Carole Tremblay

Emily Lee was a little witch in a family full of witches. Her mother and father were witches, and so were all of her siblings. Although she was only seven, and not supposed to do any magic yet, she often 'borrowed' her mother's wand, in order to cast mischievous spells. Unfortunately, she didn't know her right from her left, and her spells often went wrong, due to her habit of holding the wand in the incorrect hand. When she transformed herself into a toaster, and was late for dinner, her long-suffering family knew they'd have to search for her, and help her regain her natural form...

Originally published in Canada as Sardinette Flanellette, this witchy early-reader is part of Picture Window Books' Read-it! Readers collection. It is on the text-heavy end, for an early-reader - it is a green level title, which is the fifth of sixth levels in the Read-it! Readers system - and pairs a fairly engaging story from author Carole Tremblay with humorous illustrations from artist Stéphane Jorisch. I sought it out, initially, because of my interest in witchy picture-books and other illustrated texts, and on the whole I enjoyed it. The central story idea is original - I don't think I've ever encountered a story in which magic is influenced by which hand one uses to hold the wand - and the artwork is droll. I've encountered and enjoyed Jorisch's work before, in titles such as Oma's Quilt by Paulette Bourgeois, and New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story by April Halprin Wayland, so it was a pleasure to see more of it. Recommended to beginning readers who enjoy witchy tales.… (mer)

~ from the Library

FLOOP IN THE DARK is a scary-noise-at-night book. And you'll have to be the judge of whether it's a 'good' book to read to your child.

From my own experiences I had one child that would love this book and one that I wouldn't share it with because it would only increase their nighttime anxiety.

So let me try to give you enough info so you can judge for yourself. >>If you don't want to know the plot STOP HERE>>

The story is essentially that Floop is sleeping and having pleasant dreams when he is awakened by a sound. Immediately his imagination begins to fly and he goes from imagining a single monster to a whole raft of them. This is resolved by Floop 'getting an idea', which is turn on the lights.

Once the lights are on he/she sees that they are alone. [If I was reading this to a child I would emphasize the fact that Floop was basically scared because of a really good imagination. Then I'd probably put a clapper light in their room.]

The lack of anything real to fear is supported by the fact that Floop hears crying which is coming from Little Bob --who appears to be some sort of sentient doll. Little Bob, you see, apparently caused the 'scary' noise when he fell off the shelf.

FLOOP IN THE DARK is at the mid-First Grade reading level.… (mer)