Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee

Reviewed by Author: Pam Allyn.

Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo (Feiwel & Friends, 2009)

The rhythmic verse of this beautifully dark picture book will catch every young reader’s attention. The little girl in this story longs to fly. She can’t sleep she’s so desperate to hop on her broomstick and soar high into the sky. Or is she a little witch? The reader can’t be sure, for after a few stumbles into the pumpkin patch, this little one final takes off, flying high above her little house and toward the big, round, yellow moon. With her black cat in tow, the little girl, or little witch, enjoys the sights and sounds of the night sky. The beautiful block prints and prose written in verse make the story come alive with a mixture of Halloween spook and girl power. For, beneath the dark illustrations and lyrical text is a subtle message that rings strong and true. McGhee shows that perseverance can bring wonderful rewards, and what’s more, that being yourself allows you to take special and unique journeys all your own. Little girls will be enchanted by this reinvention of a classic Halloween tale. Alison McGhee has also written another Halloween-themed book, A Very Brave Witch, illustrated by Harry Bliss.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER:

Pam Allyn is the author of The Complete 4 for Literacy, a guide for educators, and coauthor of the six-book series The Complete Year in Reading and Writing. She is also the author of What to Read When: The Books and Stories to Read With Your Child – and All the Best Times to Read Them. Pam is widely known as a motivational speaker on the subject of raising lifelong readers and writers. It is her personal quest to bring literacy to every child stems from a deeper desire to bring dignity to every child, and to empower children to read and write powerfully, effectively and with passion and delight. Her hope is that all children will grow up able to fulfill their dreams and leave their positive imprint on the world. Pam has started a not-for-profit, LitWorld International, Inc., to further this vision.

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