The Three Little Witches

‘Hubble, bubble! Meet Zara, Ziggy and Zoe.’ They are three little witches who are planning a Halloween party. Part of an ‘Early Reader’ series aimed at children who have acquired a degree of proficiency but still appreciate short text accompanied by colourful illustration, this book could also be read aloud. The incidents are reassuringly familiar but with the added ingredient of magic to make the lessons lively, rescue the recipe that goes wrong, foil the cheating wizard boys and the mean witch, Melissa, and, of course ensure the party goes with a swing. The book is attractively produced – text well spaced, different fonts introducing a welcome variety, while the cheerful illustrations add further visual enjoyment. This is a very serviceable title which achieves its aims but does not go beyond them. Though fun, the language remains as everyday as the incidents and the three little witches are really three little girls in fancy dress while Wizard Wink’s class could be any KS1 class – though it is sad it is not more multicultural. However, this title would provide an enjoyable addition to a classroom library.