Here There Be Witches

Here There Be...

by Jane Yolen

A collection of folktales and poetry explores the magical world of witches and warlocks, from Baba Yaga and Merlin to a Native American shapeshifter and the witch from Hansel and Gretel. By the creators of Here There Be Dragons.

Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Young Adult, Witches, Childrens, Short Stories, Witchcraft

116 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best part of this book may indeed be the cover art of the same witch as an old crone on one side and a young enchantress on the other. The stories were ok, but nothing to write home about. I found all the poems disappointing. My favorite story in the book was “circles,” about how even when our wishes do come true they are often elliptical and rather skewed when granted (instead of coming full circle). I liked the twist in “the sword and the stone” story. I liked how “Witchfinder” showed how a story differs depending on who is telling it. I think the face in the cloth was my least favorite story, I guess I just didn’t get it. I think “The witch’s ride” and “Boris chernevsky’s hands” were worth a read.

[Kathy Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some wonderful poems and stories about witches and warlocks, from the scary to those that make you smile. A classic!

[Deborah Canaday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful stories. Beautifully told.

[Valary · Rating 4 out of 5]

poetry
retellings
twists
short stories
All about witches

[Ash Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been a Yolen fan, but haven't read many of her story collections. We got really lucky at our recent Friends of the Library book sale, and this copy of Here There Be Witches was available along with some poetry books. Jane Yolen has been known for her magical tales, and here is an excellent showcase of such skill. I enjoyed the whimsical imaginings paired with darker tones, and found myself re-reading a couple of the stories included in this collection immediately after finishing the entire volume. Recommended for older kids to adults, this is a fine read for the bleak times, and the good.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite. Most of the stories started out strong and petered out at the conclusion. I liked The Witch's Ride, The Face in the Cloth, and the Woman Who Loved a Bear. Because these are authored-tales, I'd have to memorize them to tell them, so I doubt I'll be using any. I did love the dinely detailed grayscale illustrations.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really wonderful compilation of fairy tale twists/retellings. Most are fairy tales brought into current or other mundane times. There are also a few poems, which are really quite good.

Aimed at children, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.

I love Jane Yolen :)

[Marico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, prose and poetry

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection of tales about witches. Jane Yolen is one of the best storytellers around, especially when it comes to folktale retellings and fairytales!

[Christine Kallner]

I loved the poems in this collection -- they were perfect to read around Halloween. I skipped the short stories for now, but would love to read them some other time.