ABRACADABRA! It's time for some magic (Winnie the Witch - Paul Korky, Valerie Thomas)

Member Name: Emmamac1

Product:	Winnie the Witch - Paul Korky, Valerie Thomas
Date:	26/08/09 (100 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great story all round

Disadvantages: none

Winnie the Witch has been in our family for seven years, and is still thoroughly enjoyed by all. She is a fabulous character in the series of 11 picture books titled "Winnie The Witch..." written and illustrated by Korky Paul and Valerie Thomas. Our book is well read and has that 'worn' look about it, always a sign of a super read.

**The Author and Illustrator**

Valerie Thomas is the talented writer behind these great witch adventures. The illustrator, Korky Paul, is brilliant. His work brings the story to life, and adds so much detail to each picture, it keeps the reader amused and entertained. It actually takes quite a while to turn each page, as my boys are so intent at looking at the pictures, and discussing all the fun things they observe. This book was a winner for The Children's Book Award.

*The Story*

The original story, which this book is, involves a nice witch, Winnie, and her cat Wilbur. Now Winnie, being a witch, lives in a black house, has a black cat, and everything else is black, apart from her attire (which I will discuss later). Here the problems begin. Poor old Wilbur, the cat, cannot be seen as he is as black as the furniture. Winnie sits on him, then trips over him on the black mat. The only solution, to Winnie, is to turn the long suffering Wilbur green!

Winnie and green Wilbur are now happy. Winnie can see him wherever she goes within the house. But on one sunny day, when Wilbur decides to sleep in the grass, you've guest it, Winnie does not see him and falls head over heals into a thorn bush. Furious Winnie, waves her wand and turns poor Wilbur Multi coloured!

Wilbur goes into hiding at the top of a tree. Even the birds are laughing at him. He feels ridiculous and Winnie feels bad too. There is only one solution....

*Educationally*

This book is for children from 2 years and up. The reason I have said such a young age is because it involves colours and counting (when waving the wand). It is simply written with lots of repetition, great for identifying new words for early readers. The story involves some problem solving for the young listener, asking them "what would they do, to help Winnie and Wilbur?"

Winnie also makes Wilbur sad. In the end she realizes that she loves Wilbur and does not want him to be sad. She had done wrong, and needs to put it right. Another nice message to get across to the children.

*Illustrations*

Winnie the Witch is enjoyed by all children. She is a fantastic character and illustrated brilliantly. She is a good witch at heart, but not a brilliant witch in mind. Poor old Wilbur went through enough stress, and the solution was easy. Whilst everything else she owns is black, she wears bright stripey stockings, blue and purple clothing, with a lovely colourful witches hat, along with a touch of black lipstick.

As I mentioned earlier, the book is packed with fine detail. New objects or weird creatures, snakes, frogs and lizards, are always being found in the background of the pictures. Winnie's facial expressions are priceless, she is a real character. As for Wilbur, you just want to give him a cuddle when he is miserable.

*My Opinion*

Every time time Winnie makes a spell she picks up her magic wand, waves it so many times and shouts ABRACADABRA. At this point in the story, I get my kids to shut their eyes, wave the wand as instructed, and they know what to shout! You can make this story so much fun and very interactive.

Winnie is a lovable witch, whom has a great story to tell. I have a few of her books and each one is just as enjoyable. Winnie and Wilbur make a great team, and always look out for each other in the end.

I would recommend this book to all families. It really is extremely enjoyable and lots of fun.

It is published by Oxford University Press and can cost £4.99.

Summary: Fantastic picture book for all the family