From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6- E.L. Konigsburg's (Atheneum, 1971) funny novel of two lonely girls receives an update in this narration by Carol J. Stewart. Stewart's soothing voice brings the story to life without belittling typical schoolgirl dilemmas. Elizabeth is new in town and having trouble making friends. When she meets Jennifer, things take a turn for the better. Jennifer claims to be a witch and she recruits Elizabeth as her apprentice. The girls communicate through notes and secret messages, which always appeal to this age group. As part of her apprenticeship, Elizabeth has to eat raw eggs, onions, spaghetti noodles and give up sweets for the holidays. There are also taboos for the girls to follow or face the consequences. During their weekly meetings and rituals they plan to invent a flying ointment. The two develop a special friendship as they spend time in the library researching the formula for this magical ointment. As in all friendships there must be some give and take, and Jennifer and Elizabeth soon discover theirs is no different. The satisfying ending will please anyone who has ever had a special friend. This recording will appeal to fans of Konigsburg and may win some new followers along the way.

Ginny Harrell, William McGarrah Elementary School, Morrow, GA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description

Elizabeth is the loneliest only child in the whole US of A until she discovers Jennifer. Of course, Jennifer isn't a friend, really. Witches don't make friends, and Jennifer is a witch. Elizabeth becomes her apprentice, however, and in the process of learning how to become a witch herself, she also learns how to eat raw eggs, how to cast short spells, and how to get along with Jennifer, among other things.
The relationship lasts from fall into spring. The girls meet each Saturday at the library and go from there to the park where they hold special ceremonies and read books on Witchcraft. The climax of their joint effort is to be a flying ointment, but it is here that trouble crops up.

Though this story is set in suburban New York City, it could happen anywhere, for Elizabeth's problem, and Jennifer's problem, the need for a friend, can happen to anyone.

Awards:

1968 Newbery Honor