![]() ![]() Takeaway: An entertaining spin on a classic message of kindness, sprinkled with a little magic that will entertain younger audiences. But perhaps the most magical moment of the narrative comes from Pellico’s poetic description of Anna’s parting gift: “The leaves on the tree began to shake wildly as if they were dancing…they watched the leaves transform into all different kinds of candy and fall to the ground.” This story’s simple premise is peppered with enchanted charms. Younger audiences will commiserate with the little witch when she admits that she's unsure of her age because “witches do not celebrate birthdays,” and readers with active imaginations will find themselves celebrating when Anna showers the neighborhood gang with candy as she leaves.īerry’s cinematic illustrations lend a lively backdrop, hinting at twilight otherworldliness and drawing out enjoyable details – from the smile of Anna’s cat to the kids’ archetypal Halloween costumes. The story centers on Sabrina’s conversation with Anna- juxtaposing the value of being open to new relationships with the message that “we should treat others how we would like to be treated”-and feels equal parts amusing and banal. Pellico ( Princess Sabrina and the Pot of Gold, among other titles) does an admirable job of illuminating lessons of kindness for the young elementary crowd, although parents may find the low-key plot anticlimactic. Despite the misgivings of the crowd (“…you can’t trust a witch! Once she has her magic broom back, she will do something bad to us!”), Sabrina bravely shimmies up the tree and establishes a rapport with the frightened witch. To their surprise, a small witch named Anna is hiding in the branches – and the kids have seized her broom and are holding it hostage. Sabrina and her brother, Stephen, are headed home from trick or treating when they encounter neighborhood kids crowded under a tree. A classic Halloween day turns into a friendship filled adventure in this easy-to-follow children’s story aimed at bringing to life the Golden Rule.
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