Mitzi is a witch who likes creepy things. So when she decides to get a pet, she wants the creepiest pet possible. But the bats she tries are too batty, the toad does nothing but eat bugs, and the warthogs . . . well, that’s a whole other story. Mitzi is in despair. She wants a creepy pet that is fun--and that will share her secrets. It seems too much to hope for, until one rainy night when something unexpected scratches on her door. . . . With gentle humor and a touch of magic, Arthur Howard reveals how true friendship sometimes turns up in the most surprising places. Despite the theme of witches and creepy critters, this is a very uncreepy, sweet, and unthreatening picture book suitable for children just getting into things spooky. Mitzi is a right little witch. She lives in a sort of permanent Halloween, surrounded by cobwebs and dubious-looking aunts in pointy hats. She wants a pet--a really, really creepy pet, please--but, despite repeated broomstick-flights to Cackle & Co. pet store, she just can't get one that satisfies. Finally a kitten named Hoodwink shows up at the door, is almost turned away on account of being horribly cuddly and nice... and turns out to be just perfect. Arthur Howard has won awards for his previous books Cosmo Zooms and When I Was Five ; it's easy to see why. (Ages 3 to 7) --Richard Farr K-Gr 3-Mitzi is a creepy little kid who flies around on a broomstick, has creepy relatives, and likes creepy things. Naturally, when it is time for a pet, only the creepiest will do. She gets a toad, but he does nothing but eat bugs all day. He is exchanged for two bats, but all they did "was hang around with each other." The lady at the pet shop then suggests warthogs, but they're too wild-eyed and toothy, even for Mitzi. Disconsolately, she flies home to mope. But wait! A kitten appears at the door, and the little witch allows it to stay, supposedly for one night only. "You're simply not creepy enough." It turns out, though, that the adorable little creature is the perfect companion for Mitzi, prowling the attic, watching the creature feature on TV, and telling secrets in the dark. In fact, Mitzi learns that "looks aren't everything" and that Hoodwink is just the right pet. The pictures are perfect for this lively story-lots of fangs and slimy, scaly, weird, and wiggly outlines fill the pages. While the toad and bats are strongly reminiscent of James Stevenson's work at his best and funniest, these illustrations have their own impressive individual character. Every page is a delight. Don't miss this one. Ruth Semrau, Upshur County Public Library, Gilmer, TX Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Ages 3-6. Spooky spiders, bats, and toads set the mood for this cheerful tale about a little witch in search of the perfect pet. Mitzi, who wants the creepiest pet possible, opts for a toad, which she dubs Mumps. But Mumps proves disappointing. When Mitzi hunts for ghosts, he eats bugs. When she watches a horror flick, he eats bugs. He always eats bugs. So Spooky exchanges Mumps for two bats, who only want to hang around. Before she gives the warthog a try, a kitten appears on her doorstep. It's not creepy enough, but Mitzi allows it to stay one night. Of course, that's all it takes for a sweet friendship to blossom. Children will enjoy the preposterous fun and hilarious illustrations, and the grownups who read to them will appreciate the fiendishly inverted humor and wordplay. Shelley Townsend-Hudson Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "Every page is a delight. Don't miss this one."- School Library Journal ARTHUR HOWARD is the author-illustrator of Cosmo Zooms and W hen I Was Five . He is also the illustrator of the popular Mr. Putter & Tabby series. Mr. Howard lives in New York City.