THE SWEETEST WITCH AROUND by Alison McGee. Illustrated by Harry Bliss. New York: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, 2014. 32p. ISBN: 978-1442478336  $15.99.
E PIC Gr. PreS-3

Although The Sweetest Witch Around takes its inspiration from Halloween, this is one holiday book you won't have to pack away with your decorations!  The storyline supports several touching themes including bravery, sisterly love, sugar addiction, and Halloween.  The narrator is a brave witch who is not afraid of humans like all the other witches.  It is her goal to teach her younger "witchling" sister to be brave, too.  In her first lesson, the witchling learns about Halloween and
candy-yuck.  Trouble begins when the younger sister tastes candy and determines it isn't yuck, but YUM!  The witchling steals her sister's broom, flies into town, and discovers it is Halloween night.  What will happen when the witchling lines up behind the costumed children for trick or treat? 
Your child will love the story and the wonderful costumes, but parents will love the book, too.  Artistic details, such as parents walking with their children on Halloween, children in great costumes, and attention to landscaping decorations, will give you and your child something to talk about after you've memorized the story.  Like end credits of your favorite movies, don't forget to check out the inside covers for an extra -ghoulish treat!
Christine Rathje, Librarian Assistant, Tahquamenon Area Library