Alcatoe and the Turnip Child

By Isaac Lenkiewicz. Published by Flying Eye Books

Softcover, 64 pages, Colour, 2022

Welcome to Plum Woods, where spells come alive and witches gather for the Annual Harvest Festival to celebrate the season! Perfect for fans of Aster and the Accidental Magic and Hilda who aren’t quite ready for Pumpkinheads.

“Readers will also be begging to know when the next Alcatoe story will be told—hopefully very soon, because this witch is a short-tempered delight.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“…A a slice of fresh, folklorish fun. Those familiar with the Flying Eye catalog, best known for the troll-focused “Hilda” series, will recognize a kindred universe in Lenkiewicz’s witchy world…”
 —School Library Journal

“Lenkiewicz’ cartoon artwork in autumnal tones sets just the right witchy atmosphere, and the bobbleheaded turnip child and exaggerated figure designs are particularly charming. The cantankerous narration from Alcatoe is a nice touch, especially when, despite herself, she finds some warmth and kindness in Plum Woods.” —Booklist


Alcatoe the town witch and the local children of Plum Woods are up to some witchy business…like casting spells and growing a prize-winning turnip.  But after their grouchy neighbor Mr. Pokeweed chases them out of his garden, the kids decide to take action and ask Alacatoe for help to win the Annual Harvest Festival Vegetable Pageant. From cursed fruit salad to potions filled with the sneeze of a donkey and the tail hair of a copy cat, Alcatoe knows all the right ingredients to make the magic happen.  But when their prize-winning vegetable comes alive, their home-grown food soon becomes a friend, in danger of being prepared for the feast. Will they save Turnip Child in time?