A Very Brave Witch

This read-aloud Halloween picture book offers appealing illustrations by Harry Bliss, fun facts about witches (did you know that most are afraid of humans?), and a fun encounter between a little witch and a little human that tests the courage of both. The youthful Elle Fanning (sister of actress Dakota) does a truly fine job narrating this small story. She doesn't rush, is young enough to sound just right for the part, and has a pleasant voice that's full of quirky expression. Fanning enjoys the story--so listeners will, too. In addition to her contributions, the production's fun sound effects (a spooky-sounding waltz score, the whoosh of a broom in flight) add dimension to the listening experience. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

August 14, 2006
You might not believe this, but most witches are afraid of humans," a witch girl confides. As her encyclopedic Big Book of Humans
indicates, "Humans aren't green like us," and they often dislike flying. Consequently, older witches tremble when she takes a Halloween risk and offers a human girl a broom ride. McGhee and Bliss (previously paired for Countdown to Kindergarten
) take a witty, sideways approach to multicultural crossover; the parental demographic might chuckle at headstones labeled Addams and Joey Ramone. Bliss channels Charles M. Schulz in his voice-bubble dialogue and expressive drawings of children with circular heads, simple mouths and dot-eyes with parentheses-shaped eyelids. Like Michael Rex's Brooms Are for Flying!
and David Costello's Here They Come!
, this tale demystifies the amiable protagonist and her non-green counterpart alike. Ages 4-8.