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Very Scary

A Very Scary Witch Story

Die-cut, sturdy board pages are filled with colorful, glow-in-the-dark illustrations and a lively text that follows the antics of a young ghost. Original.

24 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

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Joanne Barkan

135 books8 followers

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5 stars
34 (43%)
4 stars
27 (34%)
3 stars
15 (18%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Abigail.
8,084 reviews279 followers
October 10, 2018
When Wisp's older sisters Howlinda and Moldessa set out for the witches' ball, they tell their eager young sibling that only those brave enough to fly a witch's broomstick are fit to attend. Determined to show them what she's made of, Wisp grabs a rickety old broomstick and, together with her cat Smudge, sets out to follow them. Soon embroiled in all manner of frightening adventures - skimming the Bottomless Lake, crashing through a web in the Spider Forest, hovering above the tombstones in the Mummies' Graveyard - she comes very close to giving up, demanding that the broom set her down in a misty meadow. But when a great white hawk threatens Smudge, Wisp discovers her courage, and finds the command she needs to successfully pilot the broom, arriving at the witches' ball in triumph.

One of a number of "very scary" picture-books penned by Joanna Barkan - others include A Very Scary Ghost Story , A Very Scary Haunted House and A Very Scary Jack-o'-Lantern - all of which feature glow-in-the-dark illustrations, this miniature picture-book is a witchy treat! The artwork, which has to be activated by exposure to light before it glows in the dark, is quite a bit of fun, while the story itself has some entertaining chills and a satisfactorily happy ending. Recommended to young children who enjoy witchy fare, and are looking for moderately spooky tales for Halloween.
Profile Image for Kelsie.
18 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2014
I thought that this book was very cute. It appears to just be a simple holiday book, but it had a very pleasant surprise! I loved that it was glow in the dark. I am studying to be a teacher right now, and so I know that when I am able to teach elementary school, that the kids would love reading this book and will remember it well. I think that this book and the rest in the series are very fun to read to kids. It was unexpected that the glow in the dark pictures had surprises on ever page and were not just the same picture in glow in the dark paint. Such a cute story, I would recommend it for any age group. Who doesn't like a good glow-in-the-dark book?
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,957 reviews15 followers
October 4, 2018
Copyright 1992. This is a Scholastic book with glow in the dark illustrations.

Out of the 4 books, I'd rank this one 3rd. Cute story about a young witch learning to fly a broom to the witch's ball. Lots of spooky glow in the dark fun. Young elementary school age & below.
Profile Image for Heidi.
911 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2025
4.3 stars

IMO, the illustrations were nice and attractive
and appropriate. I would rate the illustrations
as 8 out of 10 stars.
Profile Image for Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf.
Author 2 books45 followers
July 8, 2013
This is one of my favorite children's books of all time! I remember getting so excited around Halloween because that is when my parents would read this story to me. And when I got old enough to read it myself, I hardly put it down the entire month of October!

"A Very Scary Witch Story" is the tale of a young witch who is afraid of Halloween! She worries that she will not be scary enough to carry out her responsibilities as a witch. Soon, she is flying high atop a magic broom with her trusty black cat at the helm.

I loved turning off the lights and looking at the glow-in-the-dark pictures! Plus, as a person who does not like scary movies, I really loved the fact that there are fun Halloween stories out there for young and old alike to enjoy.
Profile Image for Peggy Smith.
860 reviews33 followers
July 25, 2008
Wow, the special super-secret glow-in-the dark pictures are a HUGE hit with my kids. I believe there are at least four books in this Halloween series and we love them all!
Profile Image for Sonia Gomes.
348 reviews121 followers
September 25, 2010
Loved the story and adored the illustrations!

You are so lucky in the US and UK, here all we get is Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews