The Corner Penthouse

Hello Boils and Ghouls. The Halloween season is upon us, which means lots of treats to enjoy on October 31st. Join me as I take a look at Insight Editions' recently released "Charmed: The Illustrated Storybook". Read on to find out more...

"Charmed: The Illustrated Storybook", based on the 1998-2006 television series starring Shannen Doherty (Prue), Holly Marie Combs (Piper), and Alyssa Milano (Phoebe), is written by Paul Ruditis (not my two-thirds twin), and illustrated by Ria Maria Lee. The hardcover book measures roughly 9.25"x11.25", contains 40 pages, and features a dust jacket. The book underneath looks like the Book of Shadows from the show


The synopsis from the inside cover reads as follows:

They were the first sisters to be called the Charmed Ones. Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell were destined to become the most powerful witches the world has ever known. But before they were Charmed, they were just three little girls living with their Grams, and they had no idea of the power inside of them.

The eighties weren't always radical, especially for three sisters who spent a lot of time on their own while their Grams was off on mysterious outings. Prue, on the verge of becoming a teenager, was saddled with the responsibilities of an adult. Phoebe was tired of being treated like the baby the family. And Piper with annoyed that she was always stuck in the middle.

When the girls' constant fighting threatens the future unity of the Charmed Ones, their magic awakens to send the three young witches on an adventure that would change their destiny forever. Is there a Woogy in the house again or is some other kind of magic at play?

The simple story is a prequel to the series, showing the Halliwell sisters as kids/pre-teens discovering their powers.


The very short story is designed to teach children, especially little girls, the power of working together instead of fighting.


Aside from these three characters, Penny "Grams" Halliwell (played by Jennifer Rhodes in the series) puts in a small appearance at the end. No other characters from the show appear.


The illustrations by Ria Maria Lee are cute, and reminiscent of the Little Golden Books. I believe that she filled the book with a few little Easter Eggs, but I'm not well verse enough in the show's lore to point anything out.


All in all, this was an excellent book and is Recommended for Charmed fans young and old.

"Charmed: The Illustrated Storybook" is available as a hardcover book and as a Kindle digital version. The physical book carries a suggested price of $19.99 US and $26.99 CAN.

The original 1998-2006 television series is available on Blu-ray in a new 16:9 aspect ratio, or on DVD in the original 4:3 aspect ratio. The Complete Series DVD is also available in alternate packaging, in an 8-season bundle (alt url), and in Book of Shadows packaging (alt url, alt url).

There is also a reboot series that ran from 2018-2022, featuring different characters and actors. Although this book is about the original series, I will tell you that the reboot series is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

This item has been provided by Insight Editions for review on this site.