In the Dark by Corinna Luyken, Kate Hoefler
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on August 29, 2023
ISBN: 0593372832
Genres: Cultural / African American, Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Witches walked through the trail in the dark woods, making witches brew around a fire, and flying on broomsticks through the air.

~OR~

People walked through the woods, admiring the wildlife, making a campfire for light in the darkness, and crafting beautiful kites to fly in the breeze.

This story begins alternating between two very different perspectives (one of the so-called “witches” and the other of the townspeople), showcasing misunderstandings and spreading stereotypes, until their stories intertwine and everyone realizes they are actually more alike than they thought. This book has lovely illustrations and an important message. However, the book itself is rotated so that the pages turn from bottom to top, making it cumbersome to hold. The alternating storyline also seems potentially difficult for children to follow. Recommended for ages 6-7.

Reviewed by Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell