Wendy Wax (2)

Told in rhyming verse, City Witch, Country Switch is a witchy re-interpretation of the classic Aesopic fable, The City Mouse and the Country Mouse, in which two rodents see how "the other half" lives. In Wendy Wax's story, however, it is two witch cousins - country-bred Muffletump and city-slicker Mitzi - who visit one another, before making the inevitable discovery that they prefer life at home. A happy "compromise" is reached, however, through the use of the "Far-No-More" spell, allowing show more them each to stay where they are, and to also be neighbors.

I was really quite surprised to see the almost universal praise heaped upon this title, in the online reviews I've been reading, as I myself found it a mostly mediocre offering. The story didn't really involve me, the rhyme scheme felt forced, and the illustrations by Scott Gibala-Broxholm were unappealing. Young readers with a strong interest in witchy tales might still find this interesting, but with so many superior examples of the genre out there - Arthur Howard's Hoodwinked, for example, or Valerie Thomas' Winnie the Witch - I wouldn't recommend going to any great lengths to obtain it. show less

Young Reader Reaction: Our daughter laughed with almost every spell. She wanted to be able to turn the air into cotton candy and eat a field full of pizza. We read this one several times.

Adult Reader Reaction: This is a fun story, and not completely predictable. Mitzi and Muffletump have lots of personality. The illustrator does a wonderful job giving the cousins style - I loved the swim goggles on Mitzi!

Pros: Two sassy witches and some cute spells create a book that is fun to read out loud show more together. The story is presented in conversation, so it can double as an easy reader.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®. show less

This is one of our favorite Backyardigans shows, and has several of our favorite songs (many of which are on our ipods so the kids can listen in the car). However, the Backyardigans don't translate well to books. Without the songs, the stories lose all their charm.

Arlo is an adorable armadillo who gets lost on his way home from flying kites with a friend Jack, a happy rabbit. On a dreary, windy day Arlo laments his having to stay inside to play, but then Jack suggests going to fly kites together. On their way to a nearby grassy hill Arlo takes notice of various sights and smells along the way, such as the neighboring skunk's burrow and a rosebush. Once a thunderstorm arrives Jack and Arlo decide to leave their kites tied to a rock and return home, but show more Arlo secretly goes back for his kite. This is when the armadillo gets lost. Watching Arlo find his way home shows problem-solving skills to readers through a situation that children can identify with. Using his memory and critical thinking Arlo is able to retrace his steps back home. Once there, Arlo learns a valuable lesson about paying attention and finding your way. Children will love the animals found throughout the picture book, especially the main character and his family. The illustrations are also very well designed. Relf’s use of bright color spreads across each page will keep readers’ attention. show less