Long Lost Stories

August 11, 2011 5:46 AM

Trying to remember two books: one YA fiction from the 80's, the other a chapter book for 7-9 year olds, from the 60's, maybe.

YA Fiction: Set in..New Zealand, I think. Story involves a 13 or 14 year-old girl whose younger brother is special somehow and is taken by a ...warlock? In order to get him back, the girl must confront the warlock and goes through some kind of ritual, part of which takes place in a bathroom. She notes that the rug in the bathroom says 'Tam Htab'

Chapter book: Young girl is sent to live in the country with an older relative whom she does not like. She meets a black cat and discovers a school for witches. School is fairly sinister. I'm 99.9% sure this is not The Worst Witch.

posted by noxetlux to sports, hobbies, & recreation (4 answers total)

1. Margaret Mahy, The Changeover?
2. Diana Wynne Jones, Aunt Maria? (less sure on this one)
posted by nonane at 5:54 AM on August 11, 2011

The Changeover is absolutely it, thank you!

Girl in book two is an only child and doesn't do chores.
posted by noxetlux at 6:07 AM on August 11, 2011

Could 2 be The Little Broomstick, by Mary Stewart? First published 1971, says that Goodreads link, but it's got the cat, the sinister school and two-for-the-price-of-one older relatives.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 7:32 AM on August 11, 2011

The Little Broomstick it is! I think Mary Stewart wrote some other books I greatly enjoyed - thank you so much for your help!
posted by noxetlux at 9:05 AM on August 11, 2011