This fun family read-aloud is the perfect way to start Halloween celebrations and an ideal gift book. A sweet story of quick wits, friendship, and inclusivity from the creators of The Gruffalo! The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch's hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there room on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon? Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the creators of many beloved picture books including The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, The Snail and the Whale, and The Spiffiest Giant in Town. "A surefire read-aloud hit." -School Library Journal
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"Such a cute little story that at the end, my 7 year old son said, "that is a fun story!! Read it again! Read it again!" I read it to the 7, 4, and 3 year old. They were ALL entertained. It's about a cute little witch riding on her broom through the countryside. Some unfortunate things happen that cause her to lose her belongings along the way, but always, there is a friendly little creature that helps her and asks to go on a ride on her broom. She runs into some terrible trouble with a dragon and would have met utter destruction if it weren't for the help of her new friends! SUPER cute and it has such cute little rhyming poetry. Love this one. :)"
— Brooke (5 out of 5 stars)
" Sonia: The witch is beautiful. And she made a pond for the frog, a nest for the bird, seats for the dog and the cat and the witch. "
— Rundle, 2/16/2014" Good for rhyming, sequencing, and imaging. "
— Datoria, 2/11/2014" I really liked this book. I thought it was funny and I think children would think it's funny as well. It's about how a witch keeps trying to fit different characters on her broom when they ask for a ride, and obviously there's not room for all of them so things start to fall off. I also think it would be a good one to teach rhyming words because there are rhyming words in the title and the words are simple enough that little ones would have an easier time picking out the words that rhymed. "
— Jenilyn, 2/8/2014" This became my grandaughters and my favourite book (along with ?The Gruffalo). We would share the 'reading' of this, each with our own bits of the book (this was long before she could actually read!) 'Witch & chips' for tea would send us into giggles! Can't wait to read it with my younger grandaughter. "
— Susan, 2/7/2014" What a wonderful story, with fabulous rhythmic style, of a witch and the menagerie who ride on her broom The illustrations are marvelous, the language is witty and wise, and the ending is just a delight! One of my new favorites for Halloween!! "
— Marianne, 1/30/2014" Lovely illustrations, bright, clear and colourful. Very likeable characters drawn. The rhymes work well for reading aloud. It is a rhyming poem throughout and very very clever - nice rhythm and the children can anticipate it well. There is a great deal to do and think about to extend children's learning from this - as well as social lessons (cooperation, good nature, helping your friends). "
— Masumi, 1/13/2014" I thought the poetry was a bit unwieldy, and the story line started out a bit bland, but I did like the funny twist at the end. "
— Little, 1/10/2014" Illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Another favorite of mine by Julia Donaldson. A fun, rhythmic book that the kids really get a kick out of -- especially the ending. Adults do too! A great choice for storytime. "
— Kelly, 1/6/2014" Such a fun and delightful Halloween Story! "
— Larina, 12/20/2013" Great witchy preschool read aloud from the author illustrator team behind The Gruffalo. Good rhythm and structure. Mostly comical, with a just-scary-enough dragon to add some thrills. A solid choice year-round for witch fans and a top pick for Halloween story times. "
— Robin, 12/9/2013" Really adorable story that continues to entertain my 4-and 6-year-old boys (when it stops, I'll be a little sad). "
— Peter, 12/4/2013Julia Donaldson was brought up in London and studied Drama and French at Bristol University. Along with being a brilliant children’s author, Julia enjoys singing, songwriting, and performing. Julia is currently the Children’s Laureate and best known as the author of the modern classic The Gruffalo. The Gruffalo has sold more than four million copies and been translated into more than thirty different languages. She lives in Glasgow.
Josie Lawrence is an actress and comedienne who may be best known for her appearances on the popular television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?. She has also appeared in Poirot, Holby City, and Marple: By the Pricking of My Thumbs.