Heckedy Peg
By Audrey Wood
The Story
A witch called Heckedy Peg turns seven children into food after they disobey their mother's warning, leaving her to find a way to save them.
Why It's Special
For families who love a story with real fright in it, this one balances a genuinely menacing witch with the deep comfort of a mother who won't give up on her children.
- Big idea: A parent's love is fierce enough to undo even the strangest magic.
- Vibes: Eerie, atmospheric, and ultimately comforting — shadowy artwork with a warm resolution.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories with a touch of real danger
- are drawn to witches, spells, and magical trouble
- are working on listening to warnings from a parent
- respond well to dramatic, richly painted illustrations
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What do you think the mother had to do to save her seven children from Heckedy Peg?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the children felt when they realized they'd been turned into food?
- Real-life connection: Has anyone ever warned you about something and you found out later why it mattered?
- Imagination: If a witch turned you into a food, what food would you want to be?
- Character study: What do you notice about Heckedy Peg just from how she's drawn?
