Children's author and illustrator Norman Bridwell, creator of the classic Clifford the Big Red Dog books, presents a clever and creative witch's catalog in this companion to his series of stories about The Witch Next Door. From a real witch's costume—offered at 50% off—to pet dragons and all of the accoutrements needed to keep them, the items for sale in this catalog are invariably magical. They are also often things for which children would wish. A magic pencil, an invisibility suit, a pillow to give you a selection of good dreams, a spoon to make nasty medicine taste good—the list goes on and on...

Having read and (sometimes) enjoyed the four picture-books and one beginning reader devoted to the witch next door's adventures, I was curious about this companion volume, first published in 1976. I had to track it down via inter-library loan, and I am very glad that I did, as it was immensely engaging. Although not a story book, it has so many story ideas in it, so many magical items that a child or would-be witch might want, that I can imagine young readers poring over it again and again. The accompanying artwork is in black and white, and is in the same cartoon-style as the storybooks, with the witch herself (as well as her human friends) often appearing. Although a little difficult to obtain, I do recommend this one, both to fans of the series and to young children who enjoy witchy fare. It's too bad it's long out of print, as I think it would still have appeal today. ( )