How the Witch Got Alf [Library Binding]

Cora Annett (Author), Steven Kellogg (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1975

Alf, the donkey, takes drastic measures to find out that he is loved as much as the old folks' other animals.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 47 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (March 1, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531027910
• ISBN-13: 978-0531027912
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,958,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A CLASSIC TREASURE!, October 19, 2008

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How the Witch Got Alf (Library Binding)

How the Witch Got Alf by Cora Annett and Illustrated by Steven Kellog was published in 1975, which when you think about it, is over 30 years ago. The author dedicates it to "For all (un)loveable donkeys, everywhere" which is a nice and fitting dedication.

Alf is a small donkey who lives on the farm of an Old Man and Old Woman. The farm is populated by the normal critters found in such places during that time and Alf is actually an important part of this close knit community. He works for the Old Man in the fields; pull the Old Man and Old Woman to market once a week and in generally a rather valuable animal. But here in lies the problem. Alf notes that the Old Man plays with the dog and the Old Woman pets the cat as she lays in the Old Woman's Lap, is fed warm cream and they all set around listening to the Canary. All these animals sleep in the warm house in great comfort and are obviously well loved. Alf, on the other hand, sleeps in the cold barn and is given hay at the end of the day and that is it! Alf feels he is unloved! This is a horrible feeling, not only for people, but for a small donkey too!

Alf tries to sing, with horrid results, tries to set in the Old Woman's lap which did not work out at all, and attempted to jump up and lick the Old Man's Face which was not a good idea. Alf feels much unloved, unappreciated and generally down. He decides to run away. Not wanting to run far, he climbs the roof of the house and hides.

I do not want to give you any spoilers here, but suffice to say that Alf learns many things watching and listening. Alf also learns that a roof is not the best place to hide when you run away. The Old Man and Old Woman learn that life without Alf is not such a good thing. Enough of the story now...I will let you read it to find out where the "witch" comes into the story.

This is a very well written little work and skillfully illustrated with black and white drawings by Steven Kellog. The book would be of interest to children from four up and I must say it is one of those books that is a pure joy to read, as an adult, to a child. There are several lessons to be learned with this one such as the fact that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, or most importantly; don't take those you actually love and depend upon for granted. There is also some very good humor in this work that will be appreciated by the close reader.

This is one of those books we do not want to loose through neglect and passage of time. I highly recommend this one as it is quite timeless. I wish I could give this work six stars.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most adorable books I've ever read!, February 1, 2003

By 

Linda J. Schiller-hanna "Blessed one" (northeast Ohio) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How the Witch Got Alf (Library Binding)

This book is for children, OF ALL AGES. The pictures make
me laugh, and the special way that the story weaves its spell
helps one see how our pride often gets us into terrible
fixes and embarrassment. It would help anyone come down of
his "high horse" a bit. Wonderful, simply wonderful!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Though a children's book, everybody can learn from this., September 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How the Witch Got Alf (Library Binding)

In this wonderful piece of literature by author Cora Annett, the reader is introduced to Alf, a donkey who feels unloved on the farm where he lives. This feeling of unlovability is the basis of the story, as it causes Alf to do some, well, silly things. This is definitely a good book for any who have ever felt unappreciated for the job they do, no matter how minor that job may be.