The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches

The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches, illustrated by Karen Gundersheimer

The youngest witch in her family, Wendy felt she couldn't measure up to her eldest sister, who seemed to know everything, or to her middle sister, who seemed to do everything perfectly. Afraid of the dark, and afraid of other witches, she was very unhappy, especially after she lost her broom. Then one Halloween, when her sisters left her behind, Wendy encountered a trick-or-treating boy dressed as a ghost, and while having some holiday fun with him, she discovered she had some magic after all, being a skilled flyer and spellcaster...

Originally published in 1978, in this picture book edition featuring the illustrations of Kate Gundersheiner, The Witch Who Was Afraid show more of Witches was republished in somewhat revised form in 1999, as part of HarperCollins' I Can Read beginning reader collection, with new artwork by Jane Manning. It is that version of the book that I initially read, some years ago, before finally seeking out this original one. I read the two versions side by side, to see what had changed, and found that the text was not dramatically different. The beginning reader version was somewhat simplified, but not excessively so, and there were no sections (or even sentences) that were cut out. The main difference, that I could see, was that Wendy's sisters and her trick-or-treating friend had names in the newer version (Polly, Wog and Roger), whereas they didn't in the original. In any case, I did enjoy this one, appreciating both the story and Kate Gundersheimer's vintage style artwork, which was quite charming. I've seen this compared to Sendak's work in A Hole Is to Dig, but not having read that book, I couldn't comment (perhaps I'll have to seek it out). Recommended to picture book readers who enjoy witchy fare and fun Halloween stories. show less

The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches, illustrated by Jane Manning.

Originally published in 1978, with illustrations by Karen Gundersheimer, this witchy little book was revised for HarperCollins' I Can Read series in 1999, with new illustrations by Jane Manning. It follows the story of Wendy, a little witch who finds her two sisters - the eldest, Polly, who knew everything, and the middle, Wog, who knew how to do everything best - vastly intimidating. When Polly and Wog leave her behind one Halloween, Wendy befriends trick-or-treater Roger, and the two have a wonderful night, discovering that Wendy does indeed have her own witchy powers.

The theme of a little witch being left behind on Halloween night, only to take up with a show more trick-or-treater, put me strongly in mind of Deborah Hautzig's Little Witch's Big Night, first published in 1984, and part of Random House's Step Into Reading series. I understand, from another online review, that it is also strongly reminiscent of Otfried Preußler's The Little Witch (which I haven't read). I don't know that Hautzig copied Low, any more than Low copied Preußler - I suspect they all were simply struck by a similar inspiration - but in any case, I found this an engaging little Halloween book. Manning, whose own recent witchy picture-book, Cat Nights, is a real winner in the genre, contributes colorful and quirky artwork that greatly enhances the appeal of the story.

All in all, a cute little book, ideally suited for beginning readers in the market for witchy tales. I think I may track down a copy of the original, to compare the narratives, and the different artwork. show less

This was a fairly cute easy reader chapter book about a little witch whose older sisters are better than her at everything. She fears that she's not scary enough or smart enough to be a good witch. On Halloween, she spends time with a "ghost," develops some self-confidence in her witching powers, and shows her sisters that she's got what it takes.

It's not a fully developed story, but just right for early readers looking to start with chapter books. Not scary at all, the illustrations are bright, vibrant, and appealingly modern. The main character Wendy is very relatable and sweet-natured - kids will like her rhyming spells and her triumph over her not-so-nice sisters.

My edition not, I think, the leveled/beginning reader. Just a hardcover picture-book, a little on the long side. Cute, better for the interested target audience, not super special. I appreciate the reviewer who compared it to Cinderella, but there is no ball or romance. But there is a very nice boy!

Cute children's book. Nothing that stands the test of time, but wasn't a bad read for my son and the illustrations are adorable.

The theme of this book is self-confidence and how to be the best you can be and believe in your self. Wendy doesn't feel like a good witch because she can't cackle and fly like her two other sisters. However, Wendy does become a good, scary witch, but in her very own way.

Recommended by J. Cute story of a young witch making her own rules in life.