The Children’s Book Review | April 15, 2014
One Creepy Street: Annica’s Broom
By Lee Jordan
Paperback: 32 pages
Age Range: All Ages
Publisher: Black Rose Writing (February 13, 2014)
What to expect: Cautionary tale, Driving & Texting, Teenagers, Rhyme
Annica’s Broom is the first story in the “One Creepy Street” series created by debut children’s book author Lee Jordan. Its message for newly licensed teenage drivers is clear: Don’t text and drive!
Annica is a teenage witch who lives on a strange block with wizards, lizards, an evil tooth fairy, a downcast elf and other villainous looking creatures that you could imagine wander around during the witching hour. The story gets going when Annica receives the customary 13th birthday present that is given to all witches, a flying broomstick. Her mother warns her to fly safely and without distractions, which she does to begin with; however, just as she is becoming confident with her independent flying Annica’s cell phone begins to ring.
“But the teenager knew that she was just fine.
She was sure she could fly and text at the same time.
The phone “pinged” once again and rattled Murray her bat.
Four simple words asked her, “Where r u at?””
Trouble follows when Annica finds herself stuck on One Creepy Street with a broken broomstick and a bunch of unsavory characters. Lucky for her, a one-eyed policeman with a broken flashlight could be just the creepy person to help her return safely home to her mother.
No child or teen ever wants to read a book that sounds like a nagging parent, so, Jordan has kept this cautionary tale light and relatable by using rhyme, candor and by disguising a teenage driver as a broomstick flying witch. Mr. Drew Rose’s illustrations also bring some fun to the pages with bright and funky cartoon illustrations. Though there is lightness to this story the message to new drivers (and old drivers) of not text messaging while driving is well delivered. This is a book that parents will enjoy gifting to their teens as they reluctantly handover the keys for the first time. The picture book format means it will also appeal to younger readers too.
Add this book to your collection: One Creepy Street: Annica’s Broom
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