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The Witches of Benevento #1
Mischief Season: A Twins Story
The first book in an exciting new chapter book series by John Bemelmans Marciano and Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall .
Welcome to Benevento, an ancient town famous for its witches!
The children of Benevento have to be careful and clever to evade the clutches of such witches as the Manalonga, the Janara, and the Clopper, who hide in wells and under bridges, fly at midnight, and play tricks during Mischief Season.
Five cousins – Primo, Emilio, Rosa, Maria Beppina, and Sergio – share adventures and narrow escapes, and discover astonishing secrets as they outwit the witches in each exciting story.
Book #1
Mischief a Twins Story
The Janara are wrecking the farm with their nightly mischiefs. Father blames Rosa for everything that goes wrong, and it’s up to the Twins and their friends to find a way to stop the Janara. Will some mysterious advice from an unexpected source be the solution to their problems?
Welcome to Benevento, an ancient town famous for its witches!
The children of Benevento have to be careful and clever to evade the clutches of such witches as the Manalonga, the Janara, and the Clopper, who hide in wells and under bridges, fly at midnight, and play tricks during Mischief Season.
Five cousins – Primo, Emilio, Rosa, Maria Beppina, and Sergio – share adventures and narrow escapes, and discover astonishing secrets as they outwit the witches in each exciting story.
Book #1
Mischief a Twins Story
The Janara are wrecking the farm with their nightly mischiefs. Father blames Rosa for everything that goes wrong, and it’s up to the Twins and their friends to find a way to stop the Janara. Will some mysterious advice from an unexpected source be the solution to their problems?
128 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2016
12 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
John Bemelmans Marciano
33 books39 followersJohn Bemelmans Marciano carries on the legacy begun by his grandfather, Ludwig Bemelmans, author and illustrator of the Madeline books, with stunning watercolor artwork and playful, energetic storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 4, 2017
3.5 stars
Emilio and Rosa are twins living on a farm outside the village of Benevento, an ancient town famous for its witches! Mysterious and bad things are happening on the farm. Rosa blames the Janara, the witches but Papa blames Rosa! Rosa has blamed witches on her own laziness one too many times. Papa doesn't want to hear another word about Janara. The twins and their cousins set out to find out how to stop the Janara.
This is a really cute story. The introduction by the demons explains the different types of witches in Benevento. The charming illustrations show the village as it looked even before the time of my great-grandparents who were from a nearby village. The plot moves quickly. At first it's ambiguous whether the mischief is Rosa's laziness or something supernatural but it soon becomes clear which it is. Very little overlaps with Primo's story so it doesn't feel repetitive when read out of order. I wasn't crazy about Rosa. She's lazy and eager to blame anyone else for her slacking. Not that I'm not lazy but I found her a little naughty, like her cousin Primo. Emilio is much more level headed! Amerigo Peg-leg and Zia Pia add to the quirky old world charm of this story.
This series is best for kids 8+. My second grade niece can read some of it herself and is eager to try on her own. Her 3 year old brother finds it too scary.
Emilio and Rosa are twins living on a farm outside the village of Benevento, an ancient town famous for its witches! Mysterious and bad things are happening on the farm. Rosa blames the Janara, the witches but Papa blames Rosa! Rosa has blamed witches on her own laziness one too many times. Papa doesn't want to hear another word about Janara. The twins and their cousins set out to find out how to stop the Janara.
This is a really cute story. The introduction by the demons explains the different types of witches in Benevento. The charming illustrations show the village as it looked even before the time of my great-grandparents who were from a nearby village. The plot moves quickly. At first it's ambiguous whether the mischief is Rosa's laziness or something supernatural but it soon becomes clear which it is. Very little overlaps with Primo's story so it doesn't feel repetitive when read out of order. I wasn't crazy about Rosa. She's lazy and eager to blame anyone else for her slacking. Not that I'm not lazy but I found her a little naughty, like her cousin Primo. Emilio is much more level headed! Amerigo Peg-leg and Zia Pia add to the quirky old world charm of this story.
This series is best for kids 8+. My second grade niece can read some of it herself and is eager to try on her own. Her 3 year old brother finds it too scary.
December 24, 2019
Twins Emilio and Rosa must contend with the mischief-making Janara - witches who play tricks on humans during the night - in this first entry in The Witches of Benevento chapter-book fantasy series, set in the witch-capital of Europe during the 1820s. Although their father does not at first believe that it is the Janara who are responsible for the various mishaps that occur on the family farm, and blames Rosa, who has a history of carelessness and is always trying to blame the Janara for her transgressions, the siblings know that there are supernatural forces at work. Together with their cousin Primo and their friends Maria Beppina and Sergio, the children consult local expert Zia Pia in order to learn how to keep the Janara away. When all of her suggestions prove useless, Emilio discovers something quite unexpected about former sailor Amerigo Pegleg, and finds a way to propitiate the Janara, so that they are helpful to his family, rather than doing them harm...
