Ruth Chew

Ruth Chew (1920-2010) was an American children's author and illustrator known for writing over 30 fantasy novels featuring everyday magic in contemporary settings. Her books typically followed children who discovered magical objects or abilities in their ordinary neighborhoods, particularly in Brooklyn, New York. The majority of Chew's works were published between 1969 and 1996, with titles such as "The Wednesday Witch," "What the Witch Left," and "The Trouble with Magic." She illustrated her own books with distinctive black-and-white line drawings that complemented her straightforward writing style. Chew's stories often incorporated practical magic into realistic settings, with characters finding enchanted household items or encountering friendly witches in urban environments. Her work maintained a consistent theme of mixing magical adventures with normal daily life, creating scenarios where extraordinary events occurred in familiar places. Many of her books remained in print for decades and gained renewed attention in the 2010s when Random House began republishing her works for a new generation of readers. Before becoming an author, Chew worked as a fashion artist in New York City and drew training materials for the Navy during World War II.

Readers consistently highlight the blend of magic with everyday life in Ruth Chew's books. Parents and children note how the stories make ordinary neighborhoods feel full of possibility. What readers liked: - Simple, clear writing style that's easy for young readers to follow - Black and white illustrations that enhance the storytelling - Stories set in real places children recognize - Magic elements that feel believable within realistic settings - Safe level of adventure appropriate for ages 7-11 What readers disliked: - Some found the plots predictable - Limited character development - Dated references in older editions Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Average 4.1/5 across all titles - Amazon: 4.5/5 average rating - Notable reviews mention the books as "comfort reads" and praise their "cozy magic" One reader on Goodreads notes: "These were the books that made me believe magic could be hiding anywhere - even in my own kitchen drawer." Another writes: "Not complex literature, but perfect for beginning chapter book readers who want a taste of fantasy."

What the Witch Left - Two girls discover a drawer full of magical items left behind by a previous tenant.

The Wednesday Witch - A young girl encounters a witch who rides a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom and has a magical talking cat.

Magic in the Park - A girl and boy discover magical happenings centered around a mysterious tree in Brooklyn's Prospect Park.

The Trouble with Magic - Two children help a magician who accidentally turns himself into various objects.

Witch's Broom - A boy finds a broom that enables him to fly and leads to various adventures.

The Would-Be Witch - A girl experiments with magic using her aunt's ring and a special book.

No Such Thing as a Witch - Two children discover their new neighbor is making magical fudge that turns people into animals.

Second-Hand Magic - Children find magical objects in a thrift store that create unexpected complications.

Royal Magic - Three children discover a magic carpet and crown that transport them to different places.

Last Chance for Magic - Two sisters use magical items left by their great-aunt to help save their house.

Summer Magic - Two children find that drinking from a special ceramic mug allows them to shrink and have miniature adventures.

The Hidden Cave - Three children discover a magical cave that leads to different times and places.

Witch in the House - A family deals with a witch who moves into their apartment building and causes mischief.

Wrong Way Around Magic - Two children find that objects work backwards after encountering a strange old woman.

Do-It-Yourself Magic - A brother and sister discover a book of spells that actually work.

Zilpha Keatley Snyder writes about children who encounter magic in everyday suburban settings, similar to Ruth Chew's approach. Her books often involve mysterious houses and ordinary objects with supernatural properties.

Edward Eager focuses on siblings who discover magic in their regular lives and must learn to use it responsibly. His stories feature practical magic rules and consequences, with plots centered around children in contemporary American settings.

Betty Brock creates stories about children finding enchantment in common places like gardens and old houses. She incorporates domestic magic and household elements into her narratives.

Mary Norton writes about miniature people and magical beings who exist alongside the regular world. Her stories blend fantasy with realistic settings and emphasize children's interactions with hidden magical elements.

Elizabeth Enright centers her stories on children who encounter subtle magic in their neighborhoods and daily activities. She builds narratives around ordinary families who stumble upon extraordinary situations.