Rag dolls Ruby Buttons and Violet Pickles and their retired nanny companion Miss Biscuit return in this third installment of author/illustrator E.J. Taylor's Biscuit, Buttons & Pickles picture-book series. After an initial misunderstanding involving a lost invitation, the dolls are very excited to be attending a classmate's fancy dress party, only to discover that they have arrived on the wrong night. Making their way home, they are waylaid by the titular Thorn Witch, who lives in a cave underneath the local blackberry patch, and who is angry at Ruby for gathering her fruit. Ruby's kindness and good sense turn what could be a terrible imprisonment into an opportunity to make friends, and all ends well...

I've had The Thorn Witch on my to-read list for many years, having discovered its existence during one of my periodic searches for new books to include in my witchy picture-book project. Having finally tracked it down, I decided to read it together with the other books in the series, and I'm glad I did. Like its two predecessors - Ivy Cottage and Goose Eggs - it pairs a heartwarming story with cute illustrations. The Thorn Witch and her cave were definitely a little creepy, but in the end, this isn't meant to be a scary witch story, so much as a sweet one. Recommended to those who have read and enjoyed other books about these characters, and to picture-book readers who enjoy stories about sentient dolls and/or witches. ( )

Cute. ( )