WITCHES RIDE BROOMS...TO BRUSH THEIR TRACKS AWAY.

By Charles LeroyYoumans '20. Havana: Seoane, Fernandez yCia, 1953.

Under a deceptive title for this time of year, Charles Leroy Youmans has written a story book appropriate for children in early grade school - children perhaps five to nine years of age. He tells .. about a ... conversation ... overheard, in the Land of Nonsense."

The illustrations are by Leila Quintana. In a pocket of the cover a "Surprise!" will be found - a recording of "The Broom and the Carpet Hi Diddle Dee," with music by Mary Morrison Todare and Ruby Gall Arango and vocal by Sara Lee Spears.

My children said they liked it. It seems that what we have been led to believe is true. When night falls, all THINGS - from clock, to clown, to kettle - do come to life in the playroom.

On this occasion the great debate between two old friends, the Broom and the Carpet, is held before a jury of Toys to determine which is the most "Extraordinary" thing. In presenting his case, the Broom reminds his listeners of how frequently a broom is used in Mother Goose. Worldwide superstitions about brooms and ways in which they are made close the argument (for Broom) and, since it is late, we must wait until tomorrow night to hear from Carpet - a tale which, we are promised, is to be forthcoming in Mr. Youman's next book The Magic Carpet.