How the Witch Got Alf

By Cora Annett

Alf, the donkey, takes drastic measures to find out that he is loved as much as the old folks' other animals. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0531027910
• ISBN13: 9780531027912
• Release Date: March 1975
• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Length: 47 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

A CLASSIC TREASURE!

How the Witch Got Alf by Cora Annett and Illustrated by Steven Kellog was published in 1975, which when you think about it, is over 30 years ago. The author dedicates it to "For all (un)loveable donkeys, everywhere" which is a nice and fitting dedication. Alf is a small donkey who lives on the farm of an Old Man and Old Woman. The farm is populated by the normal critters found in such places during that time and Alf is actually an important part of this close knit community. He works for the Old Man in the fields; pull the Old Man and Old Woman to market once a week and in generally a rather valuable animal. But here in lies the problem. Alf notes that the Old Man plays with the dog and the Old Woman pets the cat as she lays in the Old Woman's Lap, is fed warm cream and they all set around listening to the Canary. All these animals sleep in the warm house in great comfort and are obviously well loved. Alf, on the other hand, sleeps in the cold barn and is given hay at the end of the day and that is it! Alf feels he is unloved! This is a horrible feeling, not only for people, but for a small donkey too! Alf tries to sing, with horrid results, tries to set in the Old Woman's lap which did not work out at all, and attempted to jump up and lick the Old Man's Face which was not a good idea. Alf feels much unloved, unappreciated and generally down. He decides to run away. Not wanting to run far, he climbs the roof of the house and hides. I do not want to give you any spoilers here, but suffice to say that Alf learns many things watching and listening. Alf also learns that a roof is not the best place to hide when you run away. The Old Man and Old Woman learn that life without Alf is not such a good thing. Enough of the story now...I will let you read it to find out where the "witch" comes into the story. This is a very well written little work and skillfully illustrated with black and white drawings by Steven Kellog. The book would be of interest to children from four up and I must say it is one of those books that is a pure joy to read, as an adult, to a child. There are several lessons to be learned with this one such as the fact that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, or most importantly; don't take those you actually love and depend upon for granted. There is also some very good humor in this work that will be appreciated by the close reader. This is one of those books we do not want to loose through neglect and passage of time. I highly recommend this one as it is quite timeless. I wish I could give this work six stars. Don Blankenship The Ozarks

One of the most adorable books I've ever read!

This book is for children, OF ALL AGES. The pictures makeme laugh, and the special way that the story weaves its spellhelps one see how our pride often gets us into terrible fixes and embarrassment. It would help anyone come down ofhis "high horse" a bit. Wonderful, simply wonderful!

Though a children's book, everybody can learn from this.

In this wonderful piece of literature by author Cora Annett, the reader is introduced to Alf, a donkey who feels unloved on the farm where he lives. This feeling of unlovability is the basis of the story, as it causes Alf to do some, well, silly things. This is definitely a good book for any who have ever felt unappreciated for the job they do, no matter how minor that job may be.