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Humbug Witch
There once was a little witch who was a "frightening-looking, horrible, witchey, WITCH!" She was everything a witch should be, but she just couldn't get her spells and potions to turn out right. What is wrong with the little witch?
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1965
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
October 10, 2017
This classic book from 1965 is adorable. This witch with the handmade black scarf, the orange gloves, the crumpled black hat, the BIG nose, the striped stockings is having a very difficult time getting her spells to work. It has a perfectly unexpected ending for a children’s book. My daughter asked me at the beginning of the second reading what “humbug” meant. It means “deceptive or false behavior.” It is a lovely title for a quirky fun halloween story. Highly recommended!
November 8, 2021
Originally published in 1965 (my edition is a reprint from Abingdon Press, put out in 1985), Humbug Witch is a charming little vintage picture-book, following the trials and tribulations of a witch who just can't seem to do anything right. Although she looks the part, with her big nose, crooked teeth, and stringy red hair, and has the proper attire, from her tall black hat (slightly squashed) to her orange gloves, somehow her spells just don't seem to work! Whether she's trying to make her broom fly, or to turn her cat Fred into an alligator, everything she does is a big flop. Is she a failure - a humbug witch? Or is she something else altogether...?
Many readers will correctly guess the answer to this question, and the revelation waiting for them at the end of the tale, but others, especially the young children at whom Lorna Balian's tale is aimed, might very well be surprised! The story itself is engaging, and the artwork, which has a vintage 60s style, is fun and appealing. The Humbug Witch is rather gross looking (in an endearing way), making her eventual 'transformation' all the more satisfying! All in all, a sweet little witchy adventure, one I recommend to fans of the genre. I might check out this author's Humbug Potion: An A B Cipher , if I get a chance...
Many readers will correctly guess the answer to this question, and the revelation waiting for them at the end of the tale, but others, especially the young children at whom Lorna Balian's tale is aimed, might very well be surprised! The story itself is engaging, and the artwork, which has a vintage 60s style, is fun and appealing. The Humbug Witch is rather gross looking (in an endearing way), making her eventual 'transformation' all the more satisfying! All in all, a sweet little witchy adventure, one I recommend to fans of the genre. I might check out this author's Humbug Potion: An A B Cipher , if I get a chance...
August 26, 2023
Impulse grab from the library. I do not like the ending (which is really the premise) at all. But I do like the style/voice, and the art. And I really love Fred the cat, especially his expressions, and so I actually hope I can find more by the author (hopefully archived on openlibrary.org).
October 15, 2010
She's got the slightly-crumpled pointy black hat, orange gloves, striped stockings, and a black cat named Fred, so why doesn't her magic work? Keep reading....
This is one of my favorite books to read to PreK and Kindergarten at Halloween. The more I read it, the more I love it.
I once bought a used copy at a library sale for 50 cents-- just because-- and when I opened it, it was signed by Lorna Balian. Score!
This is one of my favorite books to read to PreK and Kindergarten at Halloween. The more I read it, the more I love it.
I once bought a used copy at a library sale for 50 cents-- just because-- and when I opened it, it was signed by Lorna Balian. Score!
September 28, 2010
This is a cute book that I read during the month of October. I have made up some large cut outs so I can follow along with the story while the witch takes off her hat, and her shawl and, her black shoes, until eventually a little girl is revealed. It is a fun book with a surprise ending. It is great descriptive language in it and a lot of vocabulary that can be acted out. Me kids ask me to read this one over and over.
October 27, 2011
A cute, amusing story about a witch who is a humbug. Though she looks the part, none of her spells work. Why not? (You'll find out in the end--if you don't guess before hand.) It's a simple little story, but one that will probably please young readers (especially those who would like to be a witch and/or those who don't like scary witch stories). I love the illustrations and I've added an extra star for Fred, the very cute black cat--no humbug there ;-)
September 23, 2012
I read this book as a child and though I could remember bits and pieces I didn't know what it was called or any details that would help me find it again. The other day I was at the library with my little ones and there it was on display with the other Halloween books. I was so thrilled. I loved this book as a child and I was not disappointed when I read it again to my kids.
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October 11, 2011I loved this book as a child. My copy was well loved and worn out.
October 25, 2017
This is an old book, but the kindergarteners were still spellbound by it!
September 12, 2019
A cute Halloween Classic for the collection for sure. It's about a little witch that has difficulties with her magic.
October 12, 2019
Very sweet!
November 20, 2021
Very cute story about a witch whose spells are no longer working the right way. Find out why in this story , that will keep readers guessing.
August 31, 2023
7yo loves spoilers.
October 9, 2012
This is an ADORABLY CUTE picture book! It kept a smile on my face all the way to the very satisfying, surprising ending. A pity my daughter is already a teenager. I know she would have loved it and asked me to read it to her again and again if she were younger.
Our little witch has everything a horrible, witchy witch should have, from her pointed black hat to her long stringy hair to her ugly black shoes with gold buckles, and more. But the problem is, no matter how hard she tries, she can't get her magic to work. She can't make her broom move an inch; she can't turn her car Fred into an alligator; she can't even make her magic potion to explode. What else is there to do? Well, she starts taking off all her witchy items one by one, until it's time for bed and we realize our witch isn't really a real witch but a little girl who's been playing all along.
Young children 4 to 8 will surely love this story that teaches simple vocabulary and sequencing. They will also have fun identifying the various 'witchy' objects on the page. With Halloween just around the corner, this is the perfect picture book to give to your child as a holiday gift. The illustrations are cute and whimsical and full of Halloween colors. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I was provided this review copy by the publisher via NetGalley.com. This is my honest opinion and I didn't receive any financial compensation.
October 31, 2012
I LOVE this little book for Halloween. It is absolutely adorable and is written in simple English that allows the youngest of readers to truly enjoy. It is illustrated rather well. I enjoyed the minimal ‘chaos’ on the pages as I read it through. I realize this book has been around for quite some time, though I wasn’t able to find a definitive publication date. It reminded me of my own childhood and my love for reading and led me to wonder if I had read this book as a child. I think even the slightly older kids 8-10 would enjoy this book around Halloween and may even inspire them to create a costume of their own. I will be adding this book to my “read again” shelf.
August 27, 2017
Humbug Witch by Lorna Balian is an absolutely adorable read that is sprinkled with humor in both the narrative and the illustration. As an adult reader, I was so interested to see where the short storyline was going. I definitely couldn't have guessed the ending!
I loved the tone and the humor throughout. And oh my gosh, Fred the cat was adorable! Seeing what he was up to in each panel was my favorite.
The artwork was very simple. I didn't totally love it, but it didn't take away from the book at all either.
If you're looking for a fun read for October, I highly recommend this one!
I loved the tone and the humor throughout. And oh my gosh, Fred the cat was adorable! Seeing what he was up to in each panel was my favorite.
The artwork was very simple. I didn't totally love it, but it didn't take away from the book at all either.
If you're looking for a fun read for October, I highly recommend this one!
October 10, 2012
Background: A republished version of a children's book from 1965, Humbug Witch is all about a very scary witch who just can't get her witch-y ways just quite right.
Review: Adorable. Since it is so close to Halloween and I love witches I requested to read this title and it made me giggle. The colors are super bright and fun, and there is a beautiful ending to this very short children's read that would make anyone smile.
Recommended for young readers and those who enjoy witches.
Review: Adorable. Since it is so close to Halloween and I love witches I requested to read this title and it made me giggle. The colors are super bright and fun, and there is a beautiful ending to this very short children's read that would make anyone smile.
Recommended for young readers and those who enjoy witches.
October 23, 2014
We just read this book tonight, gearing up for Halloween next week. My daughter loved the illustrations and cracked up during the potion making portion. The story was very sweet, even though the witch wasn't successful at being witchey, she never lost her temper or seemed disappointed. No spoilers here, but we were both surprised at the ending! Highly recommend this book for grown ups and young witches in training.
November 2, 2012
A standard for my Halloween or Witch story time. One of the first flannel boards I copied. I read the picture book until she puts her broom in the corner, then I set down the book and uncover the flannel board and proceed to undress her. The kids always gasp when I take off her hair. 10/31/11
They didn't gasp when I took her hair off, but they did ask for it again.
They didn't gasp when I took her hair off, but they did ask for it again.
August 20, 2012
A little simplistic, but ultimately a really cute story that shows kids not everything is as it seems on Halloween! I have fond memories of reading and acting out this book for the kindergarten classes my mom supervised for many years throughout my childhood and adolescence...I think we still have a Humbug Witch mask tucked away somewhere!
October 28, 2012
CUTEST HALLOWEEN BOOK EVER!
This witch is small, except her nose...
SO...
she dresses up in all these clothes...
AND...
you can see that she is "truly a frightening-looking, horrible, witchey witch..."
BUT...
when she tries to do magic...
nothing happens...
SO...
(You will need to read the book to find out the ending...too good to spoil :)
This witch is small, except her nose...
SO...
she dresses up in all these clothes...
AND...
you can see that she is "truly a frightening-looking, horrible, witchey witch..."
BUT...
when she tries to do magic...
nothing happens...
SO...
(You will need to read the book to find out the ending...too good to spoil :)
October 21, 2012
Humbug Witch by Lorna Ballian is a delightful Halloween picture book featuring a Witch who can't do anything right. It's sweet and silly and not scary at all making it a perfect read aloud for pre-school - first grade students around Halloween.
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Review copy provided by Netgalley
December 5, 2019
This is a reprint of a classic picture book. A charming read for any time of the year. The little witch is having trouble with her magic. Children are in for a surprise ending...maybe even the adults. Wonderful choice for three to seven year old story time. Lovely book for bedtime as well.
October 24, 2016
My very favorite Halloween book to read aloud (elementary and Middle School)!!!
June 3, 2017
A-freakin-dorable! And with a surprise ending too? Rare in a children's book, in my very humble opinion. :) A very cute story - but I need to get another copy! Mine has a missing page! #TagSaleFind
October 24, 2017
This is an older picture book (1965) so it might get overlooked. It is cute and worth the read.
March 9, 2018
At first I didn't think I was going to like this book. But it's really sweet and cute and silly. A fun and funny book to read to your very young child, maybe up to age 5-6.
October 4, 2018
Humbug Witch is one of those books that has such simple illustrations and story and it totally captured my son's attention. He loved that Humbug Witch wasn't really who she said she was.
December 1, 2018
Classic.
December 7, 2019
This is a book our Children's Librarian reads at her Halloween story time and asked if I had yet. I took her copy and wow! So cute! A little surprise at the end but a good and sweet one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews