Customer Reviews

Witch of 4th Street: And Other Stories

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The Witch of Fourth Street is a collection of enjoyable, magical stories. Tales of immigrant children and families and how their ordinary days and events become extraordinary when viewed with humor and imagination. A good read aloud book for a wide age range.I liked the glimpses into a different time period from different immigrant perspectives. I also enjoyed the fact that the stories were magical, but believable. Modern day fables.

I read this book, probably 28 years ago. I've been looking for it ever since, and am so pleased it's still in print.

These are delightful stories about life in an immigrant section of New York, probably at the turn of the 20th century. The author evokes the scenes of the time beautifully, in a manner reminiscent of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." The children are trying to figure out how life works, the adults are trying to make a life in this new country. We laugh at Mrs. Dunn's attempts to explain why she has a chicken in her chandelier when the landlord comes for the rents, we worry about Socrates the horse, we cheer for Keplik the match man. The stories are simple, but their messages are timeless.

I'm surprised this book isn't read in schools. I just loved it as a child, and the charm has not worn off in the years between. Do your children a huge favor: turn off the TV, put away the modern books, and give them this one. They'll thank you for it!

The Witch of Fourth Street is a collection of enjoyable, magical stories. Tales of immigrant children and families and how their ordinary days and events become extraordinary when viewed with humor and imagination. A good read aloud book for a wide age range.