Into the Witchwood by Meabh McDonnell
Surrounding Rowan’s home is the dark, dangerous Witchwood. At the heart of it, sitting at the bottom of an ancient well, is a powerful Witch. Six months ago, Rowan’s mother went into the woods – and never came back out.
Nothing has been the same ever since. She fights with her dad and her little sister, and her Nana won’t even speak to her. There’s only one thing that can fix it; Rowan needs to bring her mum home.
There’s magic lurking in the shadows. Watching her. Can Rowan enter the Witchwood and save her mum? After all, she’s a witch too...
About the Author
Méabh McDonnell was born in Dublin and grew up in Loughrea, County Galway. She has worked with the Clare People newspaper as sub-editor and children’s books reviewer and founded and edits cindersmagazine.com. She has an MA in journalism.
Méabh has always loved nature and folklore and the mysterious ways they intertwine. During lockdown her daily walks through Kylebrack Forest got her wondering if anyone or anything was watching her – perhaps a Witch?
About the Illustrator
Erin Brown is a Northern Irish illustrator who lives and works on the island of Jersey. After she graduated from the University of Ulster with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, a passion for stories and children’s books took hold. She combines her love for hand-drawn lines and traditional techniques with the flexibility and freedom of adding colour digitally.
When she’s not working in her tiny studio, she can be found baking something overly sweet, exploring the forests and cliff paths of Jersey or down at the seashore, watching the tide roll in.
Praise for Into the Witchwood
‘A compelling fantasy adventure, full of magic and folklore, with a touch of darkness for readers who like a bit of a scare’
— Irish Independent, Sarah Webb
‘A stunning debut from McDonnell, the labyrinthine Witchwood is richly evoked as Rowan’s quest challenges both her own magical abilities and her emotional growth. A spellbinding tale about digging deep and bravely facing your fears’
— Irish Examiner, Children's Books Ireland
‘a gorgeous, dreamy adventure by someone who clearly loves fairytales and understands what makes them magic. At its heart, it's a tale of family and sisterhood, of friendships and self-belief.’
— Alex Dunne, author of CBI Award Winner The Book of Secrets
Publisher: O’Brien Press
Date Published: 28 March 2024
Paperback, 272 pages.
ISBN: 9781788493857
