It's Raining Bats & Frogs

July 27, 2015
When it rains during the annual Witch Parade, a young green witch named Delia uses magic to try to fix the problem, starting with a very literal take on the idea of it raining cats and dogs. But the animals wreak havoc, a subsequent spell that causes a downpour of hats and clogs results in squabbles amid the witch’s frumpy coven, and falling frogs and bats—while exciting at first (“Snack time, girls!” declares one witch)—means slimy hats. Once Delia turns the precipitation back into water, the parade is a smashing success as dancing skeletons, a ghost marching band, and even the marching “Scarecrows Union” tromp across a flooded meadowland. It’s a whimsical Halloween adventure from first-time author Colby, and Henry’s cartoons make the most of the comedic setup. Ages 2–5. Author’s agent: Kathleen Rushall, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Robin Rue, Writers House.

August 1, 2015
When gloomy weather threatens the Witch Parade, young Delia tries out various spells to change the weather. As Delia swoops in for the Halloween event, the rain is "positively pouring buckets," so Delia brandishes her wand declaring, "It's raining, it's pouring, / but raindrops are BORING. / Change the rainfall on my head. / Make it CATS and DOGS instead!" Though at first they enjoy the adorable animals falling from the sky, the witches soon begin to grumble again. Delia summons further odd pairings from above, such as hats and clogs as well as bats and frogs. But nothing seems to work to keep everyone happy. Delia decides to cast one more spell-to return things to the way they were. Her chant brings back the rain, and the parade proceeds to the delight of all. "The floats began to float. The marching band learned synchronized swimming." All is well, but the final page turn reveals a future weather conundrum. Colby's playful spells encourage interactive participation, while repetition of key phrases adds a pleasing rhythm. Henry also gets the illustrations right, with mostly gray tones punctuated by muted greens, purples, and orange to display the kindly coven of green-skinned gals hovering on their brooms. Share at Halloween or use as an example of playing with chants and rhymes. Perhaps this title will inspire many magical spells. (Picture book. 4-7)

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September 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-When rain threatens to spoil the long-awaited Witch Parade, Delia changes the raindrops to cats and dogs. At first, her fellow witches are delighted, but then the animals begin causing trouble. Each additional spell causes even more problems. Hats and clogs spark squabbles, and bats and frogs make a mess. Young readers will enjoy the rhyming magic spells and the humorous details in the double-page illustrations. The stormy blues and greens lend a slightly spooky mood to this Halloween tale, but the cheerful, chubby witches and amiable ghosties are friendly rather than frightening. VERDICT A sweet and satisfying Halloween story to share with young audiences.-Rachel Anne Mencke, St. Matthew's Parish School, Pacific Palisades, CA

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