Exploring the Enchanting Adventures in "What the Witch Left" by Ruth Chew

Overview of "What the Witch Left"

Ruth Chew's "What the Witch Left," originally published in 1973 and reissued in 2013, tells the whimsical story of Katy and her friend Louise, who embark on magical adventures spurred by enchanted items left behind by Aunt Martha. This gentle tale captures the imaginations of young readers through its charming narrative and soft lessons about reliance on magic.

The Discovery of Enchantment

On a dreary day at Katy’s house, boredom strikes, prompting Katy and Louise to snoop through a drawer containing treasures once belonging to Aunt Martha. Amidst the ordinary items, they discover a peculiar pair of gloves that, upon wearing them, fit invisibly yet grant extraordinary abilities. The initial thrill of discovering their potential unfolds as Katy, while wearing the gloves, impresses her piano teacher with remarkable skill. Others deduce that her enhanced talent stems from dedicated practice, but Katy contemplates a more enchanting explanation.

The Magic Unleashed

As the girls test the magic of the gloves further, they marvel at their newfound abilities. Katy discovers her sewing improves significantly, while Louise produces stunning chalk art that captivates passersby. Their success in school, where they ace a spell test and compose essays without a clear memory of their work, showcases the allure of magic’s convenience. However, they soon face a conundrum: the identical essays attract the teacher's suspicion of cheating, leading Katy to internalize a lesson on the nature of fairness and cheating, even when aided by magic.

Consequences of Magic

Following their experience with the gloves, Katy and Louise decide against wearing them for classwork, recognizing that relying too heavily on magic diminishes the value of their own efforts. Nonetheless, they choose to employ the gloves for their costumes for the school Thanksgiving play. When Louise’s costume choice is disrupted, Katy generously allows her to use Aunt Martha's vibrant bathrobe, unaware that it is imbued with its own magic. This turns comical when Louise steps onto the stage, appearing as an invisible figure, confusing the audience and prompting playful interpretations of their artistic choice.

Investigation into Aunt Martha's Legacy

The girls grow increasingly curious about Aunt Martha's enigmatic background. They delve deeper into the contents of the drawer, full of wonder and excitement as they suspect that Aunt Martha might be a witch. Their adventurous spirit leads them to the discovery of seven-league boots, which spark a humorous escapade to Mexico instead of Florida. There they meet Pilar, enhancing their journey and showcasing the gloves’ magic to help weave place mats.

Challenges and Dilemmas

As their adventures unfold, a sense of urgency arises when the girls accidentally lose the key to the drawer containing all the magical items down a drain. In the midst of their quandaries, the news arises that Aunt Martha plans to visit soon, leaving both girls anxious about her potential reaction to their escapades and the missing key.

Theme of Gentle Magic

Chew's narrative comforts with its subtle magic, which intertwines with the everyday lives of the girls. Unlike many tales laden with high stakes, Chew creates a serene atmosphere devoid of peril, making "What the Witch Left" palpably nostalgic. The mild troubles faced by Katy and Louise reflect the typical dilemmas of childhood, knitting a tapestry of relatable experiences against the backdrop of whimsy.

Aunt Martha: The Kindly Witch

Through the narrative, readers glean that Aunt Martha is a benevolent witch who supports their playful exploration of magic. Although the origins of her gifts remain vague, the implication that she intended for the girls to enjoy her magical legacy imbues her character with warmth. Chew crafts the story such that the adventure's essence outweighs the need for explicit answers, reinforcing a sense of satisfaction from the joys of imagination itself.

Reflecting on Cultural Context

The Thanksgiving play depicted in the book resonates with traditional school practices of the mid-20th century, evoking a sense of nostalgia. While the language surrounding Native Americans has evolved significantly, Chew’s storytelling presents a lighter exploration of the historical themes, using the play as a functional device to propel the plot rather than a focal point of cultural commentary. It speaks to how children’s literature often mirrors societal values and shifts over time, revealing layers of meaning that can stir reflection in modern readers.

Conclusion

Ultimately, "What the Witch Left" invites readers into a world filled with charm and discovery. Through Katy and Louise's experiences, Chew beautifully illustrates the balance between fun and responsibility, showcasing the enchantment of childhood exploration and the importance of personal growth. This nurturing story is a perfect choice for bedtime reading, offering engaging magic tempered with gentle wisdom.

The book is available for free through the Internet Archive, allowing a new generation of readers to enjoy this classic tale (multiple copies).