Young Clara is an adorable witch with extraordinary abilities. It isn't until she starts public school, alongside non-magical humans, that she realizes she's very different. None of her classmates have green skin, warts on their noses, or even pointy chins! With the help of her supportive aunts, Clara learns that her differences are what make her powerful and special.
Read More
Young Clara is an adorable witch with extraordinary abilities. It isn't until she starts public school, alongside non-magical humans, that she realizes she's very different. None of her classmates have green skin, warts on their noses, or even pointy chins! With the help of her supportive aunts, Clara learns that her differences are what make her powerful and special.
Read Less
Jill Danisââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Å"The Very Different Witchââ?¬Â? follows a young girl who struggles to fit in at school. Through embracing her differences and sharing them with her classmates, she realizes what makes her stand out is what makes her special.
This story is a wonderful metaphor for children who struggle to navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up in the eyes of their peers. There can be so much pressure put on children, in this case young girls, to hide their differences for fear of being mocked or not fitting in. Clara is relatable as a character, which made me feel a lot of sympathy for what she was going through. It made me so sad when Clara thought she�d made a breakthrough with her lovely pink skirt, and the kids began to make fun of her pointy chin. It felt realistic that Clara would have to try more than once to get her classmates to open their eyes.
Clara is such an established and compelling protagonist that gained my empathy right away. This made me wonder about her aunties! Their relationship and the way they supported Clara is so touching and gives useful insight into their effect on her upbringing. However, other than that, we never know her aunties by name or know them as individual characters. Of course, Clara is the main character of the story. Having the focus on her helps drive it forward, but the relationship between Clara and her aunties seems almost like the heart of the story. She learned to love her differences through their support, and that stood out to me.
The incorporation of illustrations brought the book to life. The colors are vivid and comforting, as well as helpful in conveying the story�s message. We get to see Clara and the appearance that makes her who she is. It brings the descriptions to life in a way that makes Clara feel real, which makes her all the more relatable.
Reading this in October while Halloween is looming made for a very enjoyable seasonal experience. Beyond that, the message is relevant and important for children and young adults all year round. Even as an adult, the sentiment that you should not let yourself fade into the background because of your differences is something I still have to remind myself, and it�s very reassuring to me that children get to read a story that teaches them this at a young age.
Literary Titan
Oct 21, 2023
Touching Lesson for Young Readers
Step into the captivating world of Clara, a charming witch with a pointy chin, a green face, and a mesmerizing wart on her nose. Her world is filled with remarkable abilities and exhilarating broomstick rides. However, when she embarks on her first day at a public school, Clara finds herself standing out like a spellbinding star in the daylight in a sea of non-magical children, Eager to make friends and showcase her magical prowess, Clara's initial attempts are met with teasing and taunts from her classmates, who can't help but notice her striking differences.
In this heartwarming children's story by author Jill Danis, we follow Clara as she seeks guidance from her wise aunts, who become her source of support in a world where embracing one's uniqueness can be a formidable challenge. It's a story that resonates with readers of all ages, delivering a powerful message of self-acceptance and the celebration of individuality.
Reading The Very Different Witch is like sipping from a cup of inspiration. The all-too-real portrayal of Clara's struggles with being singled out for her appearance is a relatable experience for many young readers. What truly empowers this narrative is Clara's evolution from a place of uncertainty to one of embracing her extraordinary qualities, ultimately realizing her own specialness. This invaluable lesson in self-acceptance is a gift that will stay with young readers long after they've turned the final page.
The picture book's eye-catching illustrations not only enhance the storytelling but also add an extra layer of fun and engagement to the reading experience. What struck me as particularly heartwarming was how, as the story unfolds, Clara's kind and fun-loving nature shines through, leading her classmates to accept her for who she truly is.
In The Very Different Witch, you'll discover a delightful, uplifting children's book that is not only entertaining but also brimming with wisdom and warmth. It's a tale that serves as a gentle reminder that our differences are the very essence of what makes us extraordinary. This picture book contains a message of empowerment and an invitation to embrace our unique magic.
