The Knitting Witch

Outlandish humor and lightly scary fairy tale magic permeate this fantasy adventure by the late Kassirer (Magic Elizabeth), which was recently uncovered by the author’s daughter. Ivy Lou “was known far and wide for the well-practiced tantrums that she threw.” To prevent her from blowing her top, the child’s wealthy parents fulfill her every wish, providing her closets overflowing with clothes, a pirate ship with a real crew, and, of course, a horse. And when a green-faced witch with a knack for knitting offers to stitch up some magical playmates for Ivy Lou, the family hires her. But Ivy Lou quickly regrets this decision when the witch knits a black scarf that makes her parents and house disappear, and whisks her to an alternate world located in the witch’s “horrid little hut,” where Ivy Lou struggles to learn spell-casting and potion-making. Though abundant detail occasionally slows the story’s pace, an omniscient narrator injects wit into the image-rich narrative, which overflows with ink-and-watercolor illustrations by Richardson that depict Ivy Lou’s life with fantastical flair. It’s a trope-filled tale that takes cues from the Brothers Grimm and Roald Dahl, providing a satisfying happily—and humbled—ever after. Ivy Lou’s skin tone reflects the white of the page. Ages 7–10. (Oct.)