Reviews

Book Review: The Little Book of Wicca. A Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft (2024) by Kirsten Riddle

Book Review: The Little Book of Wicca. A Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft (2024) by Kirsten Riddle

Note: This book was originally published in 2014 as The Beginners Guide to Wicca.  This new edition was published May 14th , 2024. 

“Kirsten Riddle writes a column on magic for Chat: It’s Fate, and writes regularly for Spirit and Destiny and Kindred Spirit. She is also a columnist for Take a Break: Fate and Fortune as Alison Davies. Kirsten’s books for CICO include Discovering Signs and Symbols and Trickster Magic. She lives in Nottingham, UK.(Amazon) 

For those just beginning to delve into Wicca, Kirsten Riddle’s Little Book of Wicca A Beginner’s Guide to Witchcraft (2024) is a condensed, easy-to-use guidebook that offers helpful advice. Emphasizing a nature-based approach to spirituality, this book aims to help readers include Wiccan ideas in their daily lives. Chapters include Moon Magic, Kitchen Magic, the Witch’s Calendar & more. 

Publisher: CICO Books (May 14, 2024)

Publication date: May 14, 2024

Language: English

Print length: 152 pages

The book is suitable for people without prior knowledge of witchcraft since it comprises simple spells and rituals combining common objects with techniques of herbal and kitchen magic. The book also includes a quiz to help readers determine their witchy style type and improve their learning process.


Riddle’s friendly writing style benefits all who are fascinated by magical ideas and practices concerning Wicca but unsure where to start. The material of a well-rounded introduction ranges from the practical—that of spells and rituals—to the philosophical—that of living in harmony with nature. Riddle’s explanation of Wicca’s emphasis on daily objects and simple activities helps Wicca feel relevant and realistic for contemporary living.

Though the book is brief and only provides a high-level overview of Wiccan rites and beliefs, some readers may find this to be a disadvantage even with the abundance of information it offers. This is a benefit as well as a drawback: although it’s fantastic for beginners, more experienced practitioners may want more depth. This book would be ideal for younger readers (13 and up) who are just beginning to learn about magic, nature, herb lore, and other aspects of Paganism. 

The colorful illustrations throughout the book make it easy on the eye. The book is organized efficiently and broken up into chunks spanning a total of 152 pages making it easy to read in one sitting or reference very quickly as needed. Specific ideas written by the author regarding the history, concepts, and origins of Wicca, or what a “true witch” entails may be disputed by more seasoned readers and witches. Riddle is the author of various books on magic, mindfulness, and self-help, including Be Your Own Goddess and I Am Unicorn: How to Embrace Your Inner Power. Her works often mix spirituality with practical guidance, inspiring creativity, and personal growth.  

Learn more about the author, Kirsten Riddle and her books here: Little Book of Wicca – Amazon

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About the Author of this review:

Kimberly Anne author photo

Kimberly Anne is a USA freelance writer and Liberal Arts admin at a community college. Originally from Chicago, she holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in Creative Writing and English Literature and is also a member of Sigma Tau Delta. She is currently pursuing her Master of Library and Information Science degree.

After devoting a decade to studying global mythology and folklore, she began writing about them – focusing primarily on Nordic, Germanic, and Slavic pre-Christian beliefs. Kimberly has worked with various clients including Patricia Robin Woodruff, PhD. MDiv and the YouTube channel Mythology Unleashed among many others. She is a polytheist with animist beliefs who loves to teach others about magical cultural connections. You can find her in the book stacks of the library, in a forest with Landvættir, or at www.kimberlyanneinc.com