It’s Halloween! A perfect day to introduce you to a book for year-round fun: THE ITTY BITTY WITCH by Trisha Speed Shaskan and Xindi Yan. I interviewed both creators for a sweet blog post today!
Trisha, what inspired you to write The Itty-Bitty Witch? How did the story evolve?
When I was a child, I lived in a neighborhood full of kids. We played ditch, Sardines, and baseball at the nearby park. Halloween was magical because the kids took over the streets at night, in costumes! Because of my love for Halloween, the first picture book I chose at a RIF event was Tilly Witch by Don Freeman, a story about a witch who feels happy instead of wicked on Halloween! Drat! That story inspired me to write and read witch stories as a child. As an adult, I thought: What if I wrote a story about a witch who is the smallest witch in her class? I was always one of the smallest and/or shortest children in my class. In the early drafts of The Itty-Bitty Witch, Betty Ann Batsworth (the itty-bitty witch) tries to take part in all the activities at school–spells, phys ed, and flying, but falls short. Literally! But the story needed focus, so I centered around one event: The Halloween Dash, a race on brooms. From there, the story took shape.
Trisha, this book isn’t just a Halloween story. What can readers gain from this book any time of the year?
As a child, I played nearly every sport from flag football to basketball. I was often the one girl athlete on a team of boys. Kids called me “short” and “Tommy” since I was seen as a tomboy. I didn’t like being labeled because it set me apart from other kids. Although my height and ability to play on any team was often an asset, I often didn’t see it that way. Betty is similarly given a nickname she doesn’t like (“Itty-Bitty”) but learns that being small can be a strength. Readers can learn the magic of believing in one’s self. Since Betty’s broom is shorter than the other witch’s brooms, she tries different methods to gain speed, but fails. Yet she never gives up. She uses critical thinking and demonstrates perseverance, both traits readers can fly away with!
Xindi, which aspects of Betty Ann’s personality did you want to showcase in your illustrations for The Itty-Bitty Witch? How did you accomplish that?
Betty Ann is a friendly, lovable, little witch. Her small stature is the focus of the story, so the character design process started there. Since she’s innocent and unreserved, I gave her expressive, bright eyes. I also believe she’s a confident girl, even though she experiences temporary defeat in the story. On the first day of school, she rocks her floppy hat, messy, carefree hairdo and a small broom, completely oblivious to others’ stares. Believing in herself is what pushes her to work harder and eventually win the race. The details of her outfit are different than her more “polished” classmates. I chose yellow for her top because it’s the contrasting color to the purple uniforms. Visually she pops out of any composition. Yellow also represents her warm, friendly personality and relentless energy. I was so inspired by the story, I did more than 20 variations on the initial character sketches of Betty Ann. The final design is based on bits and pieces from a lot of them.
How did you choose the illustration style of The Itty-Bitty Witch?
The style of the book was inspired by one personal piece I did of a little witch.
This is a Halloween story with witches and magic, so obviously dramatic lighting, colors and spooky elements are a must! And nighttime is the best setting to show these off.
While creating the scenes where Betty’s trying to fly faster on her broom, I was inspired by comic books and LeUyen Pham’s work. I alternated from full-spread illustrations to spot illustrations to create visual breaks and change the pacing of the story.
Thank you for taking a break from Trick-or-Treating to chat with me about THE ITTY-BITTY WITCH!
I have a copy to give away!
Leave one comment below to enter. A random winner will be selected very soon.
GOOD LUCK!
61 comments
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October 31, 2019 at 12:16 pm
BrookeVS
This is so cute! Absolutely love the art, color, and playfulness of the character. Can’t wait to check it out! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
October 31, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
Adorable story and the illustrations are amazing. Can’t wait to read it.
October 31, 2019 at 12:33 pm
hgrange9
What a darling sounding book. Great themes as well.
October 31, 2019 at 12:34 pm
bamauthor
She is adorable! Love the character!
October 31, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Maria Oka
Oh my goodness, the illustrations are precious! Can’t wait to read it.
October 31, 2019 at 12:58 pm
ranessadoucet
This book sounds fabulous! I can’t wait to read it. What beautiful illustrations!
October 31, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Love reading a book’s journey!
October 31, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Harshita Jerath
What a great post! I enjoyed both writer’s and illustrator’s perspectives of their book journey. Thank you!
October 31, 2019 at 1:12 pm
Danielle Hammelef
This book is so adorable and I love the artwork.
October 31, 2019 at 1:16 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Looks like a great picture book! Congrats! Great post.
October 31, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Rita Russell
I’m bewitched by this story! Looking forward to reading it!
October 31, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Arlene Schenker
Great interview. Since I am not an illustrator, I loved hearing from Xindi about how she created the character. Thanks Trisha, Xindi and Tara.
October 31, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Halloween PB’s are the best! And Betty Ann Batsworth is adorable. I look forward to reading this one!!
October 31, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Colleen Kelley
I’m not usually into witch stories, but this one looks like a keeper, both for the inspirational story and the wonderful illustrations.
October 31, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Thanks for sharing the inspirations that led to the writing and illustrating of this fun, Halloween book!
October 31, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Mirka
what lovely illustrations
October 31, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Kassy Keppol
I love being reminded about lighting.
October 31, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Katie Giorgio
How cute and timely!
October 31, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Perfect day for the Itty Bitty Witch, even though any day works for her. She is adorable and I certainly can identify with being the littlest one in the class. Tough gig…
October 31, 2019 at 2:57 pm
nataliecohn0258
I love these illustrations! This was great!
October 31, 2019 at 3:08 pm
Debbie Lodato
Such a great witchy story. The illustrations are beautiful too!! Happy haunting 🎃
October 31, 2019 at 3:12 pm
pollyrenner
Beautiful illustrations and great story idea! Cannot wait to read this one!!
October 31, 2019 at 3:16 pm
Mary York
My daughter went through a “witch story phase” as a pre-schooler and I thought I’d seen every witch book published. But, to my amazement – no! I’d love to see this book!
October 31, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
Itty bitty is one of my favorite phrases. What a cute book!
October 31, 2019 at 4:36 pm
kathydoherty1
I loved witch stories as a kid…and I still do! This book is lovely!
October 31, 2019 at 4:39 pm
writersideup
Ever since I first saw the cover reveal for this book, I knew the illustrations would be gorgeous—and they are! 😀
October 31, 2019 at 4:54 pm
Jennifer Bower
Halloween is indeed magical! Love the story line and the wonderful colors of the illustrations.
October 31, 2019 at 5:03 pm
Paige
Looks like a great book! Love the mood of it and the message is wonderful.
October 31, 2019 at 5:47 pm
nicolepopel
Love this itty-bitty story!
October 31, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Tania
Love the concept of this story can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing!
October 31, 2019 at 7:55 pm
mariagianferrari
This looks adorable! Congrats to you both!!
October 31, 2019 at 9:27 pm
bgonsar
These illustrations are stunning. Excellent lighting.
October 31, 2019 at 11:32 pm
Carole Calladine
What a wonderful idea. And the illustrations are so engaging. Thanks for sharing your journey.
October 31, 2019 at 11:57 pm
lillyarts
Beautiful illustrations
November 1, 2019 at 5:49 am
Linda
I love the deep purples and blues in the illustrations.
November 1, 2019 at 7:00 am
Nancy Riley
The book sounds wonderful and the illustrations are fun!
November 1, 2019 at 7:49 am
Lynne Marie
What a fabulous book — Happy Halloween — thanks for sharing and adding to the Holiday fun!
November 1, 2019 at 8:22 am
Sheri Radovich
Sounds wonderful with critical thinking and trying harder to succeed great ideas to focus on in a story. Can’t wait to see a copy.
November 1, 2019 at 9:17 am
nicolesalterbraun
I can so relate to Itty -Bitty and Trisha (small and Tom boyish). And the illustrations are adorable!
November 1, 2019 at 9:22 am
CindyC
This book looks spooktacular. Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
November 1, 2019 at 9:42 am
doreenrobinson
This sounds super cute – I love under dog stories and a little witch as the MC is a great hook! The illustrations are wicked good! Congrats Trisha and Xindi! Thanks for sharing their work, Tara!
November 1, 2019 at 10:47 am
Judy Bryan
Enjoyed getting a peek into THE ITTY-BITTY WITCH. Looking forward to reading it! Congratulations, Trisha and Xindi!!
November 1, 2019 at 11:41 am
Angie
Adorable! I love the itty bitty part. Kids are fascinated with small worlds. Me too. Congrats!
November 1, 2019 at 2:13 pm
Darcee Freier
So interesting and helpful to hear the back story. Congrats!
November 1, 2019 at 7:31 pm
Carleen M. Tjader
I want to read this delightful book and meet this little witch!
November 1, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Janet Smart
I love the illustrations and I love stories about witches, especially ones about itty-bitty witches. Congratulations!
November 1, 2019 at 7:52 pm
rindabeach
Itty Bitty Witch sounds like a real treat for kids who love magical possibilities. Thanks for sharing her story!
November 1, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Linda Staszak
I can’t wait to read this book. I know it’s going to be one of our favorites!
Thanks!
November 1, 2019 at 9:06 pm
marty bellis
Being too small/little is such a universal feeling among children. This sounds like a fantastic book to help them realize the potential in everyone. Congrats!
November 2, 2019 at 10:11 pm
Gloria Patterson
My great niece just turned 3 and she loves her books. The pictures are so bright and bold and makes me smile. Would enjoy reading this to Zadaya. Thanks for the chance
November 3, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews
Wow, what a cute character. I can see many more PB with her. (Who says witches must stick to Halloween?) Congratulations on your new release.
November 3, 2019 at 5:50 pm
seschipper
Oh my goodness..What a great character, who also will teach great lessons!!
Both story and illustrations are perfect!!! Hooray for Itty-Bitty Witch! 🙂
November 3, 2019 at 8:48 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Sounds adorable and I love the illustrations! Looking forward to reading it.
November 4, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Love the book! Cannot wait to read it.
November 4, 2019 at 8:25 pm
Carrie Williford
This looks beautiful! I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
November 4, 2019 at 11:49 pm
Sandy Perlic
The illustrations for this book are so adorable, and what a great idea for a story! My kids have never had the problem of being the shortest, but they have definitely had friends who struggled with this. Good luck with this!
November 5, 2019 at 10:26 am
Sheila
This is an adorable book. The cover will catch alot of children’s eyes with excitement to read.
November 6, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Dawn Young
This book looks so cute and I love the artwork. Cant wait o read it!
November 13, 2019 at 7:49 pm
alicia minor
It’s a blessing to be short at least for a witch character and it’s only a writer like you who can make it come true. More blessings to you and I’m sure it will be a hit to children. Congrats!
November 15, 2019 at 7:36 pm
Christina Shawn
I love hearing how the story developed! My daughter would love this story. She is a bit itty bitty too.
September 20, 2020 at 6:40 pm
Denna Weber
The Itty Bitty Witch is story in we see ourselves in a new creative fiction. I’d like to share this with my grandchildren and adult new readers so we can use it in a group literacy/literary class. Please I want the free copy! Denna