The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

There is enough action and recurring CLOMP CLOMPs, WIGGLE WIGGLEs and SHAKE SHAKEs in Williams's first story to hold any young reader's attention. A brave old woman begins a walk in the forest where she meets two big shoes. Further down the path, a pair of pants, a shirt, two gloves, a hat and a pumpkin head come into sight, each trying to frighten her. When she's back inside her cottage, a KNOCK KNOCK challenges her to open her door. Again, the shoes, pants, shirt, gloves, hat and pumpkin head try to scare her, but find it impossibly discouraging. These assorted items have a callingto frighten someone or somethingand thanks to the "little old lady" they become the nastiest scare-crow ever. The fearless woman's brave showing, and her determination not to be afraid, should strike a note of familiarity with children. Lloyd's dark forest settings, wriggling clothing and homey interiors are a perfect complement to the text. (3-7)

Copyright 1988 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

A delightful picture book, perfect for both independent reading pleasure and for telling aloud. The Little Old Lady. . . is a clever reworking of the classic story of a ghostly body that appears bit by bit (see "What's the Matter" in Maria Leach's Whistle in the Graveyard Viking, 1974 ). The humor of the little old lady's fearless attitude and her clever solution as to what to do with the lively shoes, pants, shirt, pumpkin head, etc., that are chasing her, will enchant young audiences. The catchy refrain never falters, and the rhythmic repeated sounds made by each of the woman's pursuers are sure to appeal to children. Lloyd's brilliantly-colored, detailed folk art-style illustrations are a perfect complement to the text. A great purchase for Halloween or any time of the year, and a must for both school and public libraries. Alice Cronin, Belleville Public Library, N.J.

Copyright 1986 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Several familiar Halloween themes are blended to create a satisfying entertainment which will be especially effective with groups. Walking through the woods, a little old lady is confronted by a pair of shoes, then pants, then a shirt, gloves and a hat, each solo and with its own sound effect. She brusquely banishes each in turn, until she is challenged by a huge jack-o'lantern whose "Boo!" sends her scurrying home. When the cumulative apparition follows her and knocks at her door, she recovers enough to announce, "You can't scare me," which has a decidedly deflating effect. Taking pity, she comes up with a solution: the next day there is a scarecrow in her garden. Derivative in its element and with an ending that is a little too neat to resolve the satisfying scariness, this has some nice touches. The colors are bright, the pictures are nicely detailed, and the story moves well. Adults may weary of the endless "Clomp, Clomp, Wiggle, Wiggle, Shake. Shake," but small children, especially in groups, will take it up enthusiastically. A potential Halloween perennial.

Copyright 1986 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.