The Sweetest Witch Around

July 28, 2014
Eight years after A Very Brave Witch, McGhee and Bliss return with a companion story that sees the brave heroine of that book educating her younger sister, Witchling, about humans, whom most witches fear. “Study the humans and learn their mysterious ways,” the young witch tells her sister in full-on teacher mode. “They love dressing up on Halloween. Especially like us.” However, the poison apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and, like her sister, Witchling shows uncommon bravery. She dives headlong into trick-or-treating—unlike most witches, Witchling thinks candy is great—while her older sister tries to “rescue” her. McGhee’s knack for sharp, funny dialogue is a major asset in a story that unfolds entirely through speech and thought balloons. Bliss’s ink-and-watercolors illustrations provide plenty of humor, too, especially as Witchling struggles with the massive haul of candy she takes in. Ages 4–8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.

August 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-The fearless heroine and her endearing orange cat introduced in A Very Brave Witch (S. & S., 2006) are teaching the Witchling about the scary world of humans. Though other witches are afraid of people and their strange ways, the protagonist and her little sister are curious about them. Once Witchling learns about Halloween, she develops a taste for candy and goes trick-or-treating. When some older kids try to take away her hat full of sweets, her sister swoops in to the rescue and takes her home. Borrowing a few elements from comic books, the text consists exclusively of speech balloons, and there are two panelled pages. Full-page ink and watercolor spreads contain some funny details, like "Graveyard Barbie" or a can labeled, "Slugs, Organic." A sweet but optional addition to Halloween collections.-Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY

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