The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Hamilton, Virginia

Wee Winnie Witch's Skinny: An Original African American Scare Tale

32 pp. | Scholastic/Blue Sky | August, 2004 | Trade ISBN 0-590-28880-6 $$16.95

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Barry Moser. This story incorporates some authentically scary motifs from African-American oral tradition. The plot pits a capriciously vituperative witch, Wee Winnie, against Uncle Big Anthony, who's considerably diminished in the process. Moser's fierce illustrations reflect a reality of historical suffering. Give this book to kids who beg to be chilled and thrilled--but be sure they mean it.

Reviewer: Betsy Hearne | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2004