Determined to make her house the scariest one in the neighborhood, and win the first place trophy from the Witches Judging Society, Witch Bazooza unearths her copy of Advanced Spells and Incantations for the Serious Witch, and begins to decorate her home in earnest. From spreading cobwebs (and spiders!) in every room, to conjuring a clanky skeleton for the attic, Bazooza, her faithful feline companion Ajax in tow, has everything in hand, until her final spell, meant to conjure a jack-o-lantern. When this enchantment backfires, again and again, and Bazooza ends up with grinning vegetables of every kind - except pumpkins! - she think her chances of winning the contest are ruined. But are they...?

A sweet little Halloween picture-book from 1979, Witch Bazooza has a vintage, cartoon-like sensibility - the illustrations are done in black and white, with vivid red, green and orange accents - that reminds me of a series of inspirational picture-book biographies we had in the house (also from the 1970s) as a girl. I can't say that this style is a personal favorite, but I did appreciate the humor, and sense of fun, in the artwork. Bazooza is one green witch! The story itself doesn't go anywhere unexpected, but provides a satisfying ending, all the same. Recommended to younger readers and listeners who enjoy witchy tales with some gentle spookiness, and a happy conclusion. ( )