Witch, Goblin and Ghost—three friends whose adventures were chronicled in four earlier story collections—return in this fifth and final anthology of tales for beginning readers. Goblin learns that friends do not always have to like the same things in The Winter Day, while in The Painting he discovers the virtue of patience, and that good things come to those who wait. Goblin's Fudge explores the importance of moderation, when Goblins decides he will have his favorite treat for breakfast, lunch and dinner; while The Meadow Day sees Ghost introducing Goblin to the benefits of calm, quiet days outside. Finally, in Goblin's Raft Trip, Goblin begins to worry that his friends might forget him, if he is away too long, only to discover that Witch and Ghost have done no such thing...

As someone with a great interest in witchy picture-books and early readers, I initially sought out these Witch, Goblin and Ghost titles for their witchy content, only to discover that Goblin was the true star of the series. That being said, I have not found the reading experience a disappointment, enjoying what witchy content there is, and also appreciating these tales of three friends and their everyday adventures for their own sake. Witch, Goblin, and Ghost Are Back was no exception, and I found Sue Alexander's stories engaging and ultimately heartwarming, and Jeanette Winter's black and white illustrations charming. I like the variety of real-life experiences depicted here—the small but emotionally relevant events of a child's life, from erroneously thinking that friends must all be the same, to learning the importance of both patience and moderation. Recommended to readers who have enjoyed previous books about these three winsome characters, as well as to those seeking early readers that depicts the ins and outs of friendship. ( )