Oh man I really did want to love this one. Perhaps because I know a few Wiccans the beginning of the story rubbed me the wrong way. Well that and the fact that I own 5 cats too. Witches and cats are blamed for all sorts of wrongs (stepping on legos???) at the start of the book.
Of course there is one little witch who is kind and thoughtful. She has a dog and not a cat. And of course, even though the other little witches try to turn her bad, she manages to teach them it’s fun to be good….sometimes.
That combined with the washed out colors of the illustrations made this just an okay read for me.
I received a ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

Very cute book just in time for Halloween! I loved the little witches and their mischief. I really liked the lesson in the book- it’s ok to be nice even when others are pressuring you to be mean and being mean themselves. I also love the diversity in the book showing children of multiple races and physical abilities.

A sweet take on a witchy story and how witches don't have to be 'wicked'. I wasn't sure if I was entirely comfortable with the terminology - there was a slight didactic feel to it but it had fun illustrations and scenarios.

Everyone knows that witches are meant to be wicked. They are meant to do ghastly things, create potions and be generally horrid.

Well this is exactly what all the little witches do…. Except one.

This one witch loves to be helpful, thoughtful and kind. All the other witches are not happy about this and explain that it will ruin their reputation.

When a birthday party happens, the naughty witches try and create a terrible potion, while the kind witch bakes a wonderful cake.

When the naughty witches see that everyone prefers kindness they vow to change their ways.

Lovely story explaining how being kind is more powerful than being a rascal.

A cute story about a little girl witch who unlike her friends does not like to cause trouble and mischief.
I loved the descriptions of the other naughty witches and the trouble that they cause . The story shows that you can be kind and still succeed.

Adults and children will enjoy this book .

5 ⭐

A delightful story about a bunch of wicked little witches, one of whom stands out because she didn't want to be so bad.
And this little witch has the best idea to prove to her friends that kindness is the path to acceptance.

"...kindness beats wickedness... "


Illustrations: Lovely, fascinating, colourful and inclusive scenarios.
Language: Simple narrative and short, easy dialogues
Message: This book explains that with kindness we can reach more hearts, awakening the best feelings in those around us.
Reading Experience: a fun read with a gentle message. My daughter loved it

Witchy children's book? Say no more. I knew I had to read this. Bonus that the art is adorable. It is kind of like pencil and watercolor, simple but striking. I'm not sure how to word out but I love it. The story is delightful, both in story and in illustration.

This is such a cute book. My daughter truly enjoyed listening to it. We probably read it 20 times. I hope to see more books by the author.

Book Review: The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently got a chance to review "The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens", and I was thoroughly charmed by this delightful read! As someone who loves a good story filled with whimsy and a touch of magic, this book was a perfect fit for me.

So, let me give you a little taste of what it’s about. Picture a night where the moon hangs high and the air feels just right for adventure. This is when witches take to the skies, cackling and causing all sorts of mischief. But wait! Among all these wicked witches is one little witch who stands out from the crowd. Instead of reveling in chaos, she’s more about kindness and gentleness—totally not her vibe to be wicked at all! The other witches, however, think she needs a makeover in wickedness and set out to teach her how to brew a truly terrible potion. The big question is: will she embrace their naughty ways, or will she show them that kindness can be just as magical?

First off, I’ve got to mention the cover—it’s absolutely adorable! The illustrations throughout the book are vibrant and fun, capturing the spooky yet lighthearted essence perfectly. This story is an ideal companion for the spooky season; I could easily see it becoming a beloved bedtime read in October!

What I loved most about The Not-So-Wicked Witch is how it balances the themes of wickedness and kindness. It’s not just a story about witches but also a gentle reminder that kindness has its own kind of magic. The little witch’s journey encourages readers (young and old) to embrace their true selves, even when everyone around them thinks they should conform to a certain mold.

Honestly, this book would make an enchanting addition to any home library. Whether you’re a parent looking for a new story to read with your kids or just someone who appreciates beautifully illustrated tales, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. Bethan Stevens has once again created a captivating world that blends humor with heart—perfect for readers of all ages.

If you haven’t had the chance to dive into The Not-So-Wicked Witch, I highly recommend it! It’s a whimsical adventure that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and who doesn’t love that?

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Absolutely perfect for Halloween, a family favorite for us. In this story follows a little witch who really doesn’t like to be mean and wicked or to trick others. The other witches decide they need to help her get rid of the icky goodness and create an awful potion. Will she be able to show the other witches they can be good too?
So cute and fun. I love the playful illustrations that really fit the fun little story so perfectly.
Our family loved this story. We received it as an ebook ARC and can’t wait to add it to our home collection. We have a love for all Halloween and it goes perfectly. Your family will love this fun story too.

