BOOK REVIEW

Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite

Almost a Witch by Suzanne Osman is a spooktacular children’s picture book. A young girl by the name of Mabel is in training to become a witch. She has mastered many of the tests that are necessary to pass the witches' “bar” if you will, but there is still one that continues to elude her. Osman has created a wonderfully spooky tale of persistence and triumph that will undoubtedly have an educational influence on readers of all ages. Each page is covered with charming creatures, from Walter the frog to Mabel herself, as well as numerous others. They bring such a lively element to the narrative, winning the reader over instantaneously. Behind their winsome grins and expressions is the illustrator, Eamon Winkle, who has ultimately captured and rendered these characters perfectly.

Suzanne Osman’s Almost a Witch is the kind of children’s picture book that you will want to read all year round, but especially during October. Although it is a spooky tale, there is nothing too frightening that would make children fearful in any way. Grinning from ear to ear is what you can expect from your young ones and yourself as you step into the adventure. Some books have that special something that stays with the reader for many decades, from child to adult to parent. This book has that special extra element that will keep people coming back to it for years to come.