The Ink Witch - by Steph Cherrywell (Paperback)

About the Book

"A trans girl discovers that her boring mother comes from a powerful and dangerous family of witches"--

Book Synopsis

★ A Stonewall Honor book

For fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and The Okay Witch comes a hilarious and affirming cozy fantasy about the adventures of a girl who discovers she is the descendant of a powerful witch coven.

Becca Slugg is bored. It's the tail end of summer, and it feels like she's done nothing but run errands for her family's Cape Disappointment Beach Inn,
argue with her frustratingly overprotective mother, and have one-sided conversations with the giant spider living by the dumpsters out back.

When Becca wishes for something to happen, she doesn't expect her wish to manifest in the form of an unwelcome visit from her mom's sinister and estranged sister, Malatrice. It turns out Becca's aunt is a powerful witch--and when she doesn't get the help she wants from Becca's mom, she unleashes a devastating ink spell. Becca is left with a mindless puppet for a mother and a whole lot of questions--like Can I castspells with the ink in my veins, too?

With the help of Natalya, her mother's tarantula familiar, and Oddvar, a friendly troll living in the motel's ice machine, a distraught but determined Becca sets out to uncover her own magical abilities and find the ingredients for a potion that will cure her mother. Besides, how hard can it be to find mermaid eggs, troll teeth, and the most precious possession of a Witch-Queen?

This magical adventure is equal parts hilarious and exhilarating, with a sassy, talking tarantula being just the tip of the iceberg.

Review Quotes

A Stonewall Honor book
A Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee
A 2027 Rhode Island Middle School Book Award​ nominee

* "There is danger and humor, kindness and cruelty, terrific twists and moments of quiet contemplation. A spellbinding story that reminds readers of the particular power found in embracing your truest self."--Booklist, starred review

"Cherrywell pens a compelling and fast read that will immediately draw in middle grade readers. A fun and fresh take on traditional fantasy and witchcraft; highly recommended."--School Library Journal

* "Cherrywell (Unboxing Libby) weaves an emotionally rich tale of self-discovery and inner strength in this hilarious, heartfelt fantasy brimming with magic and memorable mythical creatures."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This is a charming, smart choice for readers hungry for gender-affirming stories that go beyond simplistic positivity, while the light touch and whimsical fantasy elements give it broader appeal as well."--BCCB

* "This fast-paced, laugh-out-loud fantasy will appeal to fans of Roald Dahl and Terry Pratchett. Overflowing with evocative sensory descriptions, the top-notch worldbuilding includes unique creatures and locations and a creative magic system. Humor and heart entwine in this hilarious and wildly creative adventure."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

About the Author

Steph Cherrywell is a nonbinary librarian, author, illustrator, and game creator in the Milwaukee area. They are the author of Unboxing Libby and The Ink Witch. They have also previously written and illustrated the YA-and-older graphic novels Widgey Q. Butterfluff and Pepper Penwell and the Land Creature of Monster Lake, and written and programmed the award-winning text adventures Brain Guzzlers from Beyond! and Zozzled. They love comics, science fiction, roleplaying games, and exploring the city by bicycle.