This is a cute short story to help children cope with the times we are living in. I can you how it will grab a child’s attention and keep it. This could definitely be used to open up discussions between parent and child about asking for help or the fears they might be having.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

Net Galley Review:

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

I asked to read and review this book because the title of the book was a little amusing to me based on the time it was written. I thought this was a well written piece of writing showing how sometimes everything isn't what it seems. And also how it is important not to judge a book by its cover. I would recommend this book for anyone to read especially if they have younger people at home with them.

Draven has a new neighbor across the street. They are a couple with a weird looking black cat. Draven is watching the McBecky’s house while he draws his favorite comic book hero, Captain Comic . He sees a college age girl go into Mrs. McBecky’s house and comes out as an octopus monster. Draven decides that she must be a witch. Who else could turn a girl into an octopus? He tells Tommy, his best friend who lives next door. Draven and Tommy are excited when their first day of school starts. They will be in the third grade which is on the second floor of the school. Third grade means going upstairs with the “big” guys. However, he can’t believe his eyes when he sees Mrs. McBecky down at the end of the hallway. One day at school, it is announced there is a pandemic and all students must go home. They are given a packet to give to their parents so they can do their schoolwork with help from their parents. The president on tv tells the people that must stay home and in their yards plus more. Since Draven’s dad works at the hospital, he will be going to work. One day his father comes home early from work sick with the coronavirus. He has to stay in their bedroom until he is well. His mother sleeps in the guest bedroom. Both Draven and his mother are required to take the coronavirus test to see if they caught it from his dad. They are fine — they didn’t get it. Will Draven’s father get well? Is Mrs McBecky a witch?

A story that is appropriate to read now. It can open up conversations about the coronavirus. It’s a delightful story that made me laugh at what makes Draven sure that Mrs,. McBecky is a witch. It also shows how one should not “judge a person” by what a person looks like or seems to do.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/4 stars.

This short story holds a lot of whimsy centred around the hard reality of the coronavirus pandemic. A good way if interpreting the early stages of lockdown and how it can affect those of any age and especially those with loved ones deemed essential workers.

A fun a way to take a scary topic for children and make it understandable. My 6th grader loved it and found it relatable( due to the virus).
I could see how for younger readers it maybe hard to read due to writing style, may need assistance.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***.

A cute story to relate with elementary age kids during COVID-19. A little difficult to read due to continual run on sentences. Many of which could have been broken into simpler phrasings or just multiple sentences. I felt myself starting to correct sentence structure and not paying attention to the story. This would be okay for younger readers. Parents reading it to children may struggle not to verbally comment. Its a reading level that may be difficult for children that are in its age range. Unless they are avid readers themselves.