Louanne Pig in Witch Lady

February 1, 1986
PreS-Gr 3 -Carlson has taken a common childhood fear of the local "spooky" house and turned it into a humorous story with a believable ending. Louanne Pig and her friends decide to investigate a house they are sure belongs to a witch. They are terrified by the sounds they hear from inside and run away. Alas, poor Louanne sprains her ankle and is left to confront the "Witch." The witch turns out to be a friendly, lonely old lady (a dog) who befriends Louanne. Her friends marvel at Louanne's bravery and, with a knowing smile, she tells them she will go back to the house the next day. The clear, three-quarter page color illustrations show a great deal of humor and combine with the simple text for an appropriate non-threatening "witch" story for preschoolers as well as one that early elementary school children will identify with and have fun reading on their own. Louise M. Zuckerman, San Francisco Public Library