Quick Take

The magical story of a hex that goes haywire, and the power of friendship to set things right!In the town of Howler's Hollow, conjuring magic is strictly off-limits. Only nothing makes Delpha McGill's skin crawl more than rules. So when she finds her family's secret book of hexes, she's itching to use it to banish her mama's money troubles. She just has to keep it quieter than a church mouse -- not exactly Delpha's specialty.Trouble is, Katybird Hearn is hankering to get her hands on the spell book, too. The daughter of a rival witching family, Katy has reasons of her own for wanting to learn forbidden magic, and she's not going to let an age-old feud or Delpha's contrary ways stop her. But their quarrel accidentally unleashes a hex so heinous it resurrects a graveyard full of angry Hearn and McGill ancestors bent on total destruction. If Delpha and Katy want to reverse the spell in time to save everyone in the Hollow from rampaging zombies, they'll need to mend fences and work together.Fans of A Snicker of Magic and The Witch Boy will love this funny, folksy, fresh debut from Ash Van Otterloo that proves sometimes it takes two witches to make the strongest magic happen.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Cattywampus

Introduction

"Cattywampus" is a delightful and enchanting middle-grade novel that tells the story of two young witches from rival families in the town of Howler's Hollow. Ash Van Otterloo, the author of this magical tale, brings to life the power of friendship and the consequences of unleashing forbidden magic. Set in the Appalachian mountains, this book offers a unique blend of folklore, humor, and heartwarming moments. Readers will be captivated by the adventures of Delpha McGill and Katybird Hearn as they navigate their way through a world of zombies and hexes, ultimately discovering the true meaning of trust and teamwork.

About Ash Van Otterloo

Ash Van Otterloo, the author of "Cattywampus," was born and raised in the Appalachian foothills before settling in Eastern Tennessee as an adult. With a background in storytelling and a passion for writing, Van Otterloo brings a unique perspective to their work. They currently reside in the Pacific Northwest with their four wild forest gremlins and a menagerie of animals. Van Otterloo's writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing readers into the world they have created with their vivid descriptions and well-developed characters.

Analysis of Views

A Sweet and Heartwarming Story: Readers praise "Cattywampus" for its heartwarming and sweet nature. The story of Delpha and Katybird's friendship development is a highlight for many readers, as they learn to trust and rely on each other in times of crisis. The book's ability to evoke feelings of joy, love, and hope is a testament to Van Otterloo's writing skills.
Engaging Characters: The characters in "Cattywampus" are well-developed and relatable. Readers appreciate the depth and complexity of Delpha and Katybird's personalities, as well as the supporting characters like Tyler, who adds humor and charm to the story. The representation of diverse characters, including an intersex main character and a deaf side character, is also praised by readers for its inclusivity and authenticity.
Magical Setting: The setting of Howler's Hollow, nestled in the Appalachian mountains, adds a sense of enchantment to the story. Van Otterloo's depiction of the town's beauty and challenges is both honest and respectful, capturing the essence of rural life without resorting to stereotypes or condescension. The combination of magic and realism creates a unique reading experience that draws readers in.
Well-Paced Plot: The pacing of "Cattywampus" is generally well-received by readers. While some find the beginning to be too slow, others appreciate the gradual build-up of tension and anticipation leading up to the climax. The book's fast-paced moments, particularly during the zombie apocalypse, keep readers on the edge of their seats and eager to see what happens next.
Themes of Friendship and Trust: The themes of friendship and trust are central to "Cattywampus." Readers appreciate how Delpha and Katybird's relationship evolves throughout the story, as they learn to rely on each other and overcome their differences. The book explores the importance of trust in both personal relationships and magical alliances, offering valuable lessons for young readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Heartwarming Storytelling: "Cattywampus" is a heartwarming story that will resonate with readers of all ages. The book's ability to evoke feelings of joy, love, and hope makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a feel-good read.
Engaging Characters: The well-developed characters in "Cattywampus" add depth and charm to the story. Readers will find themselves invested in Delpha and Katybird's journey as they navigate their way through a world of magic and secrets. The representation of diverse characters adds an extra layer of authenticity to the book, making it more inclusive and relatable for a wider audience.
Magical Setting: The setting of Howler's Hollow, with its enchanting atmosphere and rich folklore, adds an element of magic to the story. Van Otterloo's descriptions transport readers to a world where magic is both real and accessible, making it a captivating reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Pacing Concerns: While most readers enjoy the pacing of "Cattywampus," some find it too slow or too fast at certain points. Some readers prefer a more balanced pace that allows for more character development or exploration of themes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by action scenes.
Religious Aspects: A few readers mention that certain aspects of the book's religious themes or beliefs may be controversial or offensive to some readers. It is important to note that these concerns are subjective and may not affect every reader's experience with the book.

Conclusion

"Cattywampus" by Ash Van Otterloo is a delightful middle-grade novel that captivates readers with its enchanting storytelling, engaging characters, and magical setting. The book explores themes of friendship, trust, and personal growth while offering a unique blend of folklore, humor, and heartwarming moments. While some readers may have concerns about the pacing or religious aspects of the book, overall "Cattywampus" is recommended for those seeking a captivating read with relatable characters and a sense of wonder. Ash Van Otterloo's writing style shines through in this debut novel, showcasing their talent for creating immersive worlds that leave readers eager for more adventures from this talented author.