Winnie's New Computer

In this latest Winnie the Witch title, Winnie is delighted when her new computer, Pumpkin XIII, arrives. She confidently scans in her books of spells and orders a wand from www.wands.r.us.com, putting her old wand and spell book in the rubbish bin. Inevitably technology falls short of expectations, helped along by Wilbur who thinks a computer mouse is something to be seen off.

Winnie’s computer, washing machine and signs of modern-day life like her cafetière, juxtaposed with her arcane and very traditional calling, create the tension which makes this book so entertaining. The visual detail is rich and riotous with Heath Robinsonesque gadgetry all around. There are also Hitchcockian glimpses of a Korky Paul-like figure here and there to tantalise, and, as usual, the mice pop up everywhere to provide a visual commentary on proceedings.

Left-handed children will be pleased to see that Winnie is left-handed too. The children who helped with the endpapers deserve congratulations for adding to the fun in another glorious Winnie the Witch escapade.