Review by Booklist Review
Rumblewick, a cat (and a highly qualified witch's familial), records the trials and tribulations he faces when his young charge Hagatha Agatha decides she would rather become a ballerina than a proper witch. Bound by contract and answerable to the High Hag herself, Rumblewick alone is responsible when Hagatha refuses to cackle, prefers the bus to her broomstick, and declines to frighten children. Luckily, Haggy's true, diva-like personality reveals itself in a fit of monstrously witchy proportions, scaring all the little, would-be Pávlovas and impressing the High Hag to no end. Prolific and popular UK author Oram (Rubbaduck and Ruby Roo, 2005) offers here a humorous series opener that is sure to please. Warburton's black-line drawings appear on every page, easing a growing reader's transition to chapter books while exaggerating the story's over-the-top humor. Appended with a glossary of terms (mostly ballet words), a Witches' Charter of Good Practice, and a preview of the upcoming sequel, My Unwilling Witch Sleeps Over.--Weisman, Kay Copyright 2009 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-Haggy Aggy would prefer to be human, much to the chagrin of her cat, Rumblewick. She would rather spend her time doing "Othersider" things, like taking ballet, going to gym class, and having sleepovers with friends. Rumblewick does his best to get her to do her witchly duties to please the High Hags and witch society. The books are a diary of his misadventures and near-misses with disaster. Haggy Aggy uses magic to help her pass as human, and the books include a few of her spells to help improve her dance and gymnastic skills. They also have a lot of full-page cartoon illustrations and spot art that will appeal to children, especially reluctant readers. There are a few difficult vocabulary words throughout the texts, but the stories are frothy and funny. Quick, lighthearted reads.-Jane Cronkhite, San Jose Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
