THE WICKED WITCH IS AT IT AGAIN

In theme and tone, this fresh and funny sequel to Tales of the Wicked Witch (1995) recalls another import about perilous acquaintances, Angela Sommer-Bodenburg's My Friend, the Vampire (1984). An imperfectly reformed witch spreads anxiety among her forest animal neighbors when she comes upon her old grimoire in the back of the closet and decides to stir up a potion or two. Fortunately, her concoctions don't work too well (Dizzying Potion) and tend to wear off quickly (Walking Backwards powder), or she's diverted before they do any permanent damage. In 14 short episodes aimed at readers who have recently made the jump to chapter books, she becomes the victim of almost as many pranks as she springs, due to a cast that includes a sextet of hyperactive young bunnies, a quick-witted hare, and especially a feckless hedgehog who is forever trying her patience—but who also brings out her better nature when he catches a fever. The frequent black-and-white wash illustrations display vigorous brushwork, animals blessedly au naturel and a rangy witch festooned with mushrooms. (Fiction. 8-10)