The witches' home stands in the deep, dark wood in this rhyming pop-up book from the UK, which follows its magical subjects as they fly through the air, gather ingredients for their potions, and brew up nasty concoctions. Of course, witches are rarely seen, except on Halloween, when they welcome all sorts of children in costume...

Published in 2007, Witches is one of four pop-up books in the Enchanted World collection - other volumes include: Mermaids, Wizards and Fairies - and pairs fun paper engineering with an entertaining read-aloud text. The rhymes here were sometimes a bit strained, but not to the point that it detracted from the enjoyment. Ruth Wickings' illustrations are cute, and full of lots of witchy details, while the pages themselves have plenty of sparkle. My favorite, of the pop-ups, was the initial one of the witches' house, which has windows and doors that can be opened, affording a glimpse inside. Recommended to children who enjoy witchy fare and/or pop-up books. ( )