Earwig and the Witch

In the early 1990s, a young witch named Earwig is left at St. Morwald's Home for Children by her mother. The matron finds her name unsuitable and renames her Erica Wigg, marking the beginning of her life in the orphanage.

Years go by, and Earwig has settled into her life as a lively 10-year-old at the orphanage. She relishes her control over the other children and shows a strong desire to remain in this environment, even as adoption becomes a possibility.

Earwig's life takes a dramatic turn when she is adopted by the peculiar couple Bella Yaga and Mandrake. Despite her protests, she is taken to their home, where Bella reveals her identity as a witch, indicating Earwig is needed for assistance.

Once settled in, Earwig quickly realizes she has been chosen merely for chores and not magic training. In a bid to gain some magical knowledge, she strikes a deal with Bella, insisting on receiving lessons in exchange for her help around the house.

As days turn into weeks without any magic lessons, Earwig's patience wears thin. She becomes increasingly frustrated with her menial tasks and is determined to find a way to escape the drudgery imposed by Bella.

In her quest for magic, Earwig discovers that Bella's cat familiar, Tômasu, can speak. The two form an alliance and begin plotting to create a spell that will grant them immunity from Bella's magic, allowing them greater freedom.

Together, Earwig and Tômasu engage in secret nighttime experiments, mixing ingredients to create various spells. Their most ambitious attempt is a spell that gives Bella an 'extra pair of hands', intending to disrupt her control over Earwig.

The spell to give Bella an extra pair of hands succeeds unexpectedly, resulting in disorder throughout the home. Bella's fury is palpable as she struggles to manage the chaos, leading to an escalating confrontation between her and Earwig.

In retaliation for the chaos, Bella unleashes magical worms into Earwig's room. However, due to Earwig’s newfound resilience to magic, the worms prove powerless against her, turning the tables in their ongoing battle.

The tensions peak when Earwig confronts Mandrake, leading her to unearth a surprising secret. Both Mandrake and Bella were formerly part of a musical band named Earwig, adding complexity to their relationship and Earwig's understanding of their world.

Empowered by her discoveries and confident in her abilities, Earwig begins to manipulate those around her. She uses her wit and charm to bend the household dynamics to her will, making her a force to be reckoned with.

In a rare moment of happiness, Earwig invites her friend Custard over for Christmas. Her excitement is palpable as she prepares for the visit, showcasing her desire to maintain connections to her past life at the orphanage.

As Custard arrives for the celebration, the atmosphere shifts dramatically with the surprise appearance of Earwig's mother. A former band member herself, her presence brings a whirlwind of emotions and complications to Earwig's already chaotic life.