The Little Witch and the Riddle

by Bruce Degen

A little witch and her friend Otto Ogre must find the answers to the riddle before they can open the book of magic secrets.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Bruce Degen was an American illustrator and writer with over forty children's books to his credit. He may be known best for illustrating The Magic School Bus, a picture book series written by Joanna Cole. He collaborated with writers Nancy White Carlstrom, on the Jesse Bear books, and Jane Yolen, on the Commander Toad series. He wrote self-illustrated Jamberry, Daddy Is a Doodlebug, and Shirley's Wonderful Baby.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the potion-brewing Little Witch receives her grandmother's book of magic secrets by special goblin delivery, she is eager to dive in. But the book itself is locked, and can only be opened by solving the accompanying riddle: "Find a Handful of Laughter, Find a Handful of Tears, Then a Helping Hand Leads, To What Everyone Needs." Can the Little Witch figure it out? Can her friend, Otto Ogre, help her to see the answer...?

Better known these days, for his role as co-creator (together with Joanna Cole) of The Magic School Bus series, Bruce Degen delivers a sweet little witchy chapter-book in The Little Witch and the Riddle, originally published in 1980. The magical narrative accoutrements here are fun, but the real focus is on the friendship between Little Witch and Otto Ogre, and the lesson that the Little Witch learns, regarding the importance of friendship, and working together. Ideally suited to those beginning readers looking for gentler witchy fare!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book when I was in elementary school and probably the book that got me to love reading. I think I rented it from the school library a 100 times. I don't remember most of the books that I read when I was younger but I have always remembered the answer to this riddle. It was a great book that taught an important life lesson about friendship and would make an excellent bed time story for little kids.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce Degen has charmed me again with his lovely illustrations and story. A quaint tale of friendship for beginning readers. published in 1980, but new to me.

[Jacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my favorite from my childhood and today I read it to my daughters. I love the adorable story and the lessons taught in it.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

This more like what they these days call a chap-book rather than a picture book.
It still has illustrations, but it is quite wordy.
A simple story but one the younger reader can get involved with and work out with the characters.
This the seventh Degen book I have read is probably the best one so far.

[Eileen Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timeless favorite! Great characters, story and illustrations. I only have about 10 minutes of library time for a story so this one went for 2 sessions, but pre-k thru 5 all were ready for 2nd part and knew what was happening.

[Margie Herr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books when I was younger.

[Meredith Hines-Dochterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I remember reading on my own. I still have my copy.

[Don Gubler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful book.

[Kate Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read all by myself :) It has special memories for me.