Ruth Chew
Description
Ruth Chew was born on April 8, 1920 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated Western High School in 1936 and attended the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC for 4 years. Even as a child, Ruth was determined to at first be a artist. (Which she illustrated most of her books.) She also believed that the only reason why she passed biology in High School was because of her incredible drawings she drew of the specimens she was studying. Many of her books, many of which are fantasy usually including witches, were inspired by her belief in magic. She believed in magic, saying she would trust magic's intuition before she trusted that 2+2=4. Growing up she hated science and math. She married Aaron Silver in 1948 and had 5 children with him: David, Eve, George, Anne, and Helen. Her husband died on May 10, 1993. On May 13, 2010, Ruth Chew passed away of pneumonia at the age of 90 years old in Castro Valley, California. She left behind her 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and her brother, Geoffrey Chew.
Books
Trapped in Time
When Zenda arrives late to class and finds everyone frozen in time, she suspects a rare plant is the cause and, with Persuaja's help, she manages to go back in time on the astral plane to seek the antidote.
What the Witch Left
Two little girls have magical adventures with a strange assortment of items they find in a locked drawer.
Witch's cat
Holly was sure the window was too small for them to go through, but it became bigger and bigger. You never know what's going to happen when you meet a witch's cat!
The magic cave
When lightning splits an old oak tree, a brother and sister discover Merlin who has been sleeping inside the tree for many centuries.
The witch's garden
Although they fear the woman who lives in the little red brick house, a group of children accept her invitation to share the secrets of her garden.
Earthstar magic
Ellen and Ben meet a friendly witch who reveals the magic power of the earthstar to them.
Second-hand Magic
Two children acquire a magic kite and, with some second-hand items from a nearby store, enjoy a series of adventures.
The witch and the ring
A sister and brother find a ring that brings a special cat, a witch, and a series of adventures into their lives.
The Would-Be Witch (Lucky Star)
When magic comes into your life, anything can happen! First Andy and his sister Robin discover some silver polish that turns their salt and pepper shakers into live birds. Then they meet Zelda, a shopkeeper who looks just like a witch. In fact, Zelda IS a witch -- or at least a would-be witch. If only she could pass the test and become a real witch! But she just can't seem to get the hang of it. Can Andy and Robin help Zelda? Maybe a bit of that magic polish will do the trick.
Do It Yourself Magic
Rachel and Scott buy a discount model kit and discover that it contains a hammer that turns invisible and changes the size of things. (from ruthchew.com)
Witch's Broom
Amy mother found a little broom in the back yard near the peach tree. Amy and her best friend Jean find out that the broom could fly!
The secret summer
When their parents go to Europe instead of their usual summer vacation, two children from New York City run away to Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania, where they had rented cabins during previous summers.
Baked beans for breakfast
(Also called The Secret Summer) Two runaway kids have a secret summer camping adventure.