How the Witch Got Alf

by Cora Annett, Steven Kellogg (Illustrator)

Alf, the donkey, takes drastic measures to find out that he is loved as much as the old folks' other animals.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

47 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 1975

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Discontented because the Old Man and Old Woman with whom he lives don't seem to appreciate him as much as the Canary, Cat and Dog, Alf the donkey tries everything he can think of to make himself more lovable, copying these other animals in the process. When serenading the old couple at dawn, trying to climb into the Old Woman's lap, and attempting to play with the Old Man only lead to confusion, Alf becomes despondent and bitter. Deciding to run away, he instead ends up hidden on the roof of the old couple's farmhouse, where he gets to witness their reaction to his disappearance—something they attribute to a witch's visit. Surprised to discover that he is valued, and that the other animals on the farm also have their work, Alf longs to return, but how can he get down from the roof...?

Published in 1975, How the Witch Got Alf is a book I initially tracked down because of my "witchy witches" project, in which I examine picture-books and early readers with witchy content. As it turns out, it is neither a story about a witch—the old couple imagine a witch has kidnapped Alf, but no actual witch appears in the story—nor is it a picture-book. Rather, it is an illustrated short story, one in which the text predominates. Although there are no chapters here, I have placed the book on my "chapter books" shelf, as it is midway between a leveled early reader and a full-length children's novel. The story itself is sweet, and younger children are likely to sympathize wholeheartedly with Alf, who just wants to feel that he too is appreciated. The black and white illustrations from Steven Kellogg, who is perhaps better known for his picture-books, are appealing, ably capturing Alf's various emotions. Recommended to young readers who enjoy animal stories, and to anyone looking for children's books featuring donkeys as characters.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the GoodReads description for this book is in German, the book is also available in English. It is about a little donkey who feels underappreciated and runs away--to the roof of his owner's house! Funny and cute little story and illustrated with very humorous illustrations by Steven Kellogg. Although it does not have chapters, it is a transitional book, for those young readers who are ready to move from beginning readers to longer books. It is quite wordy, so only slightly advanced readers could read it by themselves (about 3rd grade up); but of course, a parent can read it to a younger child.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the 1975 Weekly Reader edition, which I found on the Internet Archive. I'm not sure if this is the edition I read as a child.

I can't remember if my parents bought me this book, or I took it out from the library to read. I do remember being a bit confused by the book when I read it. Reading it just now at age 55, I had absolutely no problems figuring it out. Perhaps it was really meant for adults.

I'm going to classify this as a modern fantasy, since there are a lot of fantastic things about Alf the donkey. He's so small that he doesn't hurt the Old Woman when he sits on her lap or damage the roof when he spends days up there.

The smallest donkey breed I know of is the Sicillian Miniature Donkey. The smallest ones, usually female, weigh 250 pounds. Since Alf is male, he's more likely 450 pounds.

Man, that's one tough roof. And one super tough Old Woman. Perhaps she was from Krypton.

The illustrations by Stephen Kellogg were awesome, as always. They really added to the story.

The dedication was to "all (un)lovable donkeys everywhere", which I certainly missed the first time around. Although I'd love to think that she meant only donkeys in her dedication, because they don't get enough love, I know that she meant her readers, too.

[Little Vampire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Dana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My childhood favorite. Humorous and cute!

[Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Class 1 enjoyed this funny story about an endearing little donkey who was not sure he was adequately valued around the farm.