Robyn Supraner

When a wicked witch steals all of the laughter from the people of Pleasantville, leaving them with only gloom and anger, it falls to young Rowena—the only one who remembers what laughter is—to win back her village's joy. Setting out into the woods in search of the witch's house, Rowena is aided in her quest by a kind fairy, eventually finding and grabbing hold of the witch, holding on through many transformations, until her wish is finally granted...

Published in 1975, I Can Read About Witches was part of Troll Associates' long-running I Can Read About... series, offering simple stories for beginning readers. Some of these books remained in print well into the early 2000s, although this one seems to have slipped into relative obscurity. I added it to my shelves after discovering it on a list of witchy picture-books, which are a pet project of mine, and I am glad to have tracked it down, for that reason. The narrative from author Robyn Supraner, who appears to have contributed many other volumes to the series, reminded me of a folktale, particularly the scenes in which Rowena holds onto the witch, no matter what shape she takes. Although there were no surprises, and although I suspect my fondness for witchy tales was a factor, I did find the story here moderately engaging. That being said, the accompanying artwork from Frank Brugos, done in black, gray and a blueish-green, were not really to my taste. I liked a few of the depictions of the witch (naturally), but overall the style here was a little too cartoonish for me.

All in all, this isn't a book I strongly recommend, although readers interested in vintage picture-book styles, or in witchy fare, might want to give it a try, if they happen upon a copy.… (meer)

I remember having this exact same book as a kid. I don't remember if it was a Book Fair grab or something my mother picked up for ideas for her kindergartners, but I know I had access to this book growing up.

So, when I saw it sitting among the fair at the local library sale, I knew I had to have it for my Little Free Library. Unfortunately, the direction page for the last craft, a dancing clown (Pennywise, is that you?), has been torn out by some excited youth, but I think parents can figure out how to help their kids make one with the list of materials and an image of the finished product still remaining on what is now the last page.

Also, I read and am reviewing this book on a very rainy day, so there's that.… (meer)