‘The Not-So-Wicked Witch’ by Bethan Stevens is a delightful children's book that turns traditional witch tales on their heads. With its charming narrative and enchanting illustrations, this story is sure to captivate young readers and offer a fresh perspective on what it means to be a witch.

Plot: ★★★★☆

The plot of ‘The Not-So-Wicked Witch’ is very sweet, centring around a witch who isn't wicked like her peers. The story beautifully showcases the witch's kindness and her unique way of doing things, providing a refreshing take on the typical witch character found in children's literature.

Character: ★★★★☆

The characters in this book are adorable. The not-so-wicked witch is incredibly cute and endearing, making her a character that children will easily fall in love with. Her personality and actions stand out against the backdrop of her more traditionally wicked peers, highlighting the theme of individuality and kindness.

Illustrations: ★★★★★

The illustrations in ‘The Not-So-Wicked Witch’ are simply beautiful. They add a magical quality to the story and bring the characters and their world to life. The vibrant and detailed artwork enhances the overall reading experience, making each page a visual delight.

Engagement: ★★★★★

This book offers great engagement for children. The sweet and unique storyline, coupled with the enchanting illustrations, ensures that young readers will be hooked from start to finish. The narrative's pacing and the whimsical elements keep the story lively and interesting.

Readability: ★★★★★

‘The Not-So-Wicked Witch’ boasts fantastic readability. The language is accessible and flows smoothly, making it an excellent choice for both independent reading and read-aloud sessions. The balance of text and illustrations helps maintain children's interest and makes the book a pleasure to read.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★

This book is very enjoyable for young children. The heartwarming plot, lovable characters, and stunning illustrations combine to create a delightful reading experience. It's a story that children will want to return to time and again.


‘The Not-So-Wicked Witch’ by Bethan Stevens is a charming and visually enchanting children's book that offers a fresh and heartwarming take on witch tales. With its sweet plot, adorable characters, and beautiful illustrations, it is sure to captivate young readers and become a favourite bedtime story.

I didn't like how this one started out: witches are responsible for misplaced items, leaving toys where they can be stepped on, tracking mud into the house, and cats are evil. What is this - 1693? Ah, but there's one little witch who's helpful, and thoughtful, and owns a dog.

Something bugged me about this one. I don't know if it was the little girl witches, or the washed-out, pastel-colored illustrations, or what.

Loads of readers seem to like the book more than I, plus I'm guessing it will appeal to kids, so let's just blame my not liking this one on a witch (or a cat), and go have some cake, shall we?

Such a cute picture book! The littlest witch doesn't like being bad, and shows kindness to everyone. And, in the end, the wicked witches see that her kindness pays off better than their wickedness ever did! (And I laughed out loud at the cat cameo on the very last page ;-)

Good book to break out around Halloween. It talks about friendship and what it means to be kind. I will be using this book as a read aloud for my students.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a childrens book. I had a difficult time trying to read this as I could only get it on my phone. Cute with whimsical graphics. This is very short and includes no names. The smallest witch is the kindest. 3 stars

Such a charming story for children, illustrating the importance of being kind. Colorful art and an engaging tale make this a delight for both kids and adults!

It's a really adorable narrative with a heartfelt lesson about the value of kindness. The illustrations are delightful as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the e-arc.

This story was adorable. The message was very good for young readers. The illustrations were beautiful. Being bad isn't all it's cracked up to be . You get farther along in life being nice.

The Not-So-Wicked Witch, written by Bethan Stevens, is a sweet book written for young readers, perfect for Fall and Kindness themes! This book tells of a group of witches, and the different tricks and pranks that they like to play on people. They like to be silly and confuse children, but they have a hard job ahead of them, because they have to teach the little not-so-wicked witch how to be wicked and tricky. One day they come along a birthday party ( with marshmallows!) which is basically the best thing ever. And the witches decide this is the perfect way to teach the not-so-wicked witch how to be just wicked enough. She is tasked with a list of ingredients to collect, but she has something better, and maybe nicer in mind!
This was a very funny and sweet book, and I think this could be a great way to teach kindness and going against the grain as well. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author and publisher of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the gifted arc!

Such a sweet story about teach others the importance of kindness and giving what you’d like to receive! The illustrations were adorable too 🫶