Sardà, Júlia. Witch in the Tower, The. Júlia Sardà, Illus. Candlewick Studio, 09/2025. 64pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5362-4301-7. GRADES 4–7. OUTSTANDING.
Carmela feels left out and sad that her new friends and older sister no longer want to spend time with her. Her younger sister does, but Carmela prefers to play a game, alone, where she walks until she can’t walk anymore. This journey leads her to a tower, inhabited by a witch, with potions, spells, singing frogs, and night magic. The Witch in the Tower is an introspective story about self-acceptance, fear of change, and the fleeting nature of friendships and feelings. Julia Sarda’s lyrical prose and detailed illustrations invite careful reading; the images were digitally rendered yet beguilingly appear hand-drawn. The slow pace makes it ideal for ages nine to twelve, especially those who enjoy witches, fantasy, and thoughtful stories about friendship and self-love. This is the second title in the Witches’ Companion series.
Pedro Perez—Berkeley Public Library