leaving me feeling lost throughout the entire book. The writing style was also lackluster and failed to draw me in. I struggled to finish this book and felt it was a waste of time. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Michael - 2/5: I had high hopes for "The Wednesday Witch," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story started off promising, but quickly became repetitive and predictable. The main character, Mary, lacked complexity, and the supporting characters felt one-dimensional. I felt that the book lacked depth and failed to keep me engaged. Overall, I was disappointed with this read.
4. Emily - 3/5: "The Wednesday Witch" had an interesting concept, but it didn't live up to its potential. The writing style was simple and geared towards younger readers, which made it feel less enjoyable for me as an adult. Additionally, the pacing was quite slow, and the plot lacked the necessary twists and turns to grip my attention. While it wasn't a terrible book, it didn't leave a lasting impression either.
5. David - 2/5: "The Wednesday Witch" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver a captivating story. The narrative felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were unmemorable, and their interactions felt forced. I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the book and was ultimately disappointed by the lackluster ending. It was a forgettable read for me.