The Widow's Broom - Chris Van Allsburg

Shivery story with a surprise ending.

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Common Sense rates it
4
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Book details
  • Author:Chris Van Allsburg
  • # of pages: 28
  • Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
  • Original Publication Date: 01/01/1992
  • Genre: Fiction - Picture Book
  • Hardcover: $18.95
  • Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 4-8
  • Read Aloud: 4+
  • Read Alone: 6+

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this atmospheric story, accompanied by Van Allsburg's usual magnificent artwork, has an ending twist that delights kids.

Families can talk about the neighbors' distrust and fear of the broom. Although the broom has not caused any harm, why do they want to destroy it?

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

The broom knocks two boys on the head, and throws their dog in the air. The ghost of the broom carries an ax.

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Amy Brotman

A witch leaves behind a broom that can't fly anymore, but it can still do chores for the lonely widow who befriends it. But the neighbors think it's evil and want to destroy it. Spectacular sepia-toned illustrations highlight this shivery story with a surprise ending.



Is it any good?

4

The big attraction in Chris Van Allsburg's books is his stunning illustrations, but this is one of his better stories as well. Reminiscent of an entry in the old "Amazing Stories" TV series, this pleasantly atmospheric tale has a twist at the end that delights kids with the satisfaction of seeing overbearing bullies get their due through the cleverness of the meek.

The full-page pictures are done in textured shades of gray that give the impression of sepia-tone art. The style is reminiscent of the one he used in The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, but grainier. Some of them are cinematically dramatic, such as the picture of the witch looking to the skies, lit by flames, while others, such as a scene of surprised chickens being fed by the broom, are funny.

This story makes a fine read-aloud on a cold evening, and if the room is lit by firelight, so much the better. For another slightly eerie Van Allsburg book, try The Stranger.

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