The Witches of Anderson House: A Spell for Disaster - by Jennie Poh & Dave Lowe (Paperback)

About the Book

"Myrtle Stormwhisper is certain of one thing--she has given up magic for good. But when a knock at the door calls for Myrtle to pick up her wand again, she doesn't know if she can. It's been so long since she has cast a spell--what if she's forgotten how? There are lots of colorful characters at Anderson House: retirement home for witches. So grab your broom and get ready to meet them all in this truly magical adventure!"--

Book Synopsis

Enter the spellbinding world of a retirement home for witches in this tale of mischief and magic for children.

Grab your broom and get ready for an adventure like no other, because things do go bump in the night - and they live at Anderson House!

Join Myrtle, the retired witch, in the first book in The Witches of Anderson House series, as she learns how to find her magic again - all with the help of her witchy friends. Children will love this playful, spooky story, and all of the magical characters that they'll find in Anderson House.

A Spell for Disaster is the first book in The Witches of Anderson House series, created by Jennie Poh, written by Jennie Poh and Dave Lowe. The series features beautiful illustrations by author and illustrator Jennie Poh (2021 Giverny Book Award) and the writing of Dave Lowe, bestselling and award-winning author of 11 children's books.

Some very strange characters live in Anderson House, a retirement home for witches, and one of them is the magnificent Myrtle Stormwhisper. Myrtle is certain of one thing: she has given up magic for good. But when a knock at the door calls for her to pick up her wand again, she doesn't know if she can. It's been so long since Myrtle has cast a spell - what if she's forgotten how?

Review Quotes

"Skillful worldbuilding is enriched by chaotically cluttered, whimsically detailed illustrations, including a map of the delightfully witchy town, Anderson House floor plans, and portraits of each retired witch, depicted with various skin tones, and their quirky familiars. Themes of building (and rebuilding) self-confidence ring true in this laugh-out-loud early chapter book roller coaster by Poh (Where Did TJ Go?) and Lowe (Rocket), who assert that one is never too young--or too old--to bask in the wonders of friendship and new experiences." - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

About the Author

Dave Lowe grew up in a town called Dudley, in England. He now lives (with his wife, two teenage daughters and a mini sausage dog called Ted) in Brisbane, Australia. A best-selling and award-winning author of 11 books for children, Dave has also written three plays and, most recently, an episode of the TV show 'Bluey'.

Jennie Poh was born in London, England, and spent her formative years in Malaysia, returning to the UK at the age of nine. Having been inspired by the Rainforest of Borneo and the Norfolk countryside, Jennie feels a deep connection with nature and conservation, which influences her work. Jennie now lives in Surrey with her two daughters and Pru, her marmalade cat.

Jennie Poh studied Fine Art at The Surrey Institute of Art & Design, alongside illustration courses at Central St Martins, before becoming a children's book author and illustrator. She was the 2021 Giverny Book Award Winner and the 2023 Mom's Choice Award Gold Recipient.