THREE LITTLE WITCHES AND THE SPOOKY OLD HOUSE

The scene is set for frights, but a trio of witches has some delicious magic that offers everyone a thrill.

Archer provides a suitably shivery soundtrack (“Whoosh! goes the wind! / Hoot! goes an owl”) as the young witches, sporting hats nearly as tall as they are, enter a derelict Victorian manse, set against an eerie blue-gray backdrop. But a wink from one and the emergence of warmer hues hint that all isn’t as it seems. These youngsters prepare to cast a spell, observed by the owl, a cat, a spider, a mouse, and a “musty, dusty ghost.” Accompanied by more sound effects, they sweep, build a roaring fire, place a cauldron in the fireplace, and generally make the place more inviting. Surprise! Guests arrive: a moaning mummy, a grinning, green-skinned goblin, and a “huge, hungry ogre, / with a rumble-grumble tummy.” Drinking hot apple cider, they gather by the fire. And soon the magic happens: Popping sounds, followed by a cauldron bursting with popcorn for all the creatures. Eating and sharing “not-too-scary stories” (like this one), everyone has a “haunting good time.” As Bordicchia’s attractive images grow more colorful, even the supernatural creatures seem friendly-faced. A selection of well-chosen details will reward repeat reads; this charming tale trades scares for happy surprises. Two of the witches and the ogre are light-skinned; another witch is darker-skinned.

A gentle take on spooky season that still has a classic Halloween feel.