THE WIDOW’S BROOM
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY
AUTHOR: Chris Van Allsburg
ISBN: 0-395-64051-2; hardcover; Children’s 4-8
32 pp., 2-color; $18.95
“Witches’ brooms don’t last forever. They grow old, and even the best of them, one day, lose the power of flight.” Thus, begins The Widow’s Broom by Caldecott Medal winner, Chris Van Allsburg, the author of such children’s picture book classics as The Polar Express and Jumanji.
Widow Minna Shaw discovers a downed witch and broom in her vegetable garden. After the witch recovers from her injuries, she departs, leaving the weakened broom behind. To Minna’s shock and then joy, the broom becomes a delightful companion, fond of ceaselessly sweeping her floor. However, her neighbors, the superstitious Spivey family, particularly Mr. Spivey, are agitating to destroy the broom, and Minna’s boon companion and yard helper.
THE LOWDOWN: The works of Chris Van Allsburg aren’t magical. They are magic. This mysterious and whimsical book is a poignant tale of friendship and kindness to strangers pitted against ignorance and intolerance. Allsburg’s masterly sepia tone illustrations call to mind the joyfulness and serenity of good companionship, the grandeur of magic, and the persistence of mean-spiritedness and bigotry.
FOR READERS OF: Although listed as being for readers – age 4 to 8, The Widow’s Broom is for anyone who can still feel the enchantment of a great children’s book that both entertains and communicates.
A+
