The Witch Casts a Spell

by Suzanne Williams, Barbara Olsen (Illustrator)

With its delightfully hair-raising surprise ending, this Halloween frolic is set to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell" (with the musical arrangement included).

Genres: Halloween, Picture Books, Poetry, Childrens

30 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 2002

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Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using the classic children's song, The Farmer in the Dell, as a model, author Suzanne Williams spins a story of a group of spooky characters who enjoy a party together on Halloween night. The witch casts a spell, the scarecrow comes alive, and the ghouls lead the way - all to the party at Mummy's house. Once there, everyone joins in the fun, including a little girl watching from the window...

The Witch Casts a Spell really needs to be sung to the tune of The Farmer in the Dell to be best appreciated, otherwise I would imagine that the text will feel quite disconnected and disjointed. For readers unfamiliar with the song, the musical notation is provided at the rear. That said, there really isn't much to Williams' narrative. The fun here is in Barbara Olsen's collage illustrations, which are really quite beautiful in their own right, and which add a surprise twist to the story. In the scene in which all the partygoers take off their masks, we learn that all the monstrous guests are actually children in costumes, whereas the little human girl is really a witch, also in costume! Recommended to picture-book readers looking for sing-song Halloween tales.

[Jack & Lily Wills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily has memorized this entire book - she loves it!

[Egallagher2016gmail.Com · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sung to the tune of the Farmer and the Dell.

[Nicole (book.quill) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought this was annoying until I sang it in a familiar tune now I get it, much more enjoyable as a song

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vibrant illustrations about a Halloween party for children to really look at and discover all the fun details. The text can be sung to "The Farmer in the Dell," which can make this book a go to for Halloween family fun!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I loved this book. Wonderful illustrations and a nice little song. I could read this over and over and not get tired of it. And neither would my kids!

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

It always bothers me when books adapt a song, change the words, and then ruin the rhythm. The book redeems itself by providing a score in the back.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set to the tune of "High-Ho the Derrio," this book takes readers on a tour of a Halloween night, trick or treating and going to a dance with lots of Halloween figures along the way.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The words flow rhythmically and it's perfect for Halloween storytime.