Marian Frances

Willie the witch was very happy with her life in the MacGillicuddy's attic, watching the children playing below, and enjoying life with her cat companion, Tom. Unfortunately, her broom had gone missing, and Halloween was fast approaching. Her superior Cousin Charlie lectured her on her absentmindedness, but no matter how desperately Willie searched for the lost broom, she couldn't find it. Then, as Halloween night was drawing to a close, she saw Mr. MacGillicuddy's motorcycle...

Much like Margaret Embry's The Blue-Nosed Witch, another witchy Halloween tale I read recently, Witch on a Motorcycle is too short to be considered a novel, but far too long to be an early-reader. Although it does not technically have chapters (again, like the Embry title) I have classified it as a chapter-book, a designation I use for works of children's fiction that are intended for readers who have just graduated from leveled readers, but are not yet ready for full novels. Readers ranging from ages seven to nine, I would say. The story here is sweet, and I appreciated the humorous ending, in which Willie manages to frighten her entire witchy community. The accompanying artwork from Veronica Buffington, done in white and black with blue accents, has a vintage cartoon-style charm. Recommended to young readers who enjoy witchy tales.… (meer)