Ask My Shelf
Log in Register
Ask My Shelf

Share your thoughts in a quick Shelf Talk!

The Witch Next Door by Norman Bridwell

A friendly witch moves in next door, and everyday life suddenly shimmers with broomsticks, potions, and unexpected kindness. Whimsical and welcoming, The Witch Next Door celebrates the magic of neighborly friendship and the joy of seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Have you read this book? Share what you liked (or didn’t), and we’ll use your answers to recommend your next favorite read!

Love The Witch Next Door but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for The Witch Next Door below.

In The Witch Next Door, did you enjoy ...

... a kind, helpful witch using playful spells and broomstick rides to help friends (with a dash of gentle comedy)?

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

If you loved how the friendly neighbor witch uses magic to make everyday life sweeter, you’ll smile at the witch in Room on the Broom. She keeps making room for new friends—her cat, a dog, a bird, and a frog—after losing her hat, bow, and wand, and her cheerful spells turn a scary dragon chase into a clever, heartwarming escape. It’s the same feel-good mix of kindness, whimsy, and community you enjoyed next door.

... gentle, everyday magic used to help a community in an otherwise real-world setting?

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

Like the neighborly witch whose spells fix small problems and bring people together, Strega Nona is the village’s go-to for simple, comforting magic—especially her famous pasta pot. When Big Anthony misuses the spell and pasta floods the town, the lesson lands with warmth and humor rather than fear. You’ll get the same cozy sense that magic belongs right on the block, helping folks with everyday needs.

... a cozy, welcoming witch who becomes part of a neighborhood and makes home feel magical?

Old Black Witch! by Wende Devlin and Harry Devlin

If the best part for you was a witch who’s more neighbor than nightmare, Old Black Witch! delivers that homely charm. When a mother and son open a tea room in an old house, its resident witch ends up flipping blueberry pancakes, shooing off troublemakers, and helping the family feel at home. It’s that same warm, community-centered magic that made the witch next door so lovable.

... a cheerful witch whose magical mishaps end on an upbeat, reassuring note?

Winnie the Witch by Valerie Thomas

Enjoyed the upbeat tone when the witch next door’s spells brighten the day? In Winnie the Witch, Winnie tries to solve a simple problem—her black cat Wilbur keeps disappearing in her all-black house—and her fixes are funny, colorful, and ultimately kind. The happy, reassuring ending keeps the vibe sunny and friendly, just like your favorite neighborly sorceress.

... simple, friendly storytelling about a young witch discovering humans aren’t so scary after all?

A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee

If you liked the straightforward, welcoming way the witch next door shows she’s a good friend, A Very Brave Witch tells—in clear, accessible language—how a little witch overcomes her fears and befriends a human child on Halloween. It’s a gentle, easy read that turns spookiness into smiles, echoing the same uncomplicated kindness and charm.

Unlock your personalized book recommendations! Just take a quick Shelf Talk for The Witch Next Door by Norman Bridwell. It’s only a few questions and takes less than a minute.