Chloë Inkpen

That technology-obsessed witch Mrs Blackhat returns in this second picture-book devoted to her magical adventures, following upon the eponymous Mrs Blackhat. Having ordered a new state-of-the-art ZoomBroom online, our witchy heroine is eager to try it out, jumping on with her animal companions and taking to the skies. But when she presses the red button intended for experienced pilots only, she finds herself taken on a supersonic flight around the world, ending up in the skies over New York City. Here she almost meets disaster, as her power runs out, but fortunately the Statue of Liberty is there to save the day...

Unlike its predecessor, Mrs Blackhat and the ZoomBroom! is not told through rhyme, although there is a refrain throughout, in which the ZoomBroom sings its signature song. It does have a similar theme of online shopping - so timely right now, with many people still stuck at home because of lockdowns - and features the same amusing illustrations, which look to be done digitally. I was disappointed to see that Mrs Blackhat's feline companion does not reprise his role, in either tabby cat or tigrine form, but I was amused by the episode in New York City, during which the Statue of Liberty and her torch play a role. In the end, I found this a fun little witchy confection, but like its companion, I don't think it's destined to become a particular favorite, when it comes to witchy picture-books. Recommended to readers who enjoyed Mrs. Blackhat's previous foray into picture-book land, or to picture-book readers who like witchy fare in general.… (plus d'informations)

Everything in Mrs Blackhat's life was black, from her clothing to her various animals companions. All, that is, save her very, very ginger cat. Determined to fix this state of affairs, the techno-savvy witch began to order spell books and ingredients online, from the Shopalot website. But no matter what she tried, her cat always stayed stubbornly ginger. Her final attempt, using a farewell gift the website sent her after she gave up in despair, produced some surprising results, turning everything in her life rainbow-colored, save her cat, who was transformed into a tiger...

The first of two picture-books devoted to the adventures of the titular witch from father-daughter team Mick and Chloë Inkpen, Mrs. Blackhat pairs an amusing witchy tale told in rhyme with bold illustrations. Appropriately enough, given the theme of shopping online, the artwork here looks to have been created digitally, and has a fun, expressive cartoon-style that is well-suited to the story. I don't know that this is destined to become a personal favorite, when it comes to witchy picture-books (a personal pet project of mine), but it is amusing, and would make for a good read-aloud, I believe. I enjoyed it enough that I will be tracking down the sequel, Mrs Blackhat and the Zoombroom!.… (plus d'informations)