Snitchy Witch

by Frank J. Sileo, MacKenzie Haley (Illustrator)

"Oh moon so full, round, and bright
We beg one favor of you tonight
For witches who tattle, witches who snitch,
Tie their tongues, zip their lips!
No witch shall squeal or tell on friends.
This spell will be broken when the snitching ends!"

Tattling is an all too familiar occurrence among children that can have harmful impacts on friends and relationships. This spellbinding story encourages children to examine the difference between snitching and telling, and the impact of their words on others.

Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information about snitching versus telling and what adults can do to help.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Witches, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 2019

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important topic that needs to be discussed with children. The story of a snitchy witch, whose behaviour irritates other witches to the point of putting a spell on her, is memorable and engaging, although you do have to talk to your child to see what message they are taking away from the book. As the notes to the caregiver rightly point out telling on other children is a common behaviour and children need to think about it in order to fine tune their moral compass and their social skills.
The artwork is bright and colourful, and will definitely appeal to children.

Thank you to NetGalley and American Psychological Association/ Magination Press for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see what they are trying to do here, but I think it was a little vague.
The book tries to teach kids not to tattle for every little incident they witness in a day.
The exceptions being "when someone is hurt, could get hurt or you need help from a grown-up."
I feel like it's important to make kids want to come to an adult for anything.
The burden should fall on said adult to educate the child on whether the problem could have been solved on their own in the future (and how).
A lot of things they generalize in here would be situation dependent of whether an adult is needed.
Loved the illustration style at least.

Thanks to NetGalley and American Psychological Association for my DRC.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not like this. Not only is it potentially confusing, it's extremely frustrating and could reward bad behaviour in kids who manage to figure out the psychology you're using on them.

The premise here is that Wanda is a snitchy witch. She tattles on her friends until nobody wants to play with her. The others go even further, and cast a spell on Wanda so she won't be able to snitch.

The problem I have with this book is that the author defines as snitching anything that won't cause physical harm. So, stealing? Perfectly acceptable behaviour. Cutting in line? Who cares? Keeping people awake with noise? No big deal; I mean, it's just common courtesy, so it's optional. When there arises a potentially dangerous situation, Wanda is unable to say anything until she finds the exact right combination of words so that it doesn't sound like snitching. The other children who cast the spell on Wanda, rendering her unable to speak, are never punished, even though their behaviour really could have harmed someone.

I was curious as to this weird disconnect (I mean, why bother teaching children the rules if they're just going to be allowed to break them?), but something in the adults' note at the end caught my attention:

When safety is not an issue, do not punish the other child as it will reward and reinforce the snitching.

And herein lies the biggest problem I have with this book. Snitching is viewed as worse than breaking the rules, stealing, and even rendering someone mute with a spell! The child who is pointing out the bad behaviour of others is viewed as the villain, leaving the children engaging in the bad behaviour to continue with no repercussions.

And that's why I can't recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Magination Press for providing a digital ARC.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect book for my six year old grandson. This is an important topic for many young children as they begin school and learn to get along with others. Tattling or snitching is something many children deal with. My grandson, who has autism, has a thing about following the rules. If someone breaks the rule, or doesn't listen, he takes it upon himself to let them know. If that doesn't work, he tells someone else, often upsetting the person he "tattles on". In this story, Wanda, is constantly snitching on her friends causing them to not want to play with her or even have her around. With the help of the Head Witch and a spell cast by her friends, she learns when it is important to tell. When her friend William is in danger, she shares what happened with the Head Teacher and prevents an injury. William is very grateful and Wanda breaks the spell. I discussed this with my grandson and he had a hard time understanding. In his mind, the rules need to be followed. We talked about him following the rules because that is what is right, but that it is not his responsibility to make sure everyone else follows them. He did say that some of his friends got mad and didn't want to play with him when he told the teacher about them doing something wrong, so he was able to relate. Hopefully, he will learn and eventually be able to change his behaviour. I liked the notes for teachers and caregivers at the back of the book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Steff Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

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Honestly, I didn't like Snitchy Witch by Frank J. Sileo and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley. And I know a part of me went into reading this book with the understanding that I was going to have a difficult time with the topic since I personally believe that "snitching" is something that people and children go overboard with. And while I wish I could say that this book really does help clarify the situation of snitching for children, it runs into some issues that I feel make it confusing.

