Five out of five stars
“Gertie Gets it Right (eventually)” is a children’s humorous fantasy aimed for
eight years old and upward. It is one of those fun, entertaining reads that all
ages can enjoy. I bought this book for my ten-year-old niece, but found myself
caught up from the very first chapter. Don’t pick up this page turner unless
you’re ready to have a good time. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face
and quite probably more than a chuckle or two, as well.
Gertie Grimthorpe is a young witch who is born from a long line of witches.
Unfortunately, she hasn’t really got the hang of it yet. Being born
blonde-haired and blue-eyed, with not a wart to be seen anywhere, is not easy
for a witch. Try as she might, Gertie finds her best efforts in trying to cast
spells all seem to fall flat. She does manage to give her bat-headed umbrella
the ability to talk, but wishes she hadn’t when all he does is complain and
insult people. Throw in an owl for a familiar who is unfortunately short-sighted
and a Moat Monster with a flatulence problem and you find loads of fun that will
keep you and your child entertained for hours.
Follow Gertie as she is sent to The Academy to improve her spell casting abilities. Meet her new friend Bertha Bobbit, a big girl with a matching appetite, and the weirdest array of witch’s familiars possible. Not to mention a demon. I know you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.
Denna Holm 