When things get out of control at her surprise birthday party, Mouldylocks, the witch, concocts just the right spell to restore order.

Feeling a little down because no one ever remembers her birthday, Mouldylocks the witch is surprised to receive a broomstick in the post, and to find herself carried off to a small party arranged by her friend, Wizard Twittle. Things proceed agreeably at first, as Mouldylocks is given a number of lovely gifts by her friends, but then the games begin and the magical competition gets a little out of hand. When Wizard Twittle is transformed into a grasshopper, Crabby Ann into a centipede, and Mama Kano into a snail, it falls to Mouldylocks, with the help of her new spell-book, to set things right.

Originally published in the UK, this witchy picture-book from author/illustrator Bernard Lodge was quite fun, with plenty of magical hi-jinks to keep young readers engaged, and appealing wood-block illustrations that capture the sense of humor in the story. I think my favorite scene, visually speaking, was the one in which Mouldylocks, surrounded by all of her friend's magical accoutrements, struggles to concoct the correct potion. Although I wouldn't describe Mouldylocks as a particularly outstanding example of the 'witchy' picture-book - an ongoing pet project of mine - the story is solidly engaging, and the artwork appealing. Then again, as someone who appreciates wood-block illustrations, I was bound to enjoy it. ( )