Eager to put the “utterly adorable” costumes of Halloweens past behind her, the young, white narrator of this picture book has her sights set on a scary getup. “This year, a witch!” Yes, gone are the days of pink bunny onesies and oversized mouse ears. This year, she’s been growing out her “witchy locks,” “whipping up spells,” and teaching herself to speak to animals. She knows a lot about witches, who are generally independent and self-sufficient. They “don’t need their lovies. Or daddies. Or naps.” Excitement builds as she dons her dress and hat. “Get ready to run! Get ready to hide! Here comes … a witch??? A witch!! Ahhhhhhhhh!” One glimpse of her pointed hat and colorfully made-up face in the mirror is enough to scare the narrator right out of her costume. Fortunately, Daddy is there to support her as she recuperates from the fright. When she’s ready, the two of them get ready together (Daddy goes as a cat) and head out to trick-or-treat. “Look out, world!” Risograph printing adds pops of neon to the mostly black-and-white illustrations of a bold girl who craves independence but still needs the comfort of a loving parent now and then. Highly Commended, 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award

Four starred reviews!

In this “inspiring…delightful” (School Library Journal, starred review) picture book offering a twist on the trick-or-treat trope, a feisty little girl has had enough of her parents picking cutesy Halloween costumes for her—this year, a witch!

A little girl has been every adorable thing you can imagine for Halloween, and she is done with being cuddly, sweet, and precious. This year, she’s rebelling big-time and going for a totally different vibe: the spookiest thing out there. She’s going to be…a witch!

With only a little help from Dad, she works hard on her witchy locks, brew, spells and enchantments, and power to petrify. But what happens when what she sees in the mirror is so spooky, she scares even herself? Nothing that an understanding dad—and maybe a quick restorative nap—can’t handle.