There's a witch in your book

Toddler-PreS--The book takeover continues! Previous "Who's in Your Book" titles saw monster, alien, and superhero narrators prompting the audience to participate in the narrative, and this time, a plump, green-skinned witch brews up a mess. Children better be ready, for when they are encouraged to wipe it away, the witch grows cross. Spells are slung, then undone, as page by page the wackiness increases. Whether readers are asked to pop bubble bunnies or use a "magic finger wand" while reciting a spell, these invitations are loads of fun. Fletcher's emphatic instructions and Abbott's adorable color contrasted illustrations are well suited for toddlers and young children, but older kids will enjoy sitting in, too. All are left with a little lesson as well: It's easy to tidy up a story, but in reality, there is no magic spell for cleaning up your own room. VERDICT Like the others in the series, this entry has all the laughs kids could want, and it's all fueled by readers' actions. Perfect for handsy toddlers and preschoolers.--Rachel Forbes, Oakville P.L., Ont.

When a witch crash-lands into this book, she'll need help from readers in tidying up her messes. The newest in Fletcher and Abbott's Who's in Your Book? series stars a mischievous, messy witch. With text instructing readers directly, children will use their "finger wands" to turn the witch into a cat and pop bubble bunnies. There's even a spell that makes a hole in some pages, an orifice through which readers push excess slime. All of the fun ends with a cleaned-up book and a sleepover with little monsters. The built-in reader participation is a serious trademark, and most of the actions can be accomplished either one-on-one with an adult or in a group setting. Abbott's illustrations hit on the cute side of spooky, the smiling, redheaded witch with classic green skin and a pointed black hat, a cauldron, and a broomstick. All of the backgrounds are simple bright colors, purples, pinks, blue, and orange, zeroing the focus in on the messy action. Careful observers will notice a torn blue hole drawn on the copyright page, illustrating the witch's crash into the book. It's tried-and-true rather than surprising at this point, but the simple and straightforward formula will certainly appeal to readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Another engaging outing. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.