Review: A Very Witchy Spelling Bee by George Shannon

A Very Witchy Spelling Bee
Author: George Shannon
Illustrator: Mark Fearing
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Description:

Cordelia loves to spell in every way: studying spelling and practicing spells. She especially likes to double spell, turning her C-A-T into a new C-O-A-T by zapping it with the letter O. So when she sees a sign for the Witches' Double Spelling Bee, she knows it's meant just for her. Cordelia is determined to W-I-N—but so is the thirteen-time champion Beulah Divine, age two hundred and three. Has Cordelia studied and practiced enough to outspell the most fiendish witch at the bee?  

A Very Witchy Spelling Bee is an illustrated children's book that tells the story of a young witch named Cordelia, who loves doing two things: casting spells and spelling. She does both of these at the same time, mostly by spelling an object near her out loud and then adding a letter to the word to change it into a new object. Cordelia comes across a flyer for the Witches' Double Spelling Bee and she knows that she can win. In order to prove her double spelling powers, Cordelia must go head to head against the thirteen-time winner - Beulah Divine - who isn't a very good sport and isn't about to lose.

This was a really fun children's book that teaches valuable lessons underneath the exciting story. The book teaches children about the importance of practicing things, such as spelling words, along with being nice to others - even if they aren't nice to you, and believing in yourself. These are important lessons for young children to learn and the author does it in a way where the morals are tucked away in the heart of the story. The illustrations really bring the story to life. They are very colorful and have lots going on in them. Kids will especially like the pictures of Cordelia turning objects into different things using her spells. The illustrations are on every page, and there are quite a few full page pictures, which will definitely capture the children's imagination. Highly recommended for kids of all ages!