Eldest of three sisters in a land where it is considered to be a misfortune, Sophie is resigned to her fate as a hat shop apprentice until a witch turns her into an old woman and she finds herself in the castle of the greatly feared wizard Howl.

"A Greenwillow book." Previously published: New York : Greenwillow Books, 1986. Includes an author interview.

In which Sophie talks to hats -- In which Sophie is compelled to seek her fortune -- In which Sophie enters into a castle and a bargain -- In which Sophie discovers several strange things -- Which is far too full of washing -- In which Howl expresses his feelings with green slime -- In which a scarecrow prevents Sophie from leaving the castle -- In which Sophie leaves the castle in several directions at once -- In which Michael has trouble with a spell -- In which Calcifer promises Sophie a hint -- In which Howl goes to a strange country in search of a spell -- In which Sophie becomes Howl's old mother -- In which Sophie blackens Howl's name -- In which a royal wizard catches a cold -- In which Howl goes to a funeral in disguise -- In which there is a great deal of witchcraft -- In which the moving castle moves house -- In which the scarecrow and Miss Angorian reappear -- In which Sophie expresses her feelings with weed-killer -- In which Sophie finds further difficulties in leaving the castle -- In which a contract is concluded before witnesses.