Author Juliet Timpson steps into character as Witchetty Witch, complete with worms and cauldrons, to spellbind young readers. She talks to Northants Uncovered about her latest book series Grumpy Rosetta and her exciting upcoming book launch.
Juliet Timpson doesn’t just write childrens’ books.
She lives and breathes her characters as well.
Dressed as a character she created, Witchetty Witch, you can often see her in schools and educational settings on Fridays, reading her stories to children and bringing her characters to life.
Through the Grumpy Rosetta book series, she explores themes of self-acceptance and friendship and wants to help children embrace their individuality and to enjoy reading books.
Her books feature memorable characters such as Witchetty Witch, Grumpy Rosetta – the witch who doesn’t want to be a witch – Jack, the clever brother, and a host of princesses and are aimed at children aged from 4 – 8 years old.
So far, she has published two books, with her third and latest, Grumpy Rosetta and Jack’s new Pet, launching on October 18th at the Discover Northamptonshire Hub at Rushden Lakes https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/discovernorthamptonshire – just in time for Halloween!
How the stories started
The stories were born from Juliet’s own experiences and from her work as an experienced early years practitioner and in secondary schools.
“I’ve always been an enthusiastic story reader. I used to make up stories for my children, and later for the children I worked with.”
“Eight years ago at a Bedfordshire nursery, I would create stories for the nursery children and get them involved. One little girl wanted to be Rosetta; she was always grumpy, and that’s how the name Grumpy Rosetta came about. The others wanted to be wizards, princes and princesses. So along came Princess Purple, Princess Pink and Princess Dance-a-Lot.”
Parents began to suggest that she wrote her stories down.
“Initially I said; ‘I’m not an author!’ but she was encouraged by parents saying how much the children talked about her stories.
And here I am, eight or nine years later, on my third book.”
Embodying Witchetty Witch
Living in Rushden, Juliet’s approach to storytelling is immersive. She visits schools and other settings dressed as Witchetty Witch, reading her books while pulling props from her bag—worms, cauldrons and witches’ hats—and inviting the children to join in too. The adults are also encouraged to join in “the children love seeing their parents and teachers up on the podium,” she says.
Juliet herself really likes to get into character, complaining about how uncomfortable the journey to school was on the broomstick!
As well as having lots of fun, there is an underlying message.
“With my work in both primary and secondary schools, I see a lot of struggles with self-esteem. Children who feel like they don’t fit in often sit on the periphery, and it makes me sad.
In her first story, the little witch confides to her mum, “I don’t want to be a witch anymore.” Juliet hopes moments like this open dialogue.
If a child goes home and says, ‘I’m not very happy,’ or ‘I feel different,’ and it starts a conversation, then I’ve done my job.
Her dedication has left a mark. One boy from a secondary school she worked at messaged her: “Thank you, you always made me feel seen.” Moments like these remind Juliet of the real impact her work has.
Her books are illustrated by her niece, Eleanor Marriott and designed by her daughter Hannah Holland. Each picture is hand-painted. Even imperfections are intentional—the books’ unique pages are part of their charm.
Through her characters, her stories, and her infectious enthusiasm for reading, Juliet hopes to make every child feel seen, celebrated, and empowered to embrace their uniqueness and to enjoy reading books. And perhaps, just maybe, a little magic along the way.
To buy any books in the Grumpy Rosetta book series, or to contact Juliet, visit https://www.grumpyrosettabooks.co.uk/
Juliet’s third book launch will be on 18th October at the Discover Northamptonshire Hub at Rushden Lakes. NN10 6S8
Juliet’s books are also available in The Snug Bookshop in Olney, MK46 4BA; Discover Northampton at Rushden Lakes NN10 6FH, Magazine Heaven at Rushden Lakes, NN10 6FS and at Osborne’s Sports and Toys in Rushden High Street, NN10 0PE.
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/discovernorthamptonshire
