Just so you know, this book is due late July 2026. Yes, I read via an online reader a book due in the summer of 2026. So why bother with reviewing it in November 2025? Because you need to know about this new book. Scritch! Scratch!: An Itchy, Witchy Halloween Tale by Teri Sloat and illustrated by Zuzana Cupova might just become a classic.
You see, it is already halfway there with its classical looking illustrations. The black and white images, mixed in with sepia, grays and other earth tones give off 1940s elements. The story is a slow build up, somewhat spooky, but nevertheless not going over the edge. It teeters on that line between “old school intensity” and “modern sweetness.” The idea of something, possibly a witch, following the children is fun and clever, while keeping you guessing is it real or is it imagination or is it something natural? Of course, all of that comes together in a climax one could see coming, or could you? It is not as predictable as you might think.
Because of some of the images (there is a silhouette of a classic looking witch) things might not be for the sensitive reader, but most kids will be okay with it. I would even go as old as 8 to young 10. But since I am assuming it will be in a traditional picture book size, it might turn that older reader off for solo reading. It probably would work well for a smaller group to read aloud and that would allow the older readers to participate in the story as it is mature, but not overly so as to lose the younger reader.
Overall, it is a good book that needs people to spook…. read