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Hoodwinked
With gentle humor and a touch of magic, Arthur Howard reveals how true friendship sometimes turns up in the most surprising places.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 18, 2010
This story and its pictures are beyond adorable, and the title is the most apt title of just about any book that I’ve ever read. Someone is indeed hoodwinked.
Mitzi the witch likes creepy things and wants the creepiest pet she can find. Although lots of creepy creatures, foods, etc. are in the book, they aren’t really scary; they’re amusing and fun. Mitzi doesn’t get exactly what she’d planned but it’s a wonderful ending. (I do particularly like the specific type and appearance of the pet at the end of the book.)
There is a great message here about outward appearances not being as important as someone’s personality and friendship, and even how best to adopt a pet (although I wasn’t a fan of returning pets or pet stores where pets are purchased that are also a part of the story, but it all works out in the end, in my opinion.) I got a kick out of Mitzi’s confession to her pet about what she fears.
From the cover illustration that made me smile (mostly because of the expression on Mitzi’s face but also because of the way her various animal companions are drawn) the illustrations really appealed to me. There are lots of enjoyable extras, such as the names on the cereal boxes. There is a lot to view on every page.
This is a charming book for all year long and a perfect Halloween book for kids who don’t want to be scared.
Mitzi the witch likes creepy things and wants the creepiest pet she can find. Although lots of creepy creatures, foods, etc. are in the book, they aren’t really scary; they’re amusing and fun. Mitzi doesn’t get exactly what she’d planned but it’s a wonderful ending. (I do particularly like the specific type and appearance of the pet at the end of the book.)
There is a great message here about outward appearances not being as important as someone’s personality and friendship, and even how best to adopt a pet (although I wasn’t a fan of returning pets or pet stores where pets are purchased that are also a part of the story, but it all works out in the end, in my opinion.) I got a kick out of Mitzi’s confession to her pet about what she fears.
From the cover illustration that made me smile (mostly because of the expression on Mitzi’s face but also because of the way her various animal companions are drawn) the illustrations really appealed to me. There are lots of enjoyable extras, such as the names on the cereal boxes. There is a lot to view on every page.
This is a charming book for all year long and a perfect Halloween book for kids who don’t want to be scared.
October 5, 2009
I can't exactly pinpoint why I fell in love with this book but I found it absolutely adorable and sweet and gently "spooky" and perfect for Halloween! The little witch wants a pet that is suitably creepy, because she loves creepy things and all her family members have very creepy pets. But none of the pets she finds at the deliciously creepy pet store are quite companionable enough for her. Until one day a creature appears on her door step--but doesn't look anything like what she wanted for a pet! So charming and fun, with great illustrations, and a message that transcends the season: it's what's inside that counts! :-)
October 29, 2019
Mitzi the witch is looking for a companion, yet none of the creepy pets she likes seem to be quite right. Maybe it's time for her to think outside the box, and go for a less . . . slimy pal. A cute story, with a happy, unexpected ending.
October 12, 2018
Mitzi was a little witch who loved all things creepy, from the spiders and cobwebs which populated her home, to her many relatives (Uncle Churly, Aunt Malice, Madam Vex). So naturally, when she set out to select a pet, she wanted the creepiest available. What she discovered instead, however, was that creepy pets don't always offer the most satisfying companionship. Then a detestably adorable little kitten turned up on her doorstep, and after a very pleasant evening together, Mitzi decided that looks weren't everything...
Hoodwinked is my first picture-book by Arthur Howard, but it won't be my last! I thought the story was a lot of fun, and appreciated the message that common interests and emotional connection are more important than image, when selecting a companion. I also thought the illustrations were just adorable, tying in to all the creepy themes of the Halloween season, without being that frightening. The only thing I can find to criticize, is the fact that Mitzi takes and returns a number of animals, in the course of the story, something that, in real life, I'm not sure should be encouraged. Still, that's a minor point, and I think a responsible adult could explain that point. Overall, just a winsomely witchy tale, perfect for a Halloween read-aloud!
