"Until finally, he was ready to fly.
Little Witch Hazel nestled into Otis's feathers
as he soared smoothly and silently through the night.
She loved the feeling of the cool breeze rippling her
hair and flapping her cloak. With Otis, Hazel could
hair and flapping her cloak. With Otis, Hazel could
see the forest in ways she had never had before.
But Little Witch Hazel knew their time together
was running out. For Otis was a wild thing who
belonged with other owls."
was running out. For Otis was a wild thing who
belonged with other owls."
This is Phoebe Wahl's fourth picture book, and how lucky I am to be able to post it for you today. If you haven't already seen the first three, you have missed some truly lovely books. Look for Sonya's Chickens (2015), Backyard Fairies (2018), and The Blue House (2020).
Little Witch Hazel introduces a young female enchantress who has great love and concern for all those who live in the forest with her. She wears a jaunty, red pointed hat as she travels throughout Mosswood Forest, always keeping her eyes on what is happening there.
Her story is told in four charming scenarios, set in each of the four seasons. In spring she finds an egg, seemingly abandoned. She waits to be sure no one is coming back for it; then rolls it home where she can take care of it. When the owl hatches, Hazel is welcoming. Little does she know how much work it will take to keep Otis from eating the tiny neighbors. Once ready to fly, Otis provides a means of rapid transport for Hazel. Too soon Otis leaves, as happens with wild things.
Season after season, Hazel proves her mettle with hard work and genuine concern for all. She is an important cog in the wheel that helps her community thrive. Her adventures are numerous and will be much admired by readers. The title page for each new season depicts Hazel in clothing that clearly matches the time of year. The endpapers provide a detailed map of the forest itself. Using earthy shades that include brown, green, red and blue, Ms.Wahl creates warm backgrounds and distinctive characters that will have young readers poring over the pages multiple times. There is so much to see!
Hazel is a remarkable character worthy of admiration. She is sturdy, strong, brave, tenacious, and always loving. She pays attention to every aspect of life in her natural surroundings and all who share it with her.
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