The basic premise of this story is that the main character is a snitch and she snitches for attention. As a teacher, I have definitely been in a situation of having a student who tells on other children largely for attention. But here's the thing; some of the examples used for the times when the main character shouldn't be snitching are frankly just unacceptable to me. I'm sorry, but if a kid is stealing, that is not a situation where the child who has told on the one thieving is in the wrong. And it's presented that way in the book. Instead of having the "snitch" tell on the other kids when they're doing things that upset her but aren't necessarily bad, the snitch is actually reporting on unacceptable behavior in several circumstances.

Are we really trying to push the idea that children shouldn't go to an adult when other children are misbehaving?

Add in the fact that, flustered with having been tattled on so much, the other kids cast a magical spell to make it so that the main character can't speak to adults unless it risks someone's safety, and I was just thoroughly annoyed with the book as I neared the end. In its own way, this book is also suggesting that bullying is an appropriate reaction to deal with a peer who is informing adults about your bad behavior. And I find that problematic as well.

I understand where the author was coming from with this book and the message he was trying to send, but I genuinely feel as though he completely missed the mark. It is not "tattling" or "snitching" to inform an adult when other children are misbehaving. Is it annoying? Sure. Is it likely to upset the kid that you told on them and they got in trouble? Sure. Can it cause problems with friendships? Definitely. Is it right to suggest that bad behavior shouldn't be reported? I don't think so.

Now, if the examples had been more along the lines of "such and such picked their nose" or "such and such didn't pick up after themselves" or "such and such wouldn't share their favorite toy," then that would make more sense as far as snitching goes. But when someone steals? Touches breakable items that they're not supposed to? Taking extra sweets? These are things that are perfectly reasonable to go to an adult for. And while I fully understand that some children's motives behind going to adults for certain things aren't exactly great, but it's ridiculous to also suggest that they shouldn't go to adults just because it will upset their friends.

What kind of behavior is that supporting for children? As they grow older, what things will they suddenly let slide with their friends? Shoplifting? One of the characters in the story stole potion ingredients that weren't hers and it was implied that to inform an adult of this would be snitching. And I just...the intent was good, but the message it actually sends is not one that I would support. I do genuinely feel as though the examples need to be re-examined.

One thing I did love, however, was the artwork. Snitchy Witch was incredibly fun and well-drawn. I enjoyed how the characters were portrayed for the most part and the backgrounds of the witch camp was really cool. Aside from the artwork, though, I didn't really care for the book. I did appreciate the bit at the end for parents that offers a bit more information on "snitching," but I certainly would look elsewhere if I wanted to teach my child the difference between tattling for bad reasons and informing adults when something is wrong.

I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Halloween story with a strong message about snitching. I like the message and it can be good for some kids, that kids that always tell everything about everyone and that they all hate for it. But snitching if something really bad was done is alright, who just have to help kids learn and balance it all, when this book is more about never snitch... it might use some talk time and discussion after reading to put that into perspective and balance it all, but still and interesting read.

[Teresa Grabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Halloween themed story and the illustrations in this book were fantastic. I understand the meaning behind the story, but I disagree immensely with some of the examples used to teach children not to "snitch or tattle." My rating for this book is for the illustrations only. I am sure my personal opinion on the story itself will be in the minority and I would never want opinion to hinder an author.

Thank you, NetGalley and American Psychological Association for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.

[Jennie Seaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Honestly, I think I needed to pay better attention when I requested this from NetGalley because I was surprised when I opened this up, but that was my fault.

Overall, the concept of this book was interesting, but I think the execution could have been handled better. I really enjoyed the art. The art fit the story and was fun to look at. Wanda is a witch at camp who likes to tattle on her friends. Her friends teach her a lesson about when it is appropriate to tell an adult about something. But I think there were some mixed messages here. The book seems to imply that it's okay for the other children to break the rules as long as no one gets hurt. There's no punishment for the children who, in order to teach Wanda the difference between telling and snitching, take away her voice.

I understand the need for this book and I appreciated the notes for adults at the end. I do think the concept could have been better explained and examples could have been different.

**eARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[OjoAusana · Rating 3 out of 5]

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* I really like what this point is trying to say but not really how it says it. However, the parent part at the end does explain things much better imo. That being said, I think this book could be useful as long as parents read about it first and are able to elaborate a bit on things.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher at ALA Annual 2019.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this arc from NetGalley for an honest review. This book just in time for Halloween is about a group of witches at camp. One witch is a snitch and is always telling on everyone. When the other witches have had enough, they cast a spell on her. Not sure what kids will take away from this. Snitching is bad? friends will dislike you if you snitch? I'm just not sure, but it's an okay story.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book was definitely the illustrations. They are so vibrant and appealing and they complement the text well.

