Originally published in 1972, this initial entry in author Helen Nicoll and illustrator Jan Pieńkowski's Meg and Mog picture-books, about a witch named Meg, and her cat Mog, pairs a simple text with boldly graphic illustrations that will grab the young child's attention. Following Meg as she gets up, gets dressed, prepares breakfast, and sets out (with Mog) for a witches' spell party, the narrative has a repetitive quality that will aid beginning readers, while the artwork is colorful (primary and secondary colors only), and makes use of simple shapes and clean lines.

I don't know, all told, that Meg and Mog ranks that highly in my estimation, as a witchy story (witchy picture-books are a pet project of mine) per se, but as a very effective beginning reader, one that happens to make use of witchy themes, I can see why it has been so popular, and why it has remained in print, over in the UK. I have always been a great admirer of Jan Pieńkowski, since first encountering his work in some of Joan Aiken's books, and I liked what I saw here. I also like the suitably un-sweet ending to this tale. Hmm... perhaps it does have witchy potential after all! I think I will have to track down the next one in the series (Meg's Eggs, I believe?), and see... ( )

Lots of opportunities to make stupid sound effects and a reasonable story line. The other Meg and Mog books are a bit odd. This one is the best by far! ( )

This is a great story with fantastic illustrations! Great for Halloween. ( )