Hoodwinked is my first picture-book by Arthur Howard, but it won't be my last! I thought the story was a lot of fun, and appreciated the message that common interests and emotional connection are more important than image, when selecting a companion. I also thought the illustrations were just adorable, tying in to all the creepy themes of the Halloween season, without being that frightening. The only thing I can find to criticize, is the fact that Mitzi takes and returns a number of animals, in the course of the story, something that, in real life, I'm not sure should be encouraged. Still, that's a minor point, and I think a responsible adult could explain that point. Overall, just a winsomely witchy tale, perfect for a Halloween read-aloud!
October 18, 2012
A little witch girl named Mitzi is in search of just the right creepy pet. She has many a failed attempt before finding just the right one on her door step. The illustrations are charming and warm as well as putting light to this little witches predicament. In the end it teaches the message that "it's what's inside that counts." Hoodwink "to dupe or trick". What a perfect name for a perfect pet.
September 13, 2019
This is the story of a cute little witch that wants a creepy pet but is unable to decide on the one that can be her companion when she goes ghost hunting, or stays in watching tv and one she can tell her secrets to until she find the unlikely one.
September 15, 2019
This is a cute picture book with a bit of humor and halloweenish illustrations.
July 13, 2011
Mitzi likes creepy things and so she wants a creepy pet, but can't seem to find the right one for her.
In this book you follow Mitzi through her adventure of finding the most creepiest pet. But every pet she gets just isn't right. But at the end, she gets quite a surprise.
The illustrations in this book were cute and fun. I also really liked the story. It was sweet.
In this book you follow Mitzi through her adventure of finding the most creepiest pet. But every pet she gets just isn't right. But at the end, she gets quite a surprise.
The illustrations in this book were cute and fun. I also really liked the story. It was sweet.
April 20, 2023
So this witchy tale has a moral? And that moral is supposed to be that "true friendship sometimes turns up in the most surprising places"?
I'm a bit skeptical about that. In my experience, true friendship takes years to reveal itself. Whereas the tendency of young children is to immediately decide a new stranger is "my best friend." Surely, parents and caregivers have a responsibility to teach their children.
Well, let's see what Arthur Howard is teaching his readers.
OKAY, LITTLE WITCH MITZI WANTS A CREEPY PET
She's making bad choices. How discouraging! Like any kid, soon she laments, "Everyone has a pet... except me."
Of course kids can think this way. That's why, whether witch or squib, human children are raised by adults. Right?
In this story, where are the parents?
Yep, I've asked this question before. Now I'm asking it yet again.
Look, I'm glad that Mitzi winds up with a cute little pet.
In sporting fashion, I'll give this book FIVE STARS.
HOWEVER
However, this is a kid's book I'd never give to any kid I cared about.
Yeah, Mitzi winds up with a cute little pet. But what has she really learned? Nothing.
I'd add, shame on the clueless editor or publicist who gave this book its promotional copy. Hyping the naive belief that "true friendship sometimes turns up in the most surprising places"?
This sentiment is untrue, unless a person has no standards.
Seems to me, this belief, in combo with lack of discernment about choosing friends .... could lead to horrendous consequences later on in life. Even worse if a child is taught to trust in the easy fatalism suggested by the author.
Look, when we read picture books to children, we're teaching them. In the case of this book, what a squandered opportunity to uplift or educate or instill a shred of basic common sense!
I'm a bit skeptical about that. In my experience, true friendship takes years to reveal itself. Whereas the tendency of young children is to immediately decide a new stranger is "my best friend." Surely, parents and caregivers have a responsibility to teach their children.
Well, let's see what Arthur Howard is teaching his readers.
OKAY, LITTLE WITCH MITZI WANTS A CREEPY PET
She's making bad choices. How discouraging! Like any kid, soon she laments, "Everyone has a pet... except me."
Of course kids can think this way. That's why, whether witch or squib, human children are raised by adults. Right?
In this story, where are the parents?
Yep, I've asked this question before. Now I'm asking it yet again.
Look, I'm glad that Mitzi winds up with a cute little pet.
In sporting fashion, I'll give this book FIVE STARS.
HOWEVER
However, this is a kid's book I'd never give to any kid I cared about.
Yeah, Mitzi winds up with a cute little pet. But what has she really learned? Nothing.
I'd add, shame on the clueless editor or publicist who gave this book its promotional copy. Hyping the naive belief that "true friendship sometimes turns up in the most surprising places"?
