From Publishers Weekly
This wacky picture book supports the theory that it often takes some trial and error to locate just the right type of employment--even if you're a witch. When Wittilda--who is fond of spiders, batwing stew and roast newt--finds her kitchen cupboard bare, she realizes that she must get a job in order to feed her 47 cats. A stint at Aunt Bort's Hair Palace doesn't pan out, but an advertisement for a pizza delivery person holds promise. Wittilda puts her brooming skills to good use and after a snag or two she lands the position. Caralyn Buehner's ( The Escape of Marvin the Ape ) creation of a witch with a heart of gold gives her story a comforting tone, while equal dashes of adventure, magic and reality prove a captivating mix. Mark Buehner's (illustrator of The Adventures of Taxi Dog ) sumptuous oil and acrylic paintings exhibit his flair for depicting the play of light and shadow, and for deploying a variety of arresting perspectives. Wittilda's kind smile, cat's-eye glasses and huge bulbous nose give her heaps of personality. Scenes showing bug-eyed felines scanning the want-ads and sitting around the table--napkins tied around necks--for a pizza meal are especially humorous. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-When you're a witch with 47 cats and are down to your last dried rat, it's time to get out the want ads. Wittilda's attempt to work at a beauty shop ends in disaster, so she goes to Dingaling Pizza, where the applicants are told, "'Five pizzas each to deliver. The first one back gets the job!'" Wittilda balances the boxes on one hand as she flies over town on her broomstick. She is slowed down when she helps a kitten caught in a tree, but still makes her deliveries in time to land the position. The last page shows the witch and 48 cats all eating pizza together by candlelight. The rhythmic language has an effortless flow, and both text and artwork are a great mix of the traditional and the contemporary. The illustrations (oil over acrylic) are a delight, with comic touches to discover at every rereading. The evening scenes showing Wittilda flying through a luminous moonlit night are especially effective. The best book to date by this husband/ wife team, this one is a winner for group sharing.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, ILCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
