I'm honestly not sure I've ever read such a uniquely moving picture book. Our story follows a young girl who finds solace in the dark and dank of the woods outside of her smoggy, polluted city. She's heard stories of a witch in the woods, but only finds solitude — until one day, when she is intrigued by a dead bird. A crone appears, persuading the girl to not bother the dead animal, and leads her back to her home. Lo and behold, the crone is the witch of the woods she's been warned about, but there's nothing scary about her. In fact, she is a conservationist who preserves seeds of brighter, beautiful things that the world lacks. Though her world doesn't automatically change, the young girl is gifted something priceless from the crone: hope.

It feels wrong to say that this is a darker book because there is so much of that hope woven throughout, but I would say it depends on the child reading it. The illustrations help create the mood perfectly, and the actual story isn't watered down at all. I thoroughly enjoyed it. (I also have to admit that I don't think I've read a picture book with a Black witch, so I loved that representation especially! Her entire vibe was *chef's kiss*.)

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 ☆
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The Witch of the Woods by Zetta Elliott is about a young girl who lives in a world where smog and pollution are harming the environment, and everything seems dead. The young girl ventures into the woods and meets a "witch" who teaches her about the circle of life. This book was great, and the illustrations were perfect. This is a good book for children, teaching them about the harmful effects of pollution and the circle of life.
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Thank you. Netgalley, and Rosetta Press for the Ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Set in a future world where smog & pollution is killing the planet, The Witch of the Woods is dark for a picture book. But I loved the illustrations and the overall message of hope. The lovely depiction of the food cycle was so nice & it is a great book to teach the kiddos about environmentalism.

Thanks to NetGalley, Zetta Elliott, and Rosetta Press for the chance to read and review! My opinions are my own.

"The Witch of the Woods" by Zetta Elliott is a sweet children's book about a little girl in a city that is really affected by pollution and smog. She goes into the woods for fresh air and encounters a woman known as a rich. Instead of being afraid, she is open to teaching and hope from the older woman. Touching story. Thanks to Rosetta Press and NetGalley for the eARC.