It's no trick: this is the most charming Halloween book I have ever read! The text with its swirling cadences just FLIES when read aloud.  It's really not even about Halloween, but about that longing to grow, to do something you feel you are meant to do, must do - -like taking your first step, like walking into your first classroom, like so many "firsts" in our kid's lives. But these things are hard, and you know that from the longing to the doing will take a springing leap of childhood courage.

A young "witch" (little girl in her Halloween best) who has not yet flown feels the call of the moon:

The dark night around you fills with Fly, fly
And bright yellow moonlight shines down.
Cat, by your side, purrs a gentle Bye, Bye. . . .
Your heart tells you now and you walk to the door
Catches his back and croons, Soon."

With determination our little witch persists past some crash-landings, and of course, eventually, she literally and metaphorically soars. Her loving and proud family gleefully welcomes her home as she lands in their backyard.  There's just nothing like seeing your child triumph in her/her dreams, whatever their age.
 
Besting herself, Alison McGhee 's has worked magic again. Start with this title but don't miss the rest of her books. Little Boy is my favorite for parents, or expecting parents, of little boys. 
 

Reviewed by Vivian

Only a Witch Can Fly (Hardcover)

By Alison McGhee, Taeeun Yoo

$16.99

ISBN-13: 9780312375034
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Feiwel & Friends, 8/2009

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