Grace-Ella is thrilled when a black cat walks through their door. She's always wanted a pet. But Mr Whiskins has a secret. On the ninth day of the ninth month of her ninth year, he tells Grace-Ella that she is a witch and can start learning magic with the Witches' Council. Her parents are shocked, particularly Mam, who worries what other people will think. Grace-Ella has never been good at school — can she learn to be a good witch?