Jean Baylis

When Titchywitch and her parents, Warlock and Big Witch, move into a house after their forest is cut down and paved over and their traditional cave residence becomes uninhabitable, the little witch is convinced she won't like living in a human house. Her next-door-neighbor Sally, in the meantime, can't convince her mother that witches have moved in next door. Then one night Titchywitch and Sally meet, and become involved in a terrifying and exhilarating flying adventure...

Published in London in 1987, Titchywitch is the first book I have encountered from author/artist Jean Baylis, and is one I tracked down because of my interest in witchy picture-books. It pairs an engaging tale of two little girls—one witch and one human—who become friends during their nighttime adventure with colorful, appealing illustrations. I liked that Baylis explored a common childhood dilemma—moving to a new house, and making new friends—in a fun, magical way. Visually speaking, I think my favorite character was Warlock, Titchywitch's father, who must use a pink stardust spell to bring the girls back down to earth, at the end of their flight. Recommended to picture-book readers who enjoy witchy fare, or who dream of flight.… (meer)