Spooky season magic: Kirsty Stevens sparkles with new Halloween book

With Halloween just around the corner, families are on the hunt for the perfect bedtime treat that balances spooky seasonal fun with heartwarming giggles. Look no further than author Kirsty Stevens, whose delightful new picture book, The Witch with an Itch, is quickly becoming a household favourite.

Beautifully brought to life by UK-based children’s illustrator Nicola Robson, the story follows a young witch named Tabitha who finds herself facing a uniquely irritating dilemma: a very annoying itch that makes her squirm, a twitch, which sends her magic into a complete tizzy. Alongside her fiercely loyal cat, Pat, Tabitha must navigate this magical mishap to figure out exactly what is causing her mysterious discomfort. 

From Career Leap to Literary Success 

Behind this enchanting tale is a remarkable story of a local lass taking a brave leap of faith. Born and bred in Yorkshire and currently living in Sherburn in Elmet, Kirsty had always harboured dreams of writing a book. Just last November, feeling deeply unhappy in her career, she made the bold decision to hand in her notice without another job lined up. Sitting down with nothing but a blank page and her imagination, the ideas began to flow naturally. 

Once the draft was complete, Kirsty began gathering quotes from illustrators to find the perfect visual partner. An initial reading to her son and partner earned their enthusiastic approval, but it was a heart-to-heart with her mother that cemented her decision to publish. When her mum told her to “give it a shot, what have you to lose,” Kirsty decided to dive in. 

“Here I am just under a year later with a self-published children’s picture book which has been selling great on Amazon,” Kirsty shares. Reflecting on the visual magic of the project, she adds: “My illustrator is amazing. She brought the book to life perfectly by creating the most adorable witch and cat for me. She made my dream come true – she’s fantastic.” 

A Masterclass in Bright Storytelling 

What sets The Witch with an Itch apart from standard spooky fare is its deeply empathetic core. The vivid, engaging imagery is crafted by Robson. Rather than relying on dark tricks, Stevens’ story uses a “concoction of patience and understanding,” a “tonic of kindness,” and a “cauldron full of love” to show young readers that any obstacle can be overcome when you have a fabulous friend by your side. 

The journey has also brought Kirsty closer to the community. She recently visited a local school to read to the pupils, an experience she describes as delightful. “It really made me appreciate the importance of children loving reading,” she notes. The momentum shows no signs of slowing down, with two high-profile Halloween book signings lined up on her calendar. 

Where to Find It 

If you are looking to brew up some gentle magic this Halloween, The Witch with an Itch is available right now. In addition to strong online sales, Kirsty’s determination has caught the attention of independent booksellers. The book is now proudly stocked in three Yorkshire bookshops, as well as a shop in Saltburn and an independent bookshop in Ireland. 

Where to Find It 

If you are looking to brew up some gentle magic this Halloween, The Witch with an Itch is available right now. You can grab your copy online via Amazon UK, order it through Waterstones, or find it listed at Blackwell’s. 

You can grab your copy online via Amazon UK, order it through Waterstones, or find it listed at Blackwell’s. Local supporters can also pick up copies directly from the shelves of The Helmsley Bookshop (Helmsley), Paperwing Book Shop (Helmsley), and The Grove Bookshop (Ilkley).