Which Witch's Wand Works?

Ricket & Rattle #1

by Poly Bernatene (Illustrator)

Arguing over a television programme doesn't normally have disastrous results. But tonight's edition of "Which Witch's Wand Works" proves too much for our heroes, setting off a chain of escalating events with unexpected and hilarious consequences. Enter the unique, manic world of Rattle, Rickett (and Rum) created by prize-winning illustrator Poly Bernatene.

Genres: Halloween, Picture Books, Cats, Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 2004

About the author

I was born in 1972, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and have been drawing ever since. I graduated from Buenos Aires’ Art School, where I developed a great interest in managing different techniques and enjoying my work, which has always been based on experimentation and diversity. Therefore my work is constantly changing and developing itself, looking for new ways to tell a story. In my own personal search for a style and field of activity, I have worked within advertisement, animation and comics. During the last couple of years, I established myself an exciting career as professional illustrator, having published more than 60 children books in Argentina, Mexico, Spain, UK, Australia, Denmark, Germany, France, China, Taiwan and USA.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in Britain, and only made available here in the USA this past year (2009), Which Witch's Wand Works? offers an endearingly quirky little tale, in which two witch sisters - Rattle and Ricket - must put aside their differences, when their cat Rummy is endangered by their spell-casting contest. Watching the television show, Which Witch's Wand Works?, Rattle and Ricket fall into a bragging contest, which leads to a spell-casting competition, which leads to... well, disaster!

The language patterns here felt a little British to me - I don't mean that in a negative way, but parents of young children, here in the USA, might want to take note - but overall I think this would make an excellent read-aloud, with the two sisters trying to go one better than the other. The illustrations are funky and fun, with elongated body-shapes and droll expressions that add to the entertainment. All in all, an engaging little tale for younger witch enthusiasts! I think I will have to track down the sequel, When Witches' Wands Won't Work , which is (alas!) not available here in the USA...

[India Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was younger I would want my mum to read me this book all the time.

[Sylvia Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story concept. Beautiful illustrations. Rhymes not so much

[Wilson Goss · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is okay. The title and some of the pages with the spells on them lead one to believe that this is a book filled with language games language sounds rhyming but it is not. The phrasing and the language in the style is just difficult to read. the rhythm is very bumbling. The only redeeming thing about this book are the illustrations which are very good and fun.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to ask my mum to read this book to me when I was little, constantly! My poor mum!! Would especially recommend to younger readers as funny and illustrations so good.

I love the drawings, especially of the cat.

[Deana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange phrasing in spots but beautiful illustrations.

[Zatika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book on sibling rivalry. Arguing over a television show? Been there, done that. The two sisters put aside their differences to save their cat. Hurray for cat ladies! :)

[Tar Buendía · Rating 4 out of 5]

L.a historia es bastante tonta aunque entretenida y la ilustraciones son una pasada.