Linda Glovach

That clever little witch who first appeared in author/illustrator Linda Glovach's 1972 The Little Witch's Black Magic Cookbook, before going on to star in nine subsequent books, returns in this eleventh title to chronicle her creative endeavors. Here the theme, as one would suppose from the title, is spring celebrations, including Easter, Passover, May Day, and general spring observances. The book begins with a discussion of spring, and the signs that herald its arrival, before going on to present a number of seasonal crafts, games and activities, and tasty treats that can be made...

Published in 1983, The Little Witch's Spring Holiday Book is an appealing entry in Glovach's sixteen-volume series devoted to this little magic maker's crafty ideas. I was very surprised to see that there was no index here—something that was present in all previous titles—and disappointed that there was no "Witch's Code" section to set out behavioral expectations (present in most previous titles), but leaving these two issues aside, I found this as engaging as its predecessors. I appreciated the fact that Easter and Passover were both included, and that all of the craft and cooking ideas were fairly simple, utilizing easily obtainable items and foods. I sometimes find it rather amusing to be the only reader online to have read and/or reviewed the titles in this series, as I do not approach them from any interest in their content, save for the witchy element, which is what drew me to them. That being said, for those who work with children, their own or others, and who are looking for seasonal craft and activity ideas, these books might contain some helpful ideas. It is to such readers that I would recommend them.… (mehr)

The eponymous Little Witch, who debuted in author/illustrator Linda Glovach's 1972 The Little Witch's Black Magic Cookbook, and then went on to star in eight subsequent books, returns in this tenth title devoted to her creative endeavors, this time putting on a carnival. Following the Little Witch's Carnival Code, which sets out expected behavior, there are sections devoted to general carnival preparations, booths and games, food booths, and an animal sideshow to be put on by the carnival workers...

Published in 1982, The Little Witch's Carnival Book was not quite what I was expecting. I've read all nine previous installments of Glovach's series, many of which are arranged around a theme or a holiday, and I somehow had the impression that this one was about the pre-Lent holiday, Carnival, whereas instead it is about hosting an amusement show / fun fair known (at least in the states) as a carnival. Despite this fact, I still found this one engaging enough, and think it provides plenty of good ideas for throwing a fun fair / carnival of one's own. As always with these books, I appreciated the fact that the craft ideas and recipes presented were all simple, and that the materials and ingredients required were all easily obtainable items. I enjoyed the witchy content (what there was of it) here, as that is why I sought these books out in the first place. Recommended to those looking for suggestions for activities and games that can be included in a home-created, home-run carnival or party.… (mehr)

That crafty little witch, who first appeared in author/illustrator Linda Glovach's 1972 The Little Witch's Black Magic Cookbook, before going on to star in seven subsequent books, returns in this ninth title devoted to her creative endeavors. This time the focus is on birthday parties, and opens with a brief introduction, as well as The Little Witch's Code—a section highlighting the proper behavior expected of participants in the activities subsequently laid out. Instructions for making different kinds of birthday hats, masks and cakes are included, as are some ideas for games and activities for various themed birthday parties. The latter include: Count Dracula's Castle Birthday Party, King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table Birthday Tea Party, Little Witch's Haunted House Birthday Party, Tortoise and Hare Spring Birthday Party Picnic Lunch, Goblin's New Year Winter Skating Party, and Little Witch's Surprise Birthday-in-Bed Party. The book closes with a list of birthday gems and flower (by month), and an index...

Published in 1981, The Little Witch's Birthday Book is an engaging entry in Glovach's sixteen-volume series, presenting plenty of ideas for home-made, home-crafted birthday parties. Oddly enough, given that this is the ninth title in The Little Witch series that I have read, I'm not sure I'm really the target audience for these books. They're interesting enough, and I think those inclined toward crafting might find them useful resources, but I honestly doubt whether I'll use a single idea presented here, or in previous titles, as I do not have children of my own, nor do I teach. That being said, I still appreciate the fact that the crafting and cooking suggestions here are all fairly simple, and can be put together using commonly available items and ingredients. I also appreciate the witchy content—the true reason I have sought out these books, given my interest in witchy picture books and other heavily illustrated titles—and only wish that the illustrative element here, depicting the Little Witch and her friends, were more extensive. Recommended to those looking for suggestions for children's birthday parties, in which the children themselves can play a central role.… (mehr)

That creative little witch who first appeared in author/illustrator Linda Glovach's 1972 The Little Witch's Black Magic Cookbook, before going on to star in five subsequent volumes of seasonal craft ideas, recipes and activities, as well as in the 1976 The Little Witch Presents a Monster Joke Book, written by Charles Keller and illustrated by Glovach, returns in this eighth title, this time focused on yoga. The first part of the book includes sections introducing yoga, exploring who can do yoga, how to select a guru, what to wear and where to practice. It concludes with the Little Witch's Code, which in this case involves the responsible behavior required of young yogis. There are then sections devoted to warm-up exercises, basic yoga exercises, and "having fun with yoga." A "Guru Story" is included, as is a section of recipes for healthy treats, and instructions for throwing a "Yoga, Toga, Ghost Party" and a "Moon-Gazing Party." The book concludes with a "Yoga Star Progress Chart" and an index...

Published in 1979, The Little Witch's Book of Yoga is a fairly engaging entry in this sixteen-volume series, each of which (with the exception of the aforementioned joke book) presents activities arranged around some specific theme. Usually these include craft ideas, as well as decorating tips (especially in the holiday titles) and recipes for various treats. Here the focus is more on the physical activity of yoga, although there are some ideas for ways to use yoga in a group (parties), as well as some rudimentary exploration of the more spiritual and/or mental aspects of the practice, such as meditation and other mind exercises. As always, the text describing the activities (i.e., exercises) is accompanied by numerous illustrations that show how they are to be carried out. I am not well-versed enough in the subject to judge the authenticity of the yoga presented here—I am reading through this series because of the witchy content, as picture books and other heavily illustrated titles featuring witches are a pet project of mine—but I suspect that some of it might veer into "new age" territory. It might run afoul of some contemporary sensibilities, given this fact, but on the whole it seemed sincere in its desire to promote the good results of practicing yoga, in terms of improved physical and psychological health. I'm not sure I would strongly recommend this one to those looking for children's books about yoga, as I think there are probably better titles published more recently, but I do think fans of this winsome little witch will enjoy it.… (mehr)