Early Reader Review: Wacky Witches and their Peculiar Familiars by April Suddendorf

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Wacky Witches and their Peculiar Familiars by April Suddendorf 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:   Sept 10, 2024

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Warts, evil spells, and toads for pets? The modern-day witches in this book aren’t scary or frightening, but rather hip! Meet these diverse witches from around the world and their animal companions in this quirky picture book from debut author-illustrator April Suddendorf!

Every witch needs a pet by her side. But if you’re picturing black cats or toads, think again. Because in Wacky Witches and Their Peculiar Familiars the animal companions are just as original and likable as their witches: a little monkey helps his pink-haired witch cut her locks, while a parrot helps his tarot card-reading witch answer the phone.

In her picture book debut, German author–illustrator April Suddendorf plays with a cliché: witches are not evil, old, or scary, but modern, versatile women from all over the world. Joyful magic unfolds through clever rhymes as each witch, and her animal friend, is introduced. Readers, discover what kind of witch you want to be!

Which witch will be your favorite? For readers who love Room on the Broom and Witch & Wombat!

Review: 

This book was far more about the animals than the witches and it was so fun to see the variety of animals alongside a very diverse cast of witches.  We see some more domestic animals but also some fun exotic ones, for example, on familiar is a snake while another is a pangolin. One is a parrot, while another a crab. 

I appreciated that there were no cats to be found, so if that was what you were expecting... you might be disappointed. 

The book rhymes relaly nicely and the illustration is super detailed and cute with lots to look at on the large page spreads. Each familiar is helpful in their own unique ways, with racoons doing dishes, giraffes being ladders but also with sheep providing wool and yaks milk. 

Overally, I thought that this diverse cast of witches and their unique and fun familiars was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed seeing what animals would pop up next. This could be a great read for kids that love animal or those that love Halloween and the spooky.. but this book really isn't spooky at all.