WITCHWARD BOUND: A BUTTER AND OWL ADVENTURE, by Erin Bow and Kelly Murphy, Disney Hyperion, Sept. 1, 2026, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
A pair of magical animals embark on a quest to find their lost witch in Witchward Bound: A Butter and Owl Adventure, by Erin Bow and Kelly Murphy.
Once upon a time there was a pair of witch’s helpers: a cat named Butter and a raven named Owl. The cat knows he is destined to be a great hero—just ask him. The raven wouldn’t recognize destiny if she flew into it beak-first. They do not get along.
But then their witch vanishes, and Butter and Owl must quest to find her. To reunite their family, they’ll have to outwit sirens and cyclops, gods and ghosts—and hardest of all, they’ll have to learn to work together. —Synopsis provided by Disney Hyperion
If you’re looking for a wholesome read with a touch of whimsy, Witchward Bound is a good option.
Written by Newbery Honor–winning author Erin Bow (Simon Says), Witchward Bound features two entertaining familiars who meet a cast of quirky supporting animals along the way. Butter and Owl are strong characters that will immediately appeal to readers, particularly those who love animal stories.
Bow’s writing is warm and witty. She writes directly to her audience, adding humor that they’ll easily understand. Artist Kelly Murphy’s charming black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement to Bow’s writing and story. And at less than 200 pages, the story is an accessible length readers will appreciate.
Witchward Bound is the first book in a planned series. It’s a cozy adventure of friendship perfect for middle-grades who are becoming more confident in reading on their own.
Copyright © 2026 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
