ZOOM BROOM
by Margie Palatini & illustrated by Howard Fine
This fast-moving sequel to Piggie Pie! (1995) follows demanding, bunny-eating Gritch the witch as she (following a crash- landing on her broom) shops for new transport. After consulting a wittily rendered address book (among the entries is one “Bea Witch, Samantha Lane, Darrin, Conn.”), she ends up at a wacky car dealership. More frightening than Gritch is the foxy salesman’s plaid jacket as he goes through a “Who’s on First?”’style routine with brooms labeled “Witch 1” and “Witch 2.” Finally the warty, purple-clad shopper settles on “something hip. Something hot. Something happening!” She peels out in a fast car and absconds with the fox, and his future doesn’t look very secure. The book, like its predecessor, is silly, fun, and revved-up for reading aloud. (Picture book. 4-9)