The Witches' Supermarket [Paperback]

Susan Meddaugh (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 1994 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

While trick-or-treating on Halloween night, Helen and her dog Martha happen upon a very unusual supermarket -- for witches and cats only -- where they are most unwelcome!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a highly original Halloween tale, Meddaugh ( Tree of Birds ; Too Many Monsters ) again evinces a gently humorous, delightfully skewed imagination. As Helen, in a witch costume, and her dog Martha, dressed as a cat ("Witches have cats, not dogs. Everybody knows that") set out for trick-or-treating, the woman ahead of them drops a piece of paper. Hurrying after her to return it--a coupon for a free broom--Helen and Martha hesitate when she disappears behind a door marked "Trespassers Will Be Sorry." Peeking inside, Helen announces, "It's just a supermarket!" and the pair ventures in. But this is no ordinary food store--its counters display such fare as"Apples with Worms," "Cran-Spider" drink and "Shake 'n Bake Snake." When the light finally dawns for Helen, readers, of course, will be way ahead of her--thanks not only to the book's title but to its hilarious, none-too-subtle illustrations. This knowledge only adds to the fun, however: the giggles begin early, and by the chaotic escape scene, develop into full-scale belly laughs. Definitely in the "treat" category. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Helen (dressed as a witch) and her dog Martha (dressed as a black cat) digress from their trick-or-treating to follow an elderly woman down a dark alley and into a grocery store. But why are the apples with worms more expensive than those without them? Why all that cat food but no dog food? Why such an incredible selection of specialized brooms? And why so many black cats all over the store? "Everyone is certainly ready for Halloween," Helen notes as she observes the shoppers' unusual attire. Helen, and readers, puzzle together over all this strangeness, until the definitive clue reveals the store's true specialty. Numerous touches in the pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are surprising and funny. The weird and the familiar are blended with a tone just irreverent enough to keep it fresh. Young readers will be tickled to see this twisted form of their familiar grocery market. Lots of humorous details are offered for the observant; they are a riot, especially as a backdrop to Meddaugh's deadpan story delivery. The Witches' Supermarket has what it takes: suspense, humor, and intriguing clues. A book that's as much fun as Halloween itself. --Liza Bliss, formerly at Leominster Public Library, MA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 26, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395700922
• ISBN-13: 978-0395700921
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #573,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Susan Meddaugh was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey. She graduated from Wheaton College, where she studied French literature and fine arts. After working briefly with an advertising agency in New York, she moved to Boston and worked at a publishing company for ten years, first as a designer, then art editor, and finally as art director. While there, she did the illustrations for GOOD STONES (Houghton Mifflin) by Anne Epstein, and then decided to strike out on her own as a freelance illustrator and creator of children's books. Since that time, Susan has written and illustrated many popular books for children. She lives in Sherborn, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mom, can we get some eyeballs?, August 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Witches' Supermarket (Paperback)

This book has always been a favorite of mine. I would recommend it to any school-aged child as well as preschoolers. The whole concept of a supermarket for witches is thrilling. The products in the store are hilarious and the ending is great.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent. Very fun and imaginative even for adults., November 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Witches' Supermarket (Paperback)

I love the grocery store items. Each time I read it to my children I find something "new" added to the shelf. Actually I'm the one that begs to read this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, September 5, 2005

By 

Mom2Lindsay "Mom2Lindsay" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Witches' Supermarket (Paperback)

This is a great book, great story with great pictures. My daughter who is 2.5 years old loves it very much. The names for the produce and candy in the witches supermarket are great and very creative. Highly reccomended.