Book Review: How to Catch a Witch
As Halloween approached this year, I found myself in one of those please-just-sit-still-for-five-minutes parenting moments. My little ones were bouncing off the walls, fueled by excitement and maybe a bit too much candy corn. Seeking a cozy escape and a chance to channel that energy, I picked up "How to Catch a Witch" by Alice Walstead, and oh, what a magical find it turned out to be!
This book perfectly captures the thrill of Halloween night, as our adventurous protagonists set out trick-or-treating only to stumble upon a witch who’s opened a portal, unleashing a riot of spooky creatures across the neighborhood. My kids, ages 4 and 6, were instantly captivated by the zany traps the How to Catch Kids devised to save Halloween. They peppered me with questions: “What kind of candy do you think they’ll use?” and “Do you think the witch will catch them instead?” Watching their imaginations run wild was a pure joy.
The illustrations in "How to Catch a Witch" are vibrant and enchanting, filled with playful details that kept my little ones engaged page after page. The whimsical art style brought the story to life as we ooh’ed and aah’ed over the antics of the characters. The rhythmic, rhyming text made it a delightful read-aloud experience. We shared giggles at the clever traps and the silly surprises the witch had in store, making it hard to put the book down.
One moment that stood out was when I read aloud the line about the kids working together; my son, usually the one who gets distracted easily, suddenly exclaimed, “Just like us, Mom! Teamwork makes the dream work!” I couldn’t help but smile. It was one of those magical moments in parenthood—watching a simple story resonate so deeply.
After our reading, my daughter asked if we could create our own traps to catch the “Halloween sprites” in our yard. Not only did this book provide us with laughter and a bonding moment, but it also ignited a whole new little project, turning a regular night into a creative adventure.
I wholeheartedly recommend "How to Catch a Witch" for families with children ages 3 to 7, especially those who thrive on imagination and a healthy dose of silliness. It’s an excellent pick for Halloween gift baskets or cozy bedtime reads leading up to the spooky season. If you’re anything like me—searching for that perfect mixture of fun and fall magic to share with your kiddos—this book might just make it into your family’s cherished collection.
This has definitely become a new favorite of ours! We may just find ourselves revisiting it every Halloween season to come. Happy reading, fellow parents! May your evenings be filled with laughter, stories, and perhaps a bit of witch-catching adventure! 🍭✨
