Plot Summary: A young boy who has lost his parents goes to live with his grandmother in Norway. As the two become better acquainted, she begins to tell him all about witches. Many people are not aware, but witches live in many communities and blend in except for a few telltale signs. The boy's grandmother tells him all about how to spot these evil women and the terrible things they do to children. The two decide to take a seaside holiday and end up in the middle of an annual witch convention attended by the grand high witch herself. How will the boy stay safe in a hotel full of children hating witches?
Critical Evaluation: This is an excellent choice for this age group. It is also a good choice for reading aloud, perhaps in a library or classroom setting. The book is original and is amusing, and a little bit scary at the same time. The book is written in a way that it will be equally enjoyable for children and parents alike.
Reader's Annotation: A young orphan, together with his grandmother, must try to outwit a hotel full of child hating witches. The grand high witch is in the hotel - is anyone safe?
Genre: Fantasy, suspense
Interest Level:7-13
About the Author: Roald Dahl is the author of a great number of children's books including: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Great Glass Elevator, The Enormous Crocodile and many others. He has also written books for adults such as My Uncle Oswald and many books of short stories. He is known for darkly humorous stories.
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on relationship between the boy and his grandmother, focus on how to identify witches.
Selection Process: Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors form both children's and adult literature.
Challenge: If any, readers can be directed to research the author or reviews of this and his other works.
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