The Knitting Witch

by Norma Kassirer

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Knitting Witch is a slightly darker fable for all-ages by Norma Kassirer. Originally written in the 1960s (and recently rediscovered and brought to publication by the author's daughter), this illustrated release from indie press Collective Book Studio is 88 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Mostly aimed at primary grade readers (Lexile 860L grades 2-5), this is an enthusiastic and action filled fairy tale with a -very- bratty little girl who has notoriously epic tantrums (she threatens to turn herself *inside out*! *shudder*), and her poor long-suffering parents trying to cope with her outbursts. 

It's fully illustrated throughout, and the art by Mark Richardson is full of small wryly humorous details which reward observant readers and invite them to take a closer look. 

It's age appropriate, but high-stakes and moderately thrilling for a children's book. Stylistically, it is in the same general camp as Roald Dahl and E. Nesbit, and will appeal to lovers of classic children's fiction. 

Four stars. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, or gift giving. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.