Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep
Robin Newman, Author
Chris Ewald, Illustrator
Creston Books, Fiction, Feb. 23, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Witch, Noisy neighbors, Problem-solving, Differences, Humor
Opening: “There’s a little-known secret about Hildie Bitterpickles. She needs her sleep.”
Synopsis: A redheaded young witch prepares for bed. As she cuddles with her cat, Clawdia, she hears a very noisy, “CLANGITY, CLANK, CLUNK, all night long.” She discovers that a giant has moved in next door. The neighborhood gets another jolt when an old woman moves in with a brood of noisy children and a wolf blows off the roof of her house. In exasperation Hildie turns to Rat Realty to find a new home in a quiet neighborhood, only to discover moving isn’t her answer. What will Hildie do to get a good night’s sleep?
Why I like this book:
What a pickle! Robin Newman has written a playful and clever fractured fairy tale about a young witch who learns some very important lessons about getting along with her rambunctious neighbors. Moving away and avoiding them isn’t an easy solution. Hildie discovers that if she confronts her problems with her neighbors, they are willing to work with her to find solutions. This is also an important story about honoring the differences in others.
Newman’s story is character driven, with a feisty and determined witch. Readers will delight in spotting a host of fairy tale characters that include blind mice, black sheep and other familiar storybook figures. The pacing is perfect with quirky and humorous storytelling. Chris Ewald’s gauzy, caricatured images are expressive, colorful and funny. My favorite illustration shows Hildie standing between the Giant’s two very hairy feet. There is a perfect marriage between text and artwork.
Resources: This is a lively classroom discussion book about avoidance versus confrontation. Visit Robin Newman’s website where you will find a free teacher’s guide download and view the video trailer for Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep. Children can also make their own Hildie Bitterpickles paper dolls.
Robin Newman is the author of Wilcox and Griswold: Case of the Missing Carrot Cake. Newman will publish another Wilcox and Griswold mystery sequel, The Case of the Poached Egg, in the spring of 2017, and No Peacocks!, illustrated by Chris Ewald, in the fall of 2017. Newman was a practicing attorney and legal editor, but now prefers to write about witches, mice, pigs and peacocks.
Children's Books Heal 
This is such a cute book. The second time I have heard about it. It is fun to see our favourite characters again. On BBC recently they aired a series called Dickensian where they cleverly used favourite characters from Dickens´novels to create new stories. It was so good and so well done.
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Children are really going to have a great time with this story. Many teaching moments too. Thanks for the info on the Dickensian stories. Haven’t heard about it.
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I do hope they run Dickensian over in North America at some point as it was so very good.
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I hope so too!
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I just won a copy of this! It’s a really fun read.
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I’m so pleased you enjoyed this humorous read. Congratulations!
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Pat, Thank you so much for the lovely review. It made my day. 🙂
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You are welcome, Robin. It was such a humorous story to review! I know kids will have fun looking for characters.
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Reblogged this on and commented:
Please grab your potions, broom, spell book and cat, and head on over to Patricia Tilton’s wonderful blog, Children’s Books Heal, to read a great review of Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep.
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Thanks for the reblog and mention.
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My pleasure! THANK YOU!!! 🙂
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Heavens I am so behind on my TBR list. Forgive me Hildie and don’t cast a spell on me! Clearly I need a long, quiet beach vacation with a lounge chair, book stack and big umbrella! Thanks for the review Pat.
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You will enjoy Robin’s newest book. Lovely message and a fun read!
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With a title like that, it’s got to be great fun! Putting in my library request. Thanks for sharing!
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It is a very humorous book that will delight children. The illustrations are gorgeous!
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Robin writes such lovely books with endearing characters! Wonderful review, as always, Pat! I look forward to reading Hildie!
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You will love Hildie’s personality. And, the illustrations are rich and colorful.
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Robin is a heckuva writer. I’m so glad Hildie is getting the love.
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Yes, I agree! She deserves the love!
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I have a niece who would love this book. I’ll alert her mom and dad to get her a copy!
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It really is a fun book, with a great message for kids. Hope your niece reads it!
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Newman is a far cry from her practice as an attorney, and thankfully she is! A delightful trailer, Patricia! Looks like children and adults too, will love this story. My grand-daughter who just turned four, will delight in the words and illustrations! Thank you!
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I think your granddaughter would love this tale. I like Newman’s unique writing style in her books. Always full of humor.
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It looks delightful and there is no doubt that “Gracie-Girl” will treasure this story. Thank you, Patricia.
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