A funny story for kids.

Remembering that I became an avid reader because as a child I spent many days at the local library, lately, I'm taking my grand daughter to the library. She selects illustrated books and we read them together...she reads...I listen.

She particularly liked this book which is the tale of a witch who is afraid of shadows, of bats, of spells, of owls and frogs. Nighttime made her shiver. Willa was bullied and made fun of by other witches. Her beloved cat Kitch was hounded by the cats of other witches to the point where he couldn't stand it and ran away to the sea.

Searching for Kitch forced her to overcome her fears. Finding Kitch was the only thing that mattered. When she rescued Kitch, she no longer was afraid of simple things. He was back and that's all that counted. ( )

A nervous witch overcomes her fear in this endearing picture-book from English author Layn Marlow, and French illustrator Joëlle Dreidemy, coming through in a pinch, when it really matters. Ridiculed as a 'cowardly custard' by the other witches, because she is afraid of everything from toads to spiders - all the things that witches should find delightful! - Willa is a witch with a twitch. Even Kitch, her beloved feline companion, thinks her a bit of a scaredy-cat. When her twitchy fright lands him in the mud one night, and then sees him being ridiculed for his spotted appearance - Willa's spell to clean him having gone terribly wrong, due to the unexpected appearance of a mouse - Kitch decides that he can't take it any more, and runs away. Will Willa be able find her beloved cat again? And if she does, can she save him from whatever danger he might have fallen into...?

I really enjoyed this sweet little witchy tale, which is perfect for the younger child who hasn't yet graduated to scary stories, and still prefers gentler fare. Although Halloween is never specifically mentioned, the witchy theme, and various visual elements (the orange-ish pumpkiny color scheme, the spider-decorated endpapers) make it an excellent choice for the season. The artwork is humorous and colorful, if a bit too cartoon-like for my personal taste, and adds to the sense of adventure and fun. I like the theme of overcoming one's fears, particularly when those we love need us, and thought it was worked into the story in a suitably low-key way. All in all, although I wouldn't describe it as a personal favorite (3.5 stars, I'd say) The Witch with a Twitch is a witchy winner! ( )