This time of year, I’m always on the prowl for Halloween stories to devour with my kids. We love spooky Halloween stories and we love sweet Halloween stories. Most of all, we love Halloween stories that evoke the magic of the season. And there’s something particularly enchanting about witches and full moons and black cats. That’s why I’ve chosen the charming ONLY A WITCH CAN FLY for my Perfect Picture Book pick of the week.
Title: ONLY A WITCH CAN FLY
Written by: Alison McGhee
Illustrated by: Taeeun Yoo
Square Fist, 2009, Fiction
Fun for Ages: 3 and UP
Themes/Topics: Halloween, magic, witches, imagination, longing, persistence
First stanza:
If you were a young witch, who had not yet flown,
and the dark night sky held a round yellow moon
and the moon shone light on the silent broom
and the dark Cat beside you purred, Soar,
would you too, begin to cry,
because of your longing to fly?
Brief Synopsis (from publisher):
Only a witch can fly.
But one little girl wants to fly—more than anything. So on a special night, with the moon shining bright and her cat by her side, she gathers herself up, she grips her broom tight, and she tries. And she fails. And she’s brave. And she tries again. Until . . .
Utterly enchanting, New York Times–bestselling author Alison McGhee’s lyrical language and Taeeun Yoo’s transcendent linoleum block prints create a bewitching tale about finding one’s own path that will send your heart soaring.
Only a Witch Can Fly is a 2010 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year.
Why I Admire This Book: Take a lyrical story about a girl who longs to fly, set it under the full moon of Halloween night, and add breathtaking, evocative woodcuts, and what do you get? Magic! I think readers will identify with this girl in a witch costume (striped socks and pointy black hat, no less) who longs to fly like a real witch. They’ll also see themselves in her frustration when her first attempts at flying fail. This tale is also about the value of perseverance. And magic, of course.
(Amazingly, this story is written as a sestina – a form of poetry that started with the French troubadours in the 12th century!)
Ideas for Teachers: In addition to being a fun seasonal read, this book also works beautifully to start a discussion regarding the importance of perseverance. During a unit covering forms of poetry, ONLY A WITCH CAN FLY might also serve as a lovely model of a sestina. Older students (3rd to 5th graders) might also enjoy creating their own block prints after reading this story. For instructions on making block prints with kids, please see http://artcuratorforkids.com/making-art-with-kids-block-printing/.
(For a LOOONNNG list of links to picture book reviews, along with resources, please visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s site: http://susannahill.com/for-teachers-and-parents/perfect-picture-books/.)
gabisnyder.com 
I love displaying a generous basket of Halloween books to read at this time of year. And what a perfect addition to my basket! Thanks also for included a link to a post for making block prints. I grew up making block prints for holiday cards. When I was very young, I would draw a picture to fit the size of the block, my mother would transfer it and engrave it for me. Together, we would ink them and print them. Later, when I was ten, Mom let me engrave my own blocks. I, too, got one of those nasty V cuts in my finger when I didn’t follow instructions. I’m off to find this book! Thanks for a great review!
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I have a vague memory of making block prints once as a child and being amazed by the results. I really want to try it now with my kids!
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What a great story for kids. I used to collect Halloween stories for my kids. I think our favorite was “The Ghost Eye Tree.” They even have a trailer. All about imagination!
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I’ll have to look for “The Ghost Eye Tree.” Sounds spooky!
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I’m intrigued by the verse. It makes me want to read more. And that art is gorgeous! Thanks for recommending a book I probably would’ve skipped over.
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