Humbug Witch by Lorna Balian

Here is a nice sweet little story for Halloween that is suitable even for very little ones.  You've got to meet this witch!

Star Bright Books and Net Galley allowed me to download an ebook of this story and read it for review (thank you).  It was published August of 2004, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

This is the tale of a strange looking witch with lots of hair, a big nose and black clothes.  She's trying very hard to do magic spells and potions, but she's not having any luck at it.  When she finally gets frustrated, she removes her costume and then we can see she's just a normal little girl, who was all dressed up.

Your little ones will laugh at her antics and enjoy seeing her unveil her costume.   Maybe you could help them create their own costume and wear it for Halloween?  Think what fun they'd have dressing up and how they could take their costumes off piece by piece and micmic the little girl.  Homemade can be more fun than storebought.  Trust me, chidren's imaginations can come up with all kinds of wonderful ideas...

Happy reading. 

Mother's Mother's Day by Lorna Balian

Everyone celebrates Mother's Day, right?  How many generations of your family are still alive?  Do you get together for pictures?

Star Bright Books and Net Galley allowed me to download this story in ebook form (thank you).  It has been published and is available for purchase now.

The story begins with one little girl mouse taking a present to her mother.  But her mother isn't home!  It's because mother is taking a present to Grandmother, who isn't home either...

Each mouse is taking a present to their mother all the way up to great-great-great grandmother, who isn't home either.  At her house, there a cat in wait, so the mice all scurry home to the little one's house where the story began.  THAT'S where great-great-great grandmother is bringing her a present!

The story meanders through a big circle returning to the point of origin when the mice take shelter from the cat following them.  And they all have their treats, so they have a wonderful celebration together.

The illustrations are whimsical and the story sweet.  I think most little ones will enjoy reading this tale again and again.

Happy reading.