First Broom

by Kallie George, Joelle Murray (Illustrator)

A charming rhyming read-aloud just right for Halloween!

Little witch,
Little broom.
Brand-new gift,
Brand-new moon.

Little witch is so excited by her new present for Halloween night — a new broom! But learning to fly a broom is harder than you think, especially when you're just a little witch. Will witch and broom learn how to work together to fly up high in the sky? A sweet and silly rhyming story full of gentle Halloween fun!

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Witches, Childrens, Fantasy, Magic, Holiday

24 pages, Library Binding

First published June 28, 2022

About the author

I’m an author, editor, and speaker living in Vancouver, BC, near the sea. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m teaching creative writing workshops.

I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.

I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little witch receives her first broom in this rhyming romp of a picture book, but finds that flying it is somewhat of a challenge. With starry eyes she runs out into the night, and attempts to take off under the bright full moon, only to find herself crashing into a gate, and landing in the middle of a pond. Although discouraged, our witchy heroine watches other the little witches, and taking inspiration, tries again...

First Broom is only the second book I have read from Canadian author Kallie George, following upon her seasonal picture book, The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story , although I am familiar with her work in general from the years I managed a children's bookstore. I sought this one out due to my interest in witchy picture books, and was not disappointed. The rhyming text has a bouncy, fun feeling, and the accompanying artwork from Joelle Murray is colorful and cute. I don't know that I cared for the over-large cartoon-style eyes on our witchy heroine, but otherwise I enjoyed the visuals, with the dark background and vivid colors. Recommended to younger picture book audiences who enjoy witchy fare.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Scholastic, Inc.
Charming Autumn story that will work for Halloween time without mentioning the holiday itself. The Little Witch is excited to ride her first broom but she does not know how to make it work. The broom takes off on its own and spills the child into bushes and the pond. After watching others on their brooms, the broom realizes they need to work together to fly. The illustrations capture the emotions and offer detailed views of the settings by her home.

[Jessamine]

I saw this in a store and picked it up on a whim, seeing as how it’s October now.

It’s a simple-and-cute book about a little witch trying to ride her broom for the first time. The writing is minimal, and the story is very straight-forward, making it suited to a very young reader.

The illustrations are the true magic of it. The colors are vivid with enough darkness to have that spooky-not-scary vibe, and they really characterize the story more than the text itself. It’s simply precious.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations is about all this one had going for it. Not a whole lot of intrigue with the story/plot. And for a story about a witch, there could have been more world building in the illustrations. I know, I know, it's JUST a picture book, why be so hard? I think because I really WANTED to like it because it is just so stinkin' ADORABLE!

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute witchy story had such an emotionally true narrative that it hooked both the PreK class and the Kindergarteners. I love the puffy pink-haired witch drawn in an big-eyed doll style. My one quibble is that the colors are a bit to tonally similar which makes it hard for kids to see the pictures at a distance during a classroom read-aloud. But this would be perfect to read one-on-one.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

BIlled by the publisher as a Halloween story, it is really just a cute little witch story with not one word about Halloween anywhere on/in the book. She gets a new broom as a gift and has a few ups and downs while learning how to use it. Will make a good pre-school read-aloud.

[Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book to my class in October. I enjoyed the illustrations and the main character was as cute as can be however, it needed more substance. This may have been a fun read for younger kiddos. 🪄

[Lioness · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art is so soft and precious!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for my spooky preschool Story time. Includes a rare (c'mon publishers!) brown girl witch. Cute, sweet illustrations.

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute art!

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was too cute!

[Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really cute and run to read. I love this time of year and especially witches and wizards. This was just a book that caught my eye.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going on my home library wishlist for my Halloween book collection! I loved the soft illustrations with the beautiful colors and Halloween nighttime setting.

[Adrianne Rosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I know it is too early, but ask me if I care. First seasonal book found for this Halloween and my grand daughter loves it. Follow Little Witch on her debut with her first broom.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE the illustrations. They're adorable and have such a nice color palette. The story is short, but has a nice rhyme to it.

2nd reread: LOVE this book. Read this for storytime.