The Follower

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Every night, as she patrols the bounds of her spooky domain, the witch
knows that she is being stalked by something dark and relentless. As she
passes through Bogeyman’s Bog, it follows. As she passes by the
fog-shrouded graveyard near Hangman’s Birch, it follows. Under the
white stone moon near Elf King’s Hill, it follows. The witch tries to
chase it away. She hisses, stamps her foot, and shakes her walking
stick. The stalker runs but always returns to take up the chase. After a
week of persistent pursuit, it follows her right to her door.

Despite its seemingly ominous theme, this is a book that will delight
young readers because the story gently builds suspense and then
dissolves into a warm and happy conclusion. Although the main character
is decked out in traditional Halloween witch regalia (pointy hat, black
robe) she is also a very unthreatening witch. Richard Thompson’s text
bounces along in springy rhyming couplets. Illustrations by
award-winning illustrator Martin Springett add their own macabre but
gentle touch to the tale. Highly recommended.