Here's a winsome witch: she has a huge nose with a wart but a friendly smile, and her long ginger hair is tied in a polka-dot bow. The wind blows her witch's hat off, and a dog brings it to her and asks if there is room on the broom for a dog like me. Off they go, but the wind takes the bow in her braid; it is brought back by a green bird, who also asks if there is room on the broom. A storm wrests away the witch's wand; a frog returns it and clambers aboard, too. The witch's broomstick breaks, and she is captured and about to be turned into a dragon's supper, when she is rescued by a four-headed, feathered, and furred monstrous creature. The monster is, of course, the witch's new companions and her cat, all ready to help a friend. The rhythm and rhyme are lively and quick, and the pictures partake equally of silly and spooky. The bright red, toothy dragon is particularly impressive.

As a reward for finding a witch's lost belongings, a dog, a bird, and a frog get to ride on her broomstick. The extra weight breaks the broom, and the witch lands at the feet of a hungry dragon. The three animals band together with the witch's cat to save the day. Though told in somewhat forced rhyme, Donaldson's story is full of action and repetition for read-aloud appeal. The moody illustrations add warmth and charm.

K-Gr 3-A witch and her cat pick up a dog, a bird, and a frog, and fly off on her broomstick. The frog jumps for joy, the broomstick snaps in two, the animals land in a bog, and a dragon captures the witch. What to do? As in the Grimms' "The Bremen Town Musicians," the animals, covered in mud, stand on each other and "yowl," "growl," "croak," and "shriek," scaring the dragon and saving the witch. All's well that ends well for the witch conjures up a super broom with seats for the cat and dog, a nest for the bird, and a pool for the frog. The story is in rhyme, bouncing merrily along, full of fun, and not at all scary. The illustrations are witty and wonderful. All the characters, even the dragon, have the same goofy grin and large, round eyes. Dressed in a purple skirt, red blouse, and black cape and hat, the witch, with a long, ginger braid, is more friendly than frightening. The image of the red dragon carrying her, passed out cold, is a hoot. And her cat is not the traditional black cat; it looks more like a baby tiger. The result is a surefire read-aloud hit.-Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.