It is impossible to escape the chaotic characters and charming narration of Howl’s Moving Castle, as Diana Wynne Jones transports her readers to the land of Ingary, a world of witches and wizards and talking turnips.

Sophie Hatter works sewing hats in her father’s shop when she is one day visited by the Witch of the Waste. Though Sophie has no idea why, she mistakes her for a witch associated with the heartless Wizard Howl and, fueled by her bitterness and ego, the Witch curses Sophie. Now an elderly woman, Sophie sets off determined to break her spell. She seeks shelter in a moving “castle” run by the fire demon Calcifer, who promises to break her curse if she can break his contract with Howl.

Howl Jenkins is known to eat the hearts of pretty girls, so of course Sophie believes herself safe, and decides to take up work as his cleaning lady. As she spends her days scaring away spiders, Sophie begins to realise that Howl may not be as cruel as he’s said to be. As they encounter talking dogs, moving scarecrows, and a portal to a new world, Sophie adapts to the magical castle, working with Calcifer and Howl’s apprentice, Michael, to escape the Witch of the Waste.