Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Done with "adorable" Halloween costumes, a child makes what feels like a monumental proclamation: "this year, a witch!" Intensive prep propels much of the story as the narrator describes how "I speak squirrel, toad, bird, and cat," and declares, "Witches don't need their lovies. Or daddies. Or naps." When it comes time for a big costume reveal in the mirror ("Get ready to run! Get ready to hide!"), the visual transformation proves shocking for the self-assured child; luckily, Daddy comes to the rescue just in time for trick-or-treating. Electric accent colors infuse Abbott's inky multimedia and risograph-printed illustrations, which fittingly capture the protagonist's effort to achieve independence in this lively tale that gestures toward the push and pull of growing up. Ages 4--8. (July)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--For kids who are ready to break free from expectations and express themselves, this is an inspiring pick. Every year, the little girl has been something sweet--think strawberries, bunnies, and all things adorable. But not this year. This year, she's determined to be a spell-casting, fearsome witch, complete with wild hair, fabulous accessories, and a loyal feline sidekick. She sets out to create the perfect costume. But when she goes to admire herself in the mirror, she gives herself quite a fright! Luckily, Dad is there to help her through the scare. Together, they add the finishing touches, don their makeup, and head out to spook the neighborhood. Vibrant colorized art, rich with greens, blues, purples, pinks, oranges, reds, and blacks, brings a nostalgic yet fresh feel to the story, capturing the little witch's whirlwind of emotions. The simple yet powerful message about independence and self-expression will resonate with kids and parents alike. VERDICT A must-buy. Young readers love exploring their independence, and this delightful story might just inspire a few more to embrace their unique selves--just like this little witch and her dad.--Cassie Veselovsky
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A precocious child conjures up a startling alternative to the cutesy costumes of Halloweens past. "Last year I was a bunny. The year before that I was a mouse." Indignant after a string of "utterly adorable" Halloween costumes, a rosy-cheeked, black-haired girl with skin the white of the page declares, "My days of adorable are over and done! Because…this year, a witch!" Readers are privy to the process as the impish and expressive witch fully embraces her role. She's "enlisted the help of an assistant" (her cat) and has been busy "whipping up spells and collecting things for my brew." Witches are powerful--look out, or she'll turn you to stone!--and exceedingly independent. As she says, "Witches don't need their lovies. Or daddies. Or naps," though a patient grown-up proves helpful with mundane tasks like costume-sewing. Multimedia and Risograph illustrations make magical use of both generous white space and full-bleed spreads and feature vibrant pops of modern Halloween hues, including violet and acidic green. Playfully paced page turns reveal a visual transformation more frightening than even the young witch bargains for, but concise text with emphatic typography keeps the theatrical tone kind-spirited; Abbott perfectly captures youngsters' often-warring desires for autonomy and reassurance. A sly seasonal pick for kids craving a dash of agency alongside their dress-up.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
