The Witch in the Cherry Tree

A boy and his mother are baking cakes on a windy day when a witch appears in their cherry tree, watching them through the window. The witch is drawn by the scent of their baking and begins to scheme about how to get some for herself. The story centers on the conflict between the witch's desires and the mother-son duo's determination to protect their freshly-baked treats. Magic, mischief, and domestic life intersect as the situation plays out in their kitchen and garden. David's relationship with his mother adds warmth to this tale about standing up to intimidation and finding clever solutions to problems. The story demonstrates how everyday moments can transform into magical encounters that test our wit and courage.

Readers remember this book fondly from their childhood, with many noting its ability to balance spooky elements with humor. Parents say it works well as a read-aloud for ages 4-8. Liked: - Simple yet engaging storyline - Jan Pienkowski's silhouette illustrations - Not too scary for young children - Mother-child dynamic feels authentic - Witch character has personality without being terrifying Disliked: - Some found it too short - A few mentioned the story feels dated - Limited availability/out of print in some regions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (114 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) "The illustrations create such a magical mood," notes one Goodreads reviewer. "Perfect balance of cozy and spooky," writes another. Several reviewers mention buying copies as adults after remembering it from their childhood: "Just as good as I remembered from 30 years ago."

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson A witch and her cat share their broom with new animal friends while facing a dragon.

A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett A young witch learns to control her powers while protecting her village from ancient creatures.

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste A girl must use Caribbean folk magic to save her island from spirits who emerge from the forest.

The House With Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson A house that walks on chicken legs carries a young girl and her grandmother as they guide spirits to the afterlife.

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis A dragon transformed into a human girl discovers her place in the world through making magic-infused chocolate.

🌟 Margaret Mahy wrote over 100 picture books during her prolific career and became New Zealand's most celebrated children's author. 🍒 The witch's temptation by baked goods reflects a common theme in children's literature, similar to the witch's candy house in Hansel and Gretel. 📚 Mahy worked as a librarian for 12 years while writing her stories, and often tested them out on young library visitors. 🎨 The original illustrations for "The Witch in the Cherry Tree" were created by Jenny Williams, known for her distinctive watercolor style. 🏆 Margaret Mahy is one of only a few writers to receive the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, often called the "Little Nobel Prize" of children's literature.