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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
In the Witch’s House by Amy Houts brings readers into Kate’s world, where she would rather hide in the garden than go with her dad to meet the neighbors. But after some coaxing and holding her hand, she and her dad knock on the door that creaks open. Thunder rumbles, and inside, there seems to be moving shadows. Spiders creep, a snake wiggles its tongue, four brooms lean in an unswept kitchen, and capes hang where coats should be. There are closet thumps and cackling voices call, “Come closer, my pet”, and the rooms seem gloomier the farther Kate goes. She tells herself to be brave, but it’s a challenge when all you see are ghosts fluttering by and monsters peering with one eye. But soon Kate begins to wonder: are there really witches here… or is something else going on that she can’t see yet?
Amy Houts writes with perfect rhythm and cadence, making it easy to engage young children. The descriptions and sounds (“creaks”, lightning, a stretched-out cackle) help to build the right suspense without going overboard into real fear. The “Be brave” refrain encourages children as they turn the page and get one gentle surprise after another. Berna Datema’s illustrations are perfect for this Halloween-themed story, with bold shapes, warm oranges and purples, and the playful lettering that appears to bend and wobble works well to match Kate’s nerves. The story also encourages seek-and-find, while the friendly character design softens the mood. Readers who love spooky-but-safe reads like Jessie Sima’s Hardly Haunted, Bob Shea’s The Scariest Book Ever, or Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown’s Creepy Carrots! will enjoy In the Witch’s House. It is a charming story that teaches readers about fear, curiosity, and finding courage.