This sentiment is untrue, unless a person has no standards.
Seems to me, this belief, in combo with lack of discernment about choosing friends .... could lead to horrendous consequences later on in life. Even worse if a child is taught to trust in the easy fatalism suggested by the author.
Look, when we read picture books to children, we're teaching them. In the case of this book, what a squandered opportunity to uplift or educate or instill a shred of basic common sense!
August 30, 2017
This is a fun and entertaining book to read at any time of the year, not only in the fall nearing Halloween. This story is focused around finding the perfect pet which would be a fun topic to introduce with children as many of them either have pets or are wishing for one. The book has humor and fun twists and turns which will not only appeal to many readers but also keep them entertained.
September 1, 2017
This book was very cute and funny while also teaching a great message. If read around Halloween it would be great to use to remind children that friendships come in all shapes, sizes, and from people (or animals) that you might not expect. The illustrations helped tell the story and led to the possibility of asking questions for the students (example: How many warthogs are on these pages?).
October 31, 2020
Cute book for young children
It's not scary at all, just a quirky and cute little story with adorable illustrations. It is perfect for young children to read, especially on Halloween.
It's not scary at all, just a quirky and cute little story with adorable illustrations. It is perfect for young children to read, especially on Halloween.
October 18, 2025
Very cute. I love learning that Howard can tell a good story, and so we have even more books from him than the ones he illustrated for Cynthia Rylant. The ebook of this seems to be broken, though (unless it's my browser that didn't like it)... too bad. Worth borrowing in paper if you can!
November 6, 2025
Hoodwinked is a cute and funny story about finding the right friend. The characters are charming, and the message is easy for young students to understand, making it a good choice for a classroom read-aloud.
August 30, 2017
Cute book about a girl who's unable to find the perfect pet. A dilemma many kids find themselves in when given the opportunity to pick out an animal.
November 13, 2017
This is a really cute book, fun to read and nice illustrations. It prompted a very thoughtful discussion with my five-year-old about what animals he thought would make good pets.
November 16, 2017
Howard creates a cute look at finding the perfect pet.
April 19, 2019
Use for Halloween K - 1 storytime
October 17, 2019
Love this book!
Highly recommend for young readers. My 2.5 daughter loves this book and I read it to her every night. Great pictures and descriptions.
Highly recommend for young readers. My 2.5 daughter loves this book and I read it to her every night. Great pictures and descriptions.
March 1, 2020
Fun Halloween theme. Cute illustrations. Cute story about finding just what you need where you wouldn’t expect it.
April 25, 2020
Adorable artwork with just the slightest edge.
November 1, 2020
A cute story with a bit of a surprise at the end. Mitzi the witch likes creepy things and wants a creepy pet but nothing is quite right until the right one finds her.
October 10, 2021
Very cute book. Love her, love her family, love the pet shop. Very fun.
October 26, 2021
Adorable.
I want a copy.
I want a copy.
October 13, 2022
Super cute! Looks arent everything! 🤣
March 8, 2023
Fun book that reinforces "looks aren't everything"
March 13, 2025
Griffins 1st book he could recite at age 2
October 12, 2025
This book was about a young witch and she wanted to find the perfect scary pet, but she ended up finding a cuddly pet was her perfect pet.
October 2, 2022
This is one of our Halloween favorites.
October 6, 2016
This book is perfect for readers who love Halloween. This picture book is geared towards readers ages 3 to 7 but older children might also enjoy it. "Mitzi liked creepy things." Mitzi is a young witch looking for her first pet, a creepy pet. She goes through several pets, each one creepier than the last but all with traits that don't make for a very good pet. Mitzi is determined to find the creepiest pet she can, after all that's what a witch needs, or so Mitzi thinks. Mitzi soon learns that "looks aren't everything".
I really enjoyed this story, mostly because of the illustrations, but also because of the lesson in the story. I felt that the main character was likable, and her problem was relatable. Anyone who has spent time looking for the pet just right for them can relate to this story.
I really enjoyed this story, mostly because of the illustrations, but also because of the lesson in the story. I felt that the main character was likable, and her problem was relatable. Anyone who has spent time looking for the pet just right for them can relate to this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews