Book Review - 'Little Witch's To-Do List by Helen Kemp Zax (Writer), Kiersten Eve Eagan (Illustrator)

Gosh, how many books titled 'Little Witch' are there?

But this - as part of 'A Magical List Book' series - is one of the better ones.

The 'To-Do List' in question is played on the straight and narrow (except maybe when doing loop the loops on a broomstick), and there is nothing really subversive about it. There is no story, per se: Little Witch's long list of magical chores, activities and hobbies for the day is done and dusted with no obstacles; everything works out fine. It kind of sends the unfortunate message to children about not allowing flexibility, or contingency plans for the unpredictable in life. It's good to be organised and have plans - I'm borderline OCD about them myself - but in reality, rigidly sticking to following lists, rules and order doesn't always work out how you want them to. It's odd to see such rule-abiding in a kids' fantasy picture book with a witch protagonist who can do anything she wants - who has limitless potential.

Why not also teach how to cope when things don't work out? To allow for positive change? Learn to go off script and expand your horizons, reach your own magical potential, to better yourself as a person?

But 'Little Witch's To-Do List' is so cute, charming, magical and witchy otherwise, that I do not mind its somewhat unimaginative "story" and moral. It's a colourful, rhyming, melodic beat of a picture book about the day in the life of a witchling, and that's okay.

Its artwork is beyond charming - and that is the word that best describes the whole book. Its rhyming scheme is simple, creative and effective on each page. I can see it being an edutainment CD-ROM game.

There is a black cat, a witch hat, a witch robe, a owl, a baby phoenix, a dragon, a snake, bats in belfries, a wart hair (I like that Little Witch has spots on her face), potions, a green-slime shake, an invisibility spell, a mandrake garden, a toadstool cake, the moon, flying on a broomstick, talking to a mirror, cuddling with Mum, and Halloween goodness everywhere!

Maybe it doesn't matter that the titular Little Witch has no name?

'Little Witch's To-Do List' - a little bit of a shame its moral, intended or not, to children couldn't be as imaginative and free as its content, but it is still an adorable, colourful, wonderful and enchanting rhyming picture book read to pass the moonlit night at bedtime. It's no 'Kiki's Delivery Service' or 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' or even 'Pizza Witch', but it's sweet on its own.

At least it ends on a touching goodnight scene with Little Witch and her mum, where they read 'Little Witch's To-Do List' together (!?!) The 'Magical To-Do List' itself, shown at the end, is another cute addition.


'To-do lists are more
than pure magic fun.

They help is keep track of
what needs to get done!

What's on YOUR to-do list?'


I doubt anyone's to-do list is as fun, exciting, busy and magical as a witch's.

Other, similar picture books and recommendations:


'Witch in Training'

'My Mummy is a Witch'

'The Witchling's Wish'

'Once Upon a Witch's Broom'

'Leila, the Perfect Witch'

'Sunday The Sea Witch'


What the hex, might as well look at another book titled 'Little Witch' that I enjoy here.


Happy Halloween, witches!

Final Score: 3.5/5