Wobble the Witch Cat

Dear Friends,

As darkness arrives a little bit earlier each day and dusk lingers a bit longer, there's more time for imaginations to think of Halloween witches and their black cats. We decided this was the perfect time to revisit an old favorite, Wobble the Witch Cat by a favorite childhood author Mary Calhoun.

I originally fell in love with Mary Calhoun's books as a young reader following the adventures of Katie John. I imaginged visiting Katie John in her big red brick house and having lots of adventures together. The books became even more special to me when I learned that Mary Calhoun's hometown was just a few miles down the road from where I grew up, and that big red brick house is still standing. It was as if Katie John became a favorite playmate! We hope you enjoy Wobble the Witch Cat and, if you don't know Mary Calhoun yet, she becomes one of your favorites as well. 

 

Wobble the Witch Cat

by Mary Calhoun

illustrated by Roger Duvoisin

Wobble, the Witch Cat is a happy little black Halloween cat that belongs to sweet-natured witch named Maggie. The two have always gotten along famously and enjoyed many Halloween adventures together until Maggie ruined their peaceful existence by getting a new broom. Something very unfortunate occurs when Wobble goes out with Maggie on the new broom and has caused Wobble to become very cross and dread the approach of the spooky night of Halloween.

The fun little Halloween tale, paired the vintage 1950s feeling illustrations by Roger Duvoisin, is a perfect choice for young trick-or-treaters who prefer Halloween stories that cause smiles and not scares.

In this Issue

• Magic Wish Cookies
• Accordion Fold Wobble the Witch Cat

 

 

 

Maggie's Magic Wish Cookies

We have it on very good authority that this is Maggie's own recipe for Magic Wish Cookies just like she made in the book. The trick is to make a wish as soon as you take a bite, and these magic cookies dissolve on your tongue, your wish will come true!

Young Readers in the Kitchen

Although the first three steps of making these cookies are probably best done by a parent, kids can have fun dropping spoonfuls of the fluffy batter on parchment-lined cookies sheets.

Magic Wish Cookies

Adapted from Meringue Cookie Bites, Three Ways (check this out for more tips on making meringues) and Chocolate Meringue Cookies.

Ingredients and Supplies

• 3 egg whites (make sure there is no yellow yolk in the egg whites!)
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• Parchement paper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. 
2. Place egg whites in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. 
3. Mix on medium speed until frothy. Sprinkle cream of tarter over egg whites and continue to mix on medium speed until soft peaks form.
4. Increase mixer speed to medium-high and add sugar a few tablespoons at a time. After all sugar is incorporated and mixture becomes glossy, sprinkle cocoa powder over mixture. Continue beating until stiff peaks, that stand straight up when mixer head is liften, form.
5. Using a tablespoon, drop batter on parchement-lined cookie sheets. 
6. Bake for about 2 hours - longer if cookies are large. They should no longer be glossy, and lift easily from the parchment. 

 

 

Accordion Fold Wobble Cat

Paper and glue and just a little folding and your young reader can have his or her very own Wobble the Witch Cat to proudly display as Halloween approaches. 

Why We Like It

• With no patterns or set shapes to copy, creative thinking and self-confidence are nurtured. The decision-making opportunities help to build self-confidence.
• Accordion folding and cutting with scissors encourages development of fine motor skills.

Accordion Fold Wobble the Witch Cat

Supplies

• Black construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Crayons

Directions

When Matisse became unable to paint he began “painting with scissors” to create his beautiful works. Based on the same principle, encourage your child to cut shapes from the black construction paper to create the body, head, ears, and tail of Wobble. Glue the shapes together. Ask your reader to cut four strips of black paper to make Wobble’s legs. Demonstrate for your reader how to accordion fold each strip. Glue the legs to Wobble’s body. Use crayons to create Wobble’s face.

 

 

Related Book: Written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet, Moonlight: the Halloween Cat is a warm and cozy Halloween book that tells the story of a gentle black cat on her favorite night of the year.