Title: Only A Witch Can Fly By Alison McGhee Illustrated By Taeeun YooRating: NoSummary: A witch takes her first moonlit flight. Age: 4-6Pros: The illustrations are lovely, evocative. A limited color palate is used: black, green, brown, cream; this illustrates the lure of the moon for the witch in the story.Cons: The premise of the story is clear because of the illustrations but the text doesn’t work as well. The rhyming text is lyrical and poetic but it’s rough and confusing also, with a rhyming scheme that is often off. The text reads as if it belongs in a book for older children, rather than a picture book. This is a classic example of text and illustrations not coinciding well together. I just read this book to two of my daughters, ages 6 and 3, and we were all transfixed. The lines are powerful, using the ancient sestina format beautifully (read the beginning notes to see how complicated this form is). The woodcut engravings are lovely - I love the mix of handmade and vintage included in the graphics. The girl's urge to overcome her flying disability is absolutely palpable, as is her triumph when she ultimately soars. This book is so much more than flying...it's about the need we all have to achieve.
What do You think about Only A Witch Can Fly (2009)?
Definitely not great--not at all engaging--and way too "poetic" for a children's Halloween story
—Kam
The illustrations and story are a great match. What a fun ready, even if it is not Halloween!
—Robah25
I like the magical feel of this book, and that the family is just amazed and goes with it.
—sherry
The illustrations get a 5, but the story just isn't up to snuff.
—anoosha
Astonishing art, and a wonderful text. What a great book.
—Carolyn
