Gritch the Witch is a character in a children's book series written by David Elliott. She is described as a grumpy old witch who lives in a ramshackle cottage in the woods. Gritch is known for her green skin, crooked nose, and wild, frizzy hair. She is always seen wearing a long, tattered black cloak and a pointed hat. Despite her grumpy appearance, Gritch has a heart of gold. She may be a witch, but she is not evil like the witches in fairy tales.
Only for dedicated fans of the series. (Picture book. 5-8)
There are lots of opportunities to make meaningful connections to text with so many kid-friendly references to A folk tale The Three Little Pigs A song Old MacDonald Had a Farm A movie The Wizard of Oz. Because the characters are so well developed through both the dialogue and illustrations, this is a fun book to compare the similarities and contrast the differences between Gritch and the Big Bad Wolf and or Gritch and the Piggies.
She may be a witch, but she is not evil like the witches in fairy tales. Gritch spends her days brewing potions and casting spells, but her intentions are always to help others. Gritch is a solitary creature who prefers the company of her talking cat, Scratch.
PIGGIE PIE!
In a first picture book outing for each, Palatini and Fine display the confidence of veterans in the field. The true subject of this disarming pastiche is children's culture, as the collaborators conspire to raid such venerable domains as Old MacDonald's Farm, Oz, and Big Bad Wolfdom for their material. When Gritch the Witch gets an attack of munchies, she finds that the only recipe that will satisfy her craving calls for eight plump piggies. She buzzes Old MacDonald's Farm, skywriting ``Surrender Piggies'' in one of the wordless scenes of the pigs scurrying for cover and donning various disguises. Fully outfitted, they flummox Gritch until she abandons her plan and finds an unlikely lunch date (meal) in a wolf. The book's dynamic, frame-popping layout and Fine's realistic style give the art an almost 3-D look; he convinces readers of every twist in the text with appropriately imagined visuals. The smug, smiling faces of the pigs are the perfect counterpart to the witch's toothless grin (and to the wolf's loopy smile on the back cover). More fun than a rasher of bacon and sure to be in demand at story hours. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 1995
ISBN: 0-395-71691-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1995
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
More by Margie Palatini
- BOOK REVIEW
The two of them have a deep bond and are often seen scheming and plotting together. They make a great team and their misadventures are often the highlight of the series. In each book, Gritch encounters a new problem or challenge that she must solve using her magical powers. Whether it's a lost pet, a missing treasure, or a village in distress, Gritch always steps up to save the day. Her magic may be unconventional and sometimes causes more chaos than good, but her intentions are always pure. Despite her grumpy exterior, Gritch is also quite funny and often delivers her lines with a sarcastic wit. She has a dry sense of humor and frequently pokes fun at herself and her magical mishaps. This appeals to children as they find her relatable and love her quirkiness. The Gritch the Witch series is loved by children all over the world. It teaches important lessons about friendship, kindness, and perseverance. Children are taught that appearances can be deceiving and that even grumpy old witches can have a heart of gold. Overall, Gritch the Witch is a beloved character who has captured the hearts of children with her unique personality and magical adventures. She has become an iconic figure in children's literature, inspiring young readers to embrace their quirks and never judge a book by its cover..
Reviews for "Gritch the Witch's Coven: A Look into Her Group of Witchy Friends"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Gritch the Witch". The storyline felt very weak and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional. I didn't find myself connecting with any of the characters or caring about what happened to them. The writing style was also very basic and lacked depth. Overall, I found the book to be quite boring and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Gritch the Witch" was one of the worst books I've ever read. The plot was non-existent and the characters were incredibly annoying. The whole book felt like a waste of time. I found myself skimming through the pages, hoping that something interesting would happen, but it never did. The writing was also below average, with a complete lack of description and emotion. Save yourself the trouble and skip this book.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was excited to read "Gritch the Witch" based on the synopsis, but it turned out to be a major letdown. The story was slow-paced and lacked any real excitement. The characters were forgettable and the dialogue felt forced. The book also had a lot of grammatical errors, which made it difficult to enjoy. Overall, I was very underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. David - 3/5 stars - While "Gritch the Witch" wasn't my favorite book, I didn't hate it either. The story had potential, but it fell flat in execution. The pacing was off and I found myself losing interest halfway through. Additionally, the characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth. However, I will say that the writing style was decent and the book is suitable for young readers. It just didn't meet my personal expectations.