From Publishers Weekly
Davis's feisty, precocious pigtailed heroine, the star of I Hate to Go to Bed!, is back to confront and ultimately overcome a triumvirate of fears. There's the blue dog next door, a rival to Clifford in size, that she's dubbed Ono ("Because every time I see him I say, OH, NO!"); a duo of monsters who hang out by the picket fence; and some snakes who live in her closet (so she never opens the door). "This is NOT a good way to live," she admits. Assuming the persona and pointy black hat of a witch ("because witches aren't afraid of anything") gives the girl enough gumption to conquer her fears, and she soon discovers that, for example, the closet snakes are really just a tangle of shoelaces. The text sometimes gets wordier than it needs to be; the narrative power of Davis's acrylic cartoon panels carry much of the story forward. Replete with over-the top angles, operatic expressions and giddy fluorescent hues, they cue readers early on that despite the magnitude of the girl's anxieties she's no shrinking violet. The reassuring ending demonstrates that one can topple one's fears if he or she can summon the courage to face them. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
reS-Gr 3-Davis hits a perfect combination of rhythmic text and large, brightly colored illustrations that will capture children's imaginations. A fearful little girl decides to turn into a witch because "witches aren't afraid of anything." The vivid art filled with green, hairy monsters and other nasty-looking creatures shows how the scary and unknown items are actually everyday objects; snakes are really shoelaces, and "I've been scared stiff of a shrub?!" Children will enjoy the varying perspectives of the young protagonist as she faces monsters and electric-blue, girl-eating dogs. Davis's unique text allows the youngster to conquer her fears in an enjoyable and empowering manner. Perfect for independent reading or group sharing.
Sarah O'Neal, Salt Lake County Library System, UT
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
