Good Reading for Kids caught up with SKYE MCKENNA to discuss Hedgewitch: Seawitch, the third book in the enchanting ‘Hedgewitch’ series.
Cassie Morgan is back! What’s new for her in this latest instalment?
In Seawitch, Cassie receives a mysterious letter from her cousin Sebastian, inviting her to Cornwall for the summer holidays. Cassie and her friends explore the seaside village of Porthmorven – enjoying the local festival, Cornish pasties and some unusual ice cream flavours! But goblin smugglers are up to something in Brimover Bay, and the Seawitch – who should be protecting Porthmorven, has locked herself away. It’s up to Cassie and her friends to figure out what the Erl King is up to and uncover the secrets of the sea!
What’s involved in getting your Sapling pin? And why is it necessary?
In Cassie’s world, witches go through three stages of training before they can get their Witch’s Licence. Becoming a Sapling Witch is the second of these grades and to earn it, Cassie is given a special task by the Hedgewitch: she must train a new witch. However, the newest member of their coven is not exactly what she was expecting and makes her task very challenging!
Cathie, Rue and Tabitha venture to the seaside village of Porthmorven – how did you come up with this place? And what can you tell us about it?
I’ve always loved seaside holidays. I think there’s something magical about living by the sea – you’re on the edge of another world full of mysterious creatures. Porthmorven is based on some of my favourite villages in Cornwall, England. I had a wonderful time exploring places like Port Isaac and Padstow to get ideas – and many of the foods, traditions and legends around Porthmorven come from these places. I was also inspired by the Australian coast which can be a beautiful but dangerous realm to explore, just like the Brim!
Who is the Erl King and what kind of trouble will he stir in this novel?
The Erl King is a mysterious figure who has been haunting Cassie since Hedgewitch. He is the leader of the goblins and employs other nefarious faery creatures and traitor witches (known as warlocks) to do his bidding. Cassie is sure he has something to do with the disappearance of her mother. In Seawitch, readers will uncover more secrets about the Erl King and what he is planning!
Will the three friends learn any valuable lessons in this book?
The sea has many lessons to teach the young witches and they all discover ‘hidden depths’ in themselves when facing the dangers of Brimover Bay. I think the book also has a lot to say about friendship – and how it can be difficult to make new friends without upsetting our old friends, but it’s always worthwhile keeping our hearts and minds open.
Describe this book in three words.
Witches under water!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Skye McKennagrew up in a mining town in the Australian outback. Surrounded by the red dust of the Pilbara, she developed a healthy respect for wild things and wild places at a young age. Longing for adventures of her own, she travelled to the UK and fell in love with the British countryside.
Skye now lives in Scotland where she enjoys exploring the woods, hills and castles of her new home.
Skye’s first book, Hedgewitch, was nominated for the YOTO Carnegie Medal for Writing and was a CBCA Notable.
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