WILD WITCHES’ BALL

Asbury illustrates a vintage bit of early Prelutsky, first published in Witch Poems (1976), with sketchy party scenes featuring plenty of pointy hats, black shadows, green skin, and flashes of jack-o’-lantern orange. “Late last night,” it begins, “at Wild Witch Hall / We witches held our / Wild Witch Ball”—an event involving “Ten tall crones / with moans and groans,” “Nine queer dears / with pointed ears,” “ Witches eight / with mangy tresses,” and so on down, until a collective scene invites readers, if so inclined, to tote up all the revelers. The counting practice adds a pedagogical veneer, but it’s the lively art, plus Prelutsky’s rare way with language and rhyme that will bring children back to the party. (Picture book. 5-7)