Hettie Nettle's Handbook for Hedgewitches

Ages 7 to 10, Grades 2 to 5

Hettie Nettle reveals the secrets of the Wild Wood in this fictional guide to being a hedgewitch, encouraging children age 7–10 to become magical guardians of nature.

Charmingly written and illustrated by Claire Barker, author of the Picklewitch + Jack (Faber & Faber) and Knitbone Pepper (Usborne) series.

Wherever there's a patch of nature, children may find the Wild Wood, and wherever there is the Wild Wood, a hedgewitch is needed! Accompany Hettie as month by month she reveals the hidden magical world that surrounds us but only children can see:

Learn each month's Whisper Name – January is The Dreaming, May is BrightlingEnjoy celebrity interviews with the creatures that inhabit your local patch of nature, from the local faeries to the Moon and the Wind, and from Mother Oak to Jack Frost.Help organize the seasonal celebrations of the Wheel of the Year, such as the wedding of Jack-in-the-Green and the Queen of the May at Beltane, and the Equinox Periwinkle Parade to welcome Ostara, the spring goddess!Have fun with the Spell of the Month: create an ointment to see the faeries, make a wish with a dandelion clock charm, create a Beltane blessing with a May Day garland, make a dream matchbox with rosemary. Enjoy a monthly Tale from Flittermouse, a story linked to a seasonal theme, such as the Hare and the Moon (March) or The Unlucky Hedgehog (January)

The design plays into the idea that this is a secret notebook illustrated by Hettie herself with enchanting watercolour paintings of the amazing things Hettie finds and the magical beings she encounters.

About the Author

Claire Barker is the author of the Knitbone Pepper series (Winner of The Book Factor, shortlisted for the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Prize, shortlisted for the Fantastic Book Award) and the Picklewitch + Jack series (Winner of the Surrey Libraries Children’s Book Award 2020, the North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award 2020 in the Read Aloud Category and the Inspired Read Award 2020 in the Shorter Books Category).

"Funny, wonderfully imaginative and beautifully illustrated the Knitbone Pepper books are highly recommended." Charlotte Heathcote, The Daily Express.

Find out more at clairebarkerauthor.com and on X @clairebarker

Author Residence: Devon, UK