What's in the Witch's Kitchen?

Gr 1—3—Sharratt's book comes with choices. The flaps covering the seven items in the witch's kitchen can be opened either from the left or right, or up or down. Questions prompt readers to guess what's inside each appliance or container. The rhymes that appear beside each illustration hint at the contents under the flaps. "What's in the toaster in the witch's kitchen?/Open it left or open it right. Will it make your mouth water or turn your hair white?" One side of the flap reveals "a grumpy burnt ghost"; the other side shows "some crunchy hot toast." Sharratt's digital illustrations are colorful and large. Symbols associated with witches are incorporated into the different views of the kitchen. The dishes in the cabinet have a snake pattern on them. The green walls are painted with stars and moons, and the refrigerator is covered with magnets in the shape of a witch's favorite things. Children don't meet the purple-haired witch until she pops out of the back door on the last page, but her pet cat makes a couple of appearances throughout. Humorous contrasts, cheery colors, and smiling bats and ghosts make this book a perfect fit for storytimes about homes, rhymes, or surprises.—Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada