Tuesday, March 17, 2015

The Would-Be Witch by Ruth Chew –ADVISABLE

Chew, Ruth The Would-Be Witch 122 Pages Random House Books for Young Readers, 2014 (reprint from 1976). $15.99
Andy and Robin are siblings who fall into a magical adventure after they discover that the silver polish their mom bought actually brings things to life. It all started with a pair of silver salt and pepper shaker birds, but the children can’t resist using it on other items. By chance a cute little white cat follows them home and it leads them to discover a woman who wants to be a real witch. When they discover that feathers from their new silver birds makes them shrink, they find out that the coven of witches only wants to hurt their new would-be-witch friend. What can two children and a bottle of magical silver polish do against a coven of witches?
I am big fan of Ruth Chew. Her books are interesting, well written, wholesome, and such a great way to add spooky stories to your school library without worrying about causing nightmares or parent outrage. I love the new covers, which really adds to reader appeal, and they have included the original illustrations inside. This particular story is one of my favorites, who wouldn’t want to bring inanimate objects to life?
EL(K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

1 comment:

Ms. Yingling said...

I, too, love Chew's books, and bought all of them for my library. The 6th graders love them, but the older students don't pick them up. Still, I'm delighted that so many were reprinted!