Alice and Greta: A Tale of Two Witches - Softcover

Steven J. Simmons

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0881069760 ISBN 13: 9780881069761

Publisher: Charlesbridge, 1997

Synopsis

Alice is a good witch. And Greta... well, Greta and trouble are never far apart. Alice spends her time helping others by weaving her enchanting spells. All Greta does is wreak havoc. But when a forgotten spell comes back to haunt her, Greta's stuck learning something she should have learned long ago.

About this title

About the Author:

Steven J. Simmons is the author of the best-selling children's book, ALICE AND GRETA: A TALE OF TWO WITCHES. He was inspired to write the story while playing with his children on a hill behind his home. In an interview on "The Today Show," Steven said that he felt a "spontaneous combustion" as the story took shape in his mind. He visits schools and reads his stories to many classrooms full of eager listeners.

Review:

Alice and Greta are two witches who see things differently. Whereas Alice is as rosy as the clothes she wears, Greta can't help but make trouble. Although they learn the same spells at school, these spells are used for differing purposes. While Alice may send a wave to shore to help a family's beached boat float, Greta will use a similar chant to flood a child's masterpiece sand castle. Yet, there is one important lesson Greta does not learn - the Brewmerang Principle: "Whatever you chant, whatever you brew, sooner or later comes back to you!" Indeed it does, producing one sticky satisfying mess with Greta stuck in the middle. While this book could have easily fallen into the trap of didacticism, it manages instead to present the golden rule in a disarming kid-oriented manner. Alice may be a sunny do-gooder but her self-satisfaction is well balanced by the delight Greta feels in creating trouble. The lighthearted, lively illustrations play a large role in the success of this title. While the text outlines each situation, the drawings interpret each scene with specifics, from the wands that emit either stars and sparklers or lightning bolts to the Medusa-like hair Greta bestows on a classmate. Using a consistent palette of pink and green, the illustrator adds to the steady flow of the story. The chants themselves are handwritten helping to create a feeling of authenticity. This is a book which young children will ask to hear over and over again. It's nice to think there's a witch out there rooting just for them. -- From Independent Publisher

About this edition

• Publisher: Charlesbridge
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0881069760
• ISBN 13: 9780881069761
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Cyd Moore