We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)
(3) Base Camp
For the most part, Witch and Wizard is a straightforward read, relying on simple language and an uncomplicated plot. Any problems you may encounter have to do more with the way the book is written than the story itself. As the first book in a five-part fantasy series, there's a lot of world-building going on, and some of it is explained quickly, without much elaboration.
The only other bump in the road you might encounter is the vocabulary. The author uses a few made-up words to make the world of the book seem more vibrant and real. Pro tip: If you can't figure out a word by its context (Shmoop's looking at you, "erlenmeyer"), check the appendix at the back of the book.