Halloween Pick: The Sweetest Witch Around

The Sweetest Witch Around
(a companion to the NY Times bestselling a Very Brave Witch)
by Alison McGhee
Illustrated by Herry Bliss
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2014 (paperback edition 2015)
32 pages
ISBN: 9781442478336 (hardcover)
9781442478350 (paperback)
Also available as an Ebook


School Library Journal:

"Borrowing a few elements from comic books, the text consists exclusively of speech balloons...Full page ink and watercolor spreads contain some funny details, like 'Graveyard Barbie' or a can labeled, 'Slugs, Organic.''

My Review:

Sweet and wonderful, brimming with charm and humor, The Sweetest Witch Around is one sweet treat just in time for Halloween!

A pair of sisters discuss human behavior on Halloween. The older sister realizes that humans are not frightening--not at all as scary as the other witches fear. She thinks that she should introduce human behaviors to her younger sister. She introduces her younger sibling to something humans love: candy! And since it's Halloween, the younger sister decides she will go on an adventure to watch humans in their natural habitat and score some candy for herself.

The sisters with their funny, trusty cat in tow set off on broomstick to experience Halloween night. Humor abounds as humans encounter the trio. From a cat who says, "Holy whiskers," and "Holy catnip!" to  a bulging witch's hat full of candy to a flying broom to delighted Trick or Treaters who scream with joy to see the witches streaking across the night sky dumping their load of candy, this book is perfect for Halloween or anytime.

I loved the sweet sibling relationship of the older sister who takes it upon herself to educate her younger sister in the ways of humans and who tries to keep her safe. The cat is the perfect pet--nearly human himself. If you're out for Halloween this year, keep your eyes on the sky. You just might spot the sisters spying on human youngsters.

Highly, highly recommended for Halloween and anyone who loves a witch tale. Perfect for introducing Halloween and Trick or Treating.  Beginning readers.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

Book Giveaway: The Quick Fix--Middle School Pick

The Quick Fix
by Jack D. Ferraiolo

I have 5 copies of this very funny, in-your-face middle school crime noir.

Matt Stevens, middle school Private Eye, is on his newest case and he's about to make a whole bunch of enemies. Maybe the case goes deeper than just his school--could Matt find secrets from his own past? The deeper he digs, the weirder his case gets!

To enter: post a comment on the blog and include your first name, city, state, and email contact. Deadline for posts is December 17 at noon MST. Winners will be chosen randomly by Randomizer. Winners will be notified by email on December 17. Please check your email on that date. Winners will have 24 hours to contact me with their mailing address information. Books will ship from New York courtesy of Abrams and Laura--thanks, Laura!

More about the book:

From the publisher's website:

"In this much-anticipated sequel to The Big Splash, junior high detective Matt Stevens is back on the case, bringing us another hilarious middle school noir.
When the star of the basketball team is blackmailed, it’s up to Matt, the lone voice for justice in a morass of middle school corruption, to figure out who’s behind the scheme. Is it eighth-grade crime lord Vinny “Mr. Biggs” Biggio, who has made his name peddling forged hall passes and leading a crew of social assassins who send enemies to the Outs with a humiliating squirt-gun blast below the belt? Or is it his lieutenant and Matt’s former best friend, Kevin? Or a pair of scheming twins who sell Pixy Stix to sugar-addicted classmates? One thing’s for sure: There won’t be a quick fix for the trouble at this middle school." (Abrams website)

Start posting and good luck! Pamela