The Witch's Children - Hardcover

Ursula Jones wanted to be a vet when she grew up, and then she went to drama school and became an actress instead. She has written a number of plays for children, but The Witch’s Children is her first picture book. Ms. Jones lives in France, on the edge of the forest of Vaour.

Russell Ayto has illustrated more than a dozen books for children, including Cinderella and the Hot Air Balloon, You’ll Grow Soon, Alex, and Farmer Smart’s Fat Cat. He lives in Cornwall, England, with his wife and their two children.

PreSchool-Grade 2-One windy day, three siblings visit the park and, in an attempt to be helpful, unintentionally create an adventure for a few innocent bystanders. Apparently still witches-in-training, the children know only half-magic. "Look out," the pigeons and squirrels warn, for they all know that this means trouble. The Eldest and the Middle One appear quite capable of changing people and animals into other creatures, but haven't learned as yet how to change them back to their original form. The Little One saves the day by thinking of the best solution to the problem; she yells for "MOMMY!" Various elements of fairy tales are presented here, including, a frog, a princess, footmen, a golden coach, and a palace. Entertaining illustrations depict three amiable children-made up of mostly round heads with legs-accompanied by spiders, bats, a frog, a mouse, and insects trailing along behind like well-behaved pets. The pictures show each three-step transformation that the unfortunate spells produce and, later, the witch's expert reversals. Small details in the drawings add to the humor, such as each child sporting a beauty mark (or perhaps it's a wart), just like mother's. An entertaining romp, sure to please.
Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
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