Well Met by Witchlight

"Three children, out walking in the woods one day, are surprised to see a strange-looking person climb nimbly down through the branches of a beech tree. It is a little old woman with a shabby raincoat and a rosy, innocent face. To the children, it is soon apparent that their new friend is nothing less than a witch. Mary has lived as a recluse for years and fears her powers are weakened, but hte children's belief in her encourages her to try out her old magic. For them, of course, it is wildly exciting when Lucy's first tooth is planted in the ground and grows into a pearl, when Sarah goes for a broomstick ride, and Christopher finds he has the strength of ten. But some of Mary's enterprises give them anxious moments - and it is not long before they discover that witchcraft has its dark and dangerous side, too. For Mary has an enemy who pracrices black magic, and all the children's courage and faith are brought to the test when the evil witch pits her strength against Mary's kindly, healing powers. This first book, by a talented new English writer, is both funny and an exciting story, firmly rooted in an affectionate family setting. In Mary, Nina Beachcroft has created a comic and lovable character." (1973)

I have checked out this book time and time again from the children's section of my hometown's library. This is really a tale for the ages, and it's better written than many of the fantasy books for children that are currently popular, such as Charlie Bone. There are some dark moments, but it's never unnecessarily rough on its audience. This is one of the few books I've read that doesn't lose its magic once the action begins. It's lovely and enchanting throughout.

It is a pity this book is out of print. If you are lucky enough to stumble on it in a library, or at a used book sale, it is a lovely tale.Three children accidentally meet and befriend a sweet, strange little woman climbing a tree in the woods, and find that their new friend is just what they were guessing - a witch. Their friendship with Meg brings them a new perspective, and she is also a powerful ally. But by becoming her friend, they have also gained her enemy.There are many adventures, and eventually, the children are swept into the age-old battle of good and evil, and discover that friendship isn't always easy and risk-free.This is a light and lively story, with adventures in the woods, and lighthearted magic. But the book carries a gentle message about the need for loyalty to friends, and courage in the face of seductive evil. It is beautifully written, and very engaging. Its primary target audience would be children 8 - 13 years old.