Witch in the City

June 15, 2022
A quirky witch puts her own spin on witchery. Unlike "typical" witches, Crimson Twill is giggly, cheerful, and colorful. She can't wait to travel from rural Cackle County and spend her hard-earned money at Broomingdale's in New Wart City. In search of a cat, Crimson manages to find a lost puppy, whom she promptly rescues from the disapproving saleswitch. On a floor filled with endless pointy witch hats, she finds the only hat she likes, one with an enormous bow--but also finds fellow young witchling Mauve, who has been saving up specifically for it. Crimson opts to be nice instead of wicked. Mauve overheard a boy who said he lost his puppy, so the duo set out to reunite boy and dog. But the puppy gets loose at a fashion show, and Crimson's pursuit lands her on the runway. Mauve saves the day by applauding Crimson's "fashion statement"--and the suggestible crowd, which previously ridiculed Crimson's norm-breaking stylings, follows suit. Instead of buying anything, Crimson acquires something more valuable than gold--friends. The narration's great humor throughout--featuring puns and wordplay--doesn't undermine the earnest, wholesome sincerity of Crimson as she navigates the world on her own bighearted terms. Grayscale full-page and spot illustrations--with smeary shading and sharp linework (especially in pointy witch noses)--depict Crimson as pale and Mauve as dark-skinned and show diversity in background witches. A bewitching series opener. (Fantasy. 7-10)

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July 1, 2022
Grades 1-3 Crimson Twill is a unique witchling in this inaugural title in an early chapter-book series. Crimson is taking her first trip to Broomingdale's, a magical department store in the big city. She loves her home in the deep, dark woods, but she's excited to find something special in New Wart City. When Crimson and her mom arrive at Broomingdale's, the young witch discovers just how different she is from all the other witches: she prefers polka dots and bows to dressing in all black, she doesn't wear pointy hats, and she lacks any wickedness. Though she struggles to find the perfect thing at the store, she eventually finds something special--just not on its shelves. This sweet and charming book is full of fun, witchy details, like frog-eye pie and "Vera Fang" fashions, as well as whimsical illustrations. George uses humor and clever puns to interweave the themes of friendship and finding a place to fit in. Pair with Muon Thi Van's Clever Little Witch (2019) or Hannah Barnaby's Monster and Boy (2020).

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 22, 2022
Giggling instead of cackling, skipping instead of slinking, and sporting a black hat with a big crimson bow, young Crimson Twill is portrayed as hardly witch-“typical.” When the pale-skinned witch travels with her mother from their Cackle County home to Broomingdale’s, New Wart City offers myriad opportunities for Crimson to showcase her developing know-how and compassionate heart. Riddled with wordplay (“Slime Square,” “Vera Fang”), George’s chapter book series starter revels in lighthearted witchy whimsy while underlining themes of being true to oneself; Sif’s textural b&w illustrations depict a variously inclusive city community. Ages 7–9.