AMANDA GREENLEAF AND THE SPELL OF THE WATER WITCH. Kavanagh, Ed. Illustrated by Janice Udell. St. Catharines (Ont.), Moonstone Press, 1987. 56pp, paper, $6.95, ISBN 0-920259-12-X.CIP Grades 2 to 5 Reviewed by Christine Buchanan Volume 16 Number 3 1988 May Greta and Glinka, two merpeople who have been visiting Amanda Greenleaf, the Guardian of the Waterfall, realize they must now return to their own environment, the salty ocean, before they weaken and die. A water witch, who resents Amanda's power in the river, traps Greta in order to try to capture Amanda and seize her magic charm. Amanda, Glinka and a friendly trout and turtle manage to find Greta and by appealing to the witch's better side, overcome her enmity, and engage her help in returning the two merpeople lo the sea. This is an accessible story for children in grades 3 and 4 who are moving from easy-to-read books to longer novels. It is also a good introduction to fantasy. The watery and mysterious atmosphere is well described and there is plenty of lively dialogue. The plot is a straightforward battle of good and evil, and since the characters are more like creatures from myths than individual personalities, the novel will probably appeal to children who have enjoyed myths, legends, and hero stories. This sequel to Amanda Greenleaf Visits a Distant Star (Moonstone Press, 1986) is a worthwhile extra title for school and public libraries. There are six full-page black-and-white illustrations by Janice Udell. Recommended. Christine Buchanan, Toronto, Ont.