Precious and the Boo Hag

Newbery Honor author McKissack (The Dark-Thirty) teams up with storyteller Moss to relay-with flair and humor-the tale of a girl with a stomachache who stays at home while her mother and brother go off to the fields to plant corn. Mama leaves Precious with a warning ("Don't let nothing and nobody in this house") and Brother slyly adds that if Precious does let someone in the house, it may well turn out to be Pruella the Boo Hag ("She's tricky and she's scary, and she tries to make you disobey yo' mama"). Though the girl tries to reassure herself that there's no such thing as the Boo Hag, suddenly the honeysuckle wilts on the vine and "the sunny day took on a dark and dreary disposition." The creature, with "eyes of burning cinder and hair that shot out like lightning," appears "riding on the back of a storm," demanding that Precious let her inside with a voice "that rumbled like rolling thunder." Precious bravely sings a chant announcing her refusal to let the hag in and the creature disappears-only to return three more times in various guises, including that of a shiny penny. Brooker (Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street) conveys the rowdy, larger-than-life goings-on in playfully exaggerated, stylized collage art which features a range of textures. The story's lively language, pleasing cadence and effective repetition of Precious's chant make this a buoyant read-aloud. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)

Copyright 2005 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

K-Gr 3 -When Precious's bellyache keeps her from helping in the fields, she is left at home alone, with Mama's strict instructions to let no one inside the house for any reason, no matter what. This admonition is reinforced by Brother's warning that if she is not careful, Pruella the Boo Hag might sneak in. Frightening Boo Hags tell lies and are rude, and try to get children to disobey their mamas. Worst of all, they change shapes, so they are hard to recognize. Temptation comes in many forms and Precious is surely baited. But she is a plucky girl who confronts her fears and, in the end, clings to what she knows is right. The spirited language and vivid images will draw out the performer in every reader. The authors have produced an enchanting tale that is a pinch scary but a peck of fun. Brooker's oil-and-collage illustrations enhance the excitement while providing a glimpse of a modest home with peeling paint, braided rugs, and homemade jam. These images evoke real warmth and comfort, fortifying Precious -and readers -to meet her challenges. Find a comfy chair, gather an audience, and enjoy this wonderful book." -Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.