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The Widow's Broom (by Chris Van Allsburg)

common sense media says

Shivery story with a surprise ending.

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What 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.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: The broom knocks two boys on the head, and throws their dog in the air. The ghost of the broom carries an ax.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on The Widow's Broom

What to talk about

Talk to your 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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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?

Is it any good?
 
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.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
Publication date: January 1, 1992
Number of pages: 28
Hardcover price: $18.95
This review was written by Matt Berman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Samuel M.
kid, 11 years old
5
 
great book that might scare super young kids
A great story, but its more scary elements might creep down to the bones of younger children. A good toddler to preteen book if they like amazingly illustrated picture books with clues, mystery, and surprise endings. Van Allsburg used to be my 4th-grade hero of picture books, and he still is one of my heroes. But anyways, The Widow's Broom is a good book for young kids, but it's a shivery, creepy story at its core.
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