Room on the Broom

Based on the 2001 picture book by author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, this animated short features a star-studded voice cast, including Simon Pegg as narrator. When a long-braided friendly witch (Gillian Anderson) and her cat travel on the titular broom to gather cauldron ingredients, the wind suddenly takes the witch's hat, which is retrieved by a dog (Martin Clunes) who wants to hitch a ride with the duo. As they continue on, a green bird rescues her bow, and a frog helps with her swept-away wand, with everyone climbing on for a broom ride until the overloaded vehicle snaps—leaving the ersatz menagerie at the mercy of a hungry dragon (Timothy Spall). Combining cartoony big-eyed characters with realistic backdrops of forest, mountains, and a striking sunset, this is an entertaining story about cooperation. Extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette, a live performance by Donaldson, and an artwork gallery. Recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)