The Notwitches

By Author / Illustrator

Gary Panton, Dotty Sutton

Genre

Funny Stories

Age range(s)

Publisher

Chicken House

ISBN

9781915947413

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

13-02-2025

Synopsis

While lots of children have one or two problems, Melanda Notwitch has three: her horrible aunts. They really are the absolute WORST! Luckily, Melanda meets Mitch, a young witch who knows of a magic spell that might make everything better. All they have to do is find one special ingredient. How hard can it be?

The Notwitches is a big-hearted and funny adventure in the spirit of Roald Dahl, perfect for ages 7-11. Brimming with loathsome villains, unexpected heroes, extraordinary set pieces and an almost-talking cat. The first in a series, this is Gary Panton's fiction debut, and is illustrated by talented newcomer, Dotty Sutton.

Find out more in ReadingZone's Q&A with Gary Panton

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Reviews

Jacqueline

Melanda Notwitch lives with her three ghastly aunts, who use her as a skivvy and slave. Melanda's life changes when one day a girl knocks on her door and asks her to join the witches. This sparks off a chain of events where Melanda is thrust into a fast-paced adventure and meets a series of extraordinary characters.

The Notwitches is strongly reminiscent in tone of Roald Dahl. The villains are truly awful, with stomach-churning habits and horrible dispositions. There are lots of bodily fluid-type jokes that children will find funny, alongside some references adults will also find amusing. Some of the jokes made me laugh, especially the references to TV talent shows.

The illustrations by Dotty Sutton set the tone perfectly and match the zaniness and humour. They bring the ghastly aunts to life and that is not necessarily what you might want to happen…. I have to confess I rather enjoyed the characters' representations in all their dreadfulness!

This is Gary Panton's debut novel, and it leaves everything lined up for another story. Whilst it is quite a long story, the font is large, and this would work well for strong Y3 readers if they are able to manage a chunkier text.

300 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher