Guest review: Picklewitch and Jack by Claire Barker and illustrated by Teemu Juhani

This is a guest review by Tom (aka Well Read Boy), who came to our bookclub author event with Claire Barker last month and was inspired to start his own blog. You can follow his reviews here: https://wellreadboysreviews.water.blog/

Picklewitch and Jack is an amazing tale of an unlikely friendship. Jack is an ordinary boy who has moved to St. Immaculates School for the gifted as he was meanly treated at his other school, for being a goody two shoes. Jack is hoping to find a friend just like him. Instead, he meets a mysterious, mischievous figure who turns out to be a nature witch named Picklewitch, whose grammar and spelling is atrocious. Her behaviour is the exact opposite of Jack’s and for most of the story he dislikes her because she always manages to get him into trouble yet is still popular with everybody because she brings some fun into their lives. Picklewitch bathes in the attention but wants a proper friend, just like Jack.

Eventually, Jack learns to appreciate Picklewitch’s friendship as she helps him when he needs her most. They both meet obstacles along the way but eventually they become good friends.

I really enjoyed reading this fantastic, funny, touching story of friends who stick together in all circumstances. The way Picklewitch speaks is really funny and made me laugh out loud. The message of this story is that you can find friendship in the most unlikely of people.

I think this is a great book and I can’t wait for the sequel!