In the deep depths of the woodland, there resides a mysterious and enchanting figure known only as the Witch of Woodland. Her presence is felt throughout the entire forest, and her legend has been passed down through generations. People speak of her powers and her knowledge, her ability to communicate with animals and bend nature to her will. The Witch of Woodland is said to have long silver hair that flows down to her feet, shimmering in the moonlight. She wears a flowing gown made of leaves and flowers, and her eyes hold a hint of magic and wisdom. She is known to wander through the forest, her steps as light as a feather, leaving no trace of her presence.
She is known to wander through the forest, her steps as light as a feather, leaving no trace of her presence. Legend has it that the Witch of Woodland can grant wishes and fulfill desires, but only to those worthy of her power. It is said that one must prove their worthiness before she will even consider their request.
Review of The Witch of Woodland
Becoming a bat mitzvah is not something Zipporah “Zippy” Chava McConnell had ever considered. Now almost thirteen, she’s surprised by her mom’s.
The Witch of Woodland
by Laurel Snyder
Intermediate, Middle School Walden Pond/HarperCollins 304 pp.
5/23 9780062836656 $19.99
e-book ed. 9780062836670 $10.99
Becoming a bat mitzvah is not something Zipporah “Zippy” Chava McConnell had ever considered. Now almost thirteen, she’s surprised by her mom’s insistence that she at least give tutoring with Rabbi Dan a try. Reluctant at first, Zippy, a self-proclaimed witch (“Spells spring from me. And with them, I can handle the world”), becomes interested after discovering a link to the supernatural—and then a girl with mysterious abilities appears in the woods. In a generally lighthearted, self-aware narration, Zippy describes investigating the girl’s identity; exploring Judaism (with a few textual Hebrew errors); and feuding with her best friend, among others. Occasional direct address (“Okay, I don’t want to sound obnoxious, but wasn’t that good? Didn’t that sound like something from a real book?”) and explanation (“now we’ve come to the part in the story where I need to tell you a little more about the Torah”) keep readers engaged in Zippy’s quest for answers. Though some of those necessarily remain ambiguous, the protagonist—and readers—can appreciate the wisdom of Rabbi Dan: “The world is full of questions, things we’ll never be certain of…but for me, the journey, the search for answers, is as satisfying as the answers themselves. Questions can be beautiful. Mysteries can bind us to each other.”
Pubissue-From the May/June 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.
Pub Date: May 16, 2023
Some have claimed to have crossed paths with her and experienced her magic firsthand, but these tales are often met with skepticism. Many stories have been told about the Witch of Woodland's encounters with lost souls and wayward travelers. She is said to lead them through the darkest paths of the forest, guiding them to safety with her vast knowledge of the woods. Those who have been lucky enough to be guided by her speak of her gentle yet mischievous nature, her teasing smile that holds a hint of danger. However, not all tales of the Witch of Woodland are positive. Some believe her to be a malevolent being, lurking in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting victims to stumble into her domain. They say she uses her powers to deceive and manipulate, taking pleasure in causing chaos and despair. Regardless of the stories told, one cannot deny the allure and mystique that surrounds the Witch of Woodland. She represents the untamed and unseen forces of nature, the embodiment of the wilderness itself. Whether she is a benevolent guide or a deceptive trickster, she remains an enigma, her true intentions hidden deep within the heart of the woodland..
Reviews for "The Witch of Woodland: Guardian of Nature's Balance"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "The Witch of Woodland" to be rather disappointing. The plot was predictable and lacked any real excitement or tension. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to fully invest in their story. Additionally, the writing style felt overly simplistic and lacked the descriptive and immersive qualities I look for in a fantasy novel. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied after reading this book.
2. Michael - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "The Witch of Woodland". The story was slow-paced and dragged on unnecessarily. The main character was annoying and lacked any real development. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating fantasy read.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Witch of Woodland" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The pacing was off, with seemingly important events rushed through while mundane details were given too much attention. The romantic subplot felt forced and lacked any real chemistry. Overall, I struggled to stay engaged with the story and found it difficult to connect with the characters. I was left feeling disappointed and unfulfilled by the end of the book.
4. Jonathan - 1 star - "The Witch of Woodland" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was dull and lacked any real flair or creativity. The characters were forgettable and lacked any depth or complexity. The plot was unoriginal and felt like a rehash of countless other fantasy novels. The world-building was lacking, with little explanation or exploration of the magical elements. Overall, I found this book to be a boring and uninspiring read.
5. Olivia - 2 stars - I was not impressed with "The Witch of Woodland". The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear narrative arc. The characters were lacking in development, and their actions often felt unrealistic or forced. The writing style was also inconsistent, with awkward transitions and clunky dialogue. While there were glimpses of potential, overall, this book failed to live up to my expectations. I would not recommend it to fellow fantasy readers.