Some stories have the rare gift of bringing generations together. How Witches Get Their Broomsticks: The Gathering by John McIntyre is one of those books. It’s the kind of story that makes children laugh out loud while quietly tugging at the hearts of adults reading beside them. Beneath its magic and mayhem, it captures something beautifully simple: the joy of imagination, the strength of friendship, and the humour found in life’s little mistakes.
At its heart, the book follows Val Witch, her talking cat Magnificent, and their excitable broomstick, Rodney. Val is not your ordinary witch. She’s inventive, optimistic, and always learning, even when her magical experiments go hilariously wrong. In one memorable scene, her broomstick takes off unexpectedly, sending Val and Magnificent spinning through the night sky. Children find this scene funny and thrilling, while adults will smile knowingly at the gentle lesson behind it, that perseverance often comes with a few bumpy landings.
The book’s magic lies in its ability to balance adventure with warmth. McIntyre’s world is full of charm and Scottish flavour, from the misty Isle of Skye to the witty dialogue between Val and her talking companions. Young readers are drawn to the mischievous energy of Rodney and Magnificent’s grumbles, while parents and grandparents will recognise the familiar rhythms of family life hidden beneath the spells. Val’s patience with her stubborn cat, her optimism after each crash, and her kindness toward her friends make her a character who teaches without preaching.
Adults reading the book aloud will find themselves smiling at its quiet wit and affectionate humour. Magnificent’s dramatic personality and Rodney’s overconfidence echo the kind of chaos that often fills a lively household. There’s something timeless about their interactions, much like the bedtime stories that once filled our own childhoods. The book feels nostalgic, yet fresh, reminding older readers of the classic British humour found in tales like The Worst Witch and Room on the Broom, while keeping a voice that is distinctly John McIntyre’s.
What makes How Witches Get Their Broomsticks: The Gathering truly special is its tone. It celebrates imperfection, creativity, and the joy of laughter. It shows that mistakes are not failures, but rather part of the learning process. The lessons are soft and sincere: courage often looks like trying again, and friendship sometimes means forgiving one another after a rough flight. These are truths that children absorb easily, and adults are quietly reminded of as well.
Whether it’s shared during story time, enjoyed independently by confident young readers, or rediscovered by adults seeking a light-hearted escape, this book belongs on every family’s shelf. It proves that the best kind of magic isn’t just in broomsticks and spells. It’s in stories that make everyone, young or old, feel they’ve taken flight together.
To experience the laughter, warmth, and wonder of Val Witch’s world, read How Witches Get Their Broomsticks: The Gathering by John McIntyre.
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1914078519/.
