Which Way to Witch School?

Santoro transports readers (via flying bus) to Miss Thornapple’s school, following a group of young witches through a year’s worth of classes. This rhyming tale is anything but frightening—even scenes filled with cobwebs and lightning are brightened by color and smiling girls in matching school uniforms (including pointy hats). Santoro often stretches to make his rhymes work (“Sometimes they explore the haunted old forest./ It’s creepy enough to delight any tourist”), though the details of the school, from swimming in a swamp to learning the physics behind broom flight, should tickle readers. Ages 4–7. (Aug.)