This is a book in the American Psychological Association series. Each title is designed to help young children to learn about and cope with issues that face them as they grow up. In this one, the story is about a young witch who keeps tattling on her peers. This causes the other children to dislike her. They cast a spell on Wanda to teach her a lesson. All ends well as Wanda learns the difference between telling due to danger to another and catching all childish misbehavior. At the end of the book there is a very helpful section for adults on how to help children to know when it is important to tell a grownup something and how to help children in coping. Reasons that a child might be the one who always tells are also explored.

The section for adults is well done. My quibble with this book was that the solution was for a group of children to "gang up" on another child. This may be true to what can happen but I felt that it gave a somewhat wrong message with how to cope with another child's behavior, even if that behavior was troublesome.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story about witches at camp and one of them is no fun because she snitches on everyone for everything. It's a learning morals type of story in a Halloween theme relating to when snitching is good to save another from harm. There is a page for adults in the back on how to handle snitchers. Artwork is fine, not a favorite, but not boring either.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important message learning the difference between snitching and talking to a grown up when you are genuinely worried about something or someone getting hurt. It will require a lot of discussion with you and your young one so that they will be able to tell the difference. This book also has very engaging illustrations and the story is fun.

[Raymond Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable story about the difference between tattling/snitching and telling someone useful information. The illustrations in this book area also really great.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snitch witch by Frank J. Sileo.
A lovely little read for young children. Very colourful pictures. Great way to teach about snitching. 5*.

[Amber Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! In preschool we have quite a few snitches. They have a strong sense of justice and making sure everyone follows the same rules they do without realizing the social-emotional harm they may be causing to themselves and others. This book will be perfect for reminding children when we should make a report and when we should keep it to ourselves. I love the rhymes throughout and fun spirit of the book.

[Roxana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate the moral of this picture book (snitching is worse than ANY other behavior?? Worse, say, than casting a spell on your friend without their consent?? And the solution is to manipulate your words so it hints at the problem without 'sounding' like snitching????), and I hate even worse how sanctimoniously it makes sure the reader knows This Is An Educational Lesson. The illustrations are perfectly good, though.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book, but find the message can be a bit confusing. The idea is to show kids the difference between snitching (tattling) verses telling something of importance. But I don’t think the message is properly conveyed. It seems half formed and needs a little more action at the end to balance out the beginning.

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book! The illustrations are wonderful and the story is great. The witches are all getting together for an annual party. The story line teaches us the difference between snitching and telling someone important information. It was a cute book that is perfect for an elementary school student.

[Amanda Geske · Rating 3 out of 5]

“But one witch liked to snitch. And this caused trouble.”

The concepts were vague in here, and I kept checking myself as an adult as to which Wanda’s snitches were tells or tattles or snitches or??? It’s a weird thing to try to explain to kids in any case, I just don’t think this book makes things any clearer or sillier, which are my two criteria for lesson books.

[Hannah Wamsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is great for young children. It is about a young witch who constantly tattles on her friends and gets them in trouble. She gets put under a spell that causes her to lose her voice. And she does not regain it until she learns the difference between a tattle and when someone is really in trouble and a teacher needs to be told.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable little tale about a little witch who tattles. This was so entertaining to me and my grandaughter that I had to read it to her twice more. It is a fantastic way to teach little children when to tattle and when not too. I loved it.

[Shay Vande · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little witch-themed story that teaches a lesson about tattling/snitching versus reporting to an adult when there is real danger. I liked that it even had a helpful teaching guide in the back for parents.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this one because it had a good message that's hard to tackle with young kids. It just ended up not being quite what I expected. I think kids will like it though.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book and the witch theme! I thought that Frank J. Sileo did a great job of explaining the difference between snitching and telling in a way that kids will understand.
I thought the notes to grown-up witches at the end of the book were insightful.

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book. The rhymes work and the story line would work for read alouds to groups.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice illustrations and a story of a witch who learns her lesson when it comes to consistent telling on her friends.. Nice story anytime of the year for your kids.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3.0 rating for the story and 4.0 star rating for the illustrations.

[Y.Poston]

cute