The first in a new series featuring the many magical creatures from the folklore of Benevento - mention is made of spirits, demons, ghosts, the Janara, the Clopper (a witch who haunts the open square before the Theater), and the Manalonga (a witch who lurks under bridges and in wells) - Mischief Season opens a window into a fascinating world of folklore and magical legends that are not well-known in the English-speaking world. The artwork, provided by recent Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall, is absolutely charming, and adds to the general feeling of enchantment. The introduction and back matter, including a 'Witchonary' and some discussion of the historical background, give more information about the traditions upon which author John Bemelmans Marciano is drawing. All of which makes for an engaging read. That said, I found the writing itself a little awkward at times - Marciano's third-person narrator writes in the present tense, something I found rather distracting, almost as if listening to very young child recite a tale ("he says...." then "she says...") - and wasn't quite as involved in the story as I could have hoped. Still, I found the background and idea here absolutely delightful - it's refreshing to see other magical traditions making their way into Anglophone children's fantasy - and plan to read the second installment of the series, to see if I warm to the style. Overall, recommended to young children who are just getting going reading chapter-books, who are looking for fantastical tales.
The first in a new series featuring the many magical creatures from the folklore of Benevento - mention is made of spirits, demons, ghosts, the Janara, the Clopper (a witch who haunts the open square before the Theater), and the Manalonga (a witch who lurks under bridges and in wells) - Mischief Season opens a window into a fascinating world of folklore and magical legends that are not well-known in the English-speaking world. The artwork, provided by recent Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall, is absolutely charming, and adds to the general feeling of enchantment. The introduction and back matter, including a 'Witchonary' and some discussion of the historical background, give more information about the traditions upon which author John Bemelmans Marciano is drawing. All of which makes for an engaging read. That said, I found the writing itself a little awkward at times - Marciano's third-person narrator writes in the present tense, something I found rather distracting, almost as if listening to very young child recite a tale ("he says...." then "she says...") - and wasn't quite as involved in the story as I could have hoped. Still, I found the background and idea here absolutely delightful - it's refreshing to see other magical traditions making their way into Anglophone children's fantasy - and plan to read the second installment of the series, to see if I warm to the style. Overall, recommended to young children who are just getting going reading chapter-books, who are looking for fantastical tales.
October 25, 2018
The story barely held my interest, but the drawings were cute and it was fun to read for Witchtober.
April 9, 2019
The first title in a historical fiction chapter book series. I'm not sure why this book is set in the 1820s other than the fact that the kids ride a donkey into town (which could easily be a bicycle). The historical setting seems unnecessary, but the location feels important, even integral, to the story. Yet Italy, or even Europe, is never mentioned. To add to this confusion, the character of Amerigo Pegleg fought in "The Revolution in America" - Does that mean he is American?
The character of Rosa is quite unlikeable. Her father behaves like an ogre, though admittedly it would try anyone's patience to parent Rosa. This book is subtitled "A Twins Story" but the focus is clearly on Rosa, and Emilio feels more like a secondary character. There are three other children who are secondary characters (who are developed in future titles within this series), but only Primo feels necessary to this story.
The illustrations and layout are quite professional, but the writing doesn't meet those same standards. There is an abundance of "telling" and explanation throughout, and much of the actual action happens off-stage. For example, the kids wake up and see the effects of the supposed Janara's (i.e. a type of magical creature) mischief. There are a number of different types of magical creatures mentioned but not fully developed, to the point that it becomes difficult to differentiate between them. It's also difficult to differentiate between the village children.
The character of Rosa is quite unlikeable. Her father behaves like an ogre, though admittedly it would try anyone's patience to parent Rosa. This book is subtitled "A Twins Story" but the focus is clearly on Rosa, and Emilio feels more like a secondary character. There are three other children who are secondary characters (who are developed in future titles within this series), but only Primo feels necessary to this story.
The illustrations and layout are quite professional, but the writing doesn't meet those same standards. There is an abundance of "telling" and explanation throughout, and much of the actual action happens off-stage. For example, the kids wake up and see the effects of the supposed Janara's (i.e. a type of magical creature) mischief. There are a number of different types of magical creatures mentioned but not fully developed, to the point that it becomes difficult to differentiate between them. It's also difficult to differentiate between the village children.
November 19, 2015
This book has a lovely, old fashioned feel to both the subject matter and the illustrations. It's never too scary for the audience, always interesting and I love the illustrations. I wonder if some parents might take exception to the words "hell-hag" being in a story for young readers, but it was used to greet a Manalonga so maybe that's the proper greeting. Or maybe the only way to get a Manalonga to be quiet is to say that loudly. Who knows? It was used by a cranky, but kind pirate sort, so maybe that's just his character. The adults *will* clutch their pearls over something! I would be interested to see if this might make a good read aloud. It's sort of like a classic fairy tale with a twist of Ivy and Bean thrown in for good measure. I only wish it had come out at Halloween!
Other than that small concern 4 for story and 4.5 for Sophie's illustrations that really bring the story to life! Looking at this book I'm surprised that it isn't a reprint of some fine, old book that came out in the forties or thirties. Jenny and the Cat Club comes to mind. I remember that book coming back into print. How simple and wonderful the illustrations are. They are just right for the book. Such is the case here. Ms. Blackall's fine illustrations, done mostly in blue and black, are pitch perfect for the story.
Other than that small concern 4 for story and 4.5 for Sophie's illustrations that really bring the story to life! Looking at this book I'm surprised that it isn't a reprint of some fine, old book that came out in the forties or thirties. Jenny and the Cat Club comes to mind. I remember that book coming back into print. How simple and wonderful the illustrations are. They are just right for the book. Such is the case here. Ms. Blackall's fine illustrations, done mostly in blue and black, are pitch perfect for the story.
May 2, 2018
This book was written in a confusing way. all the way through I felt like I was missing something. It felt like there was a book before book 1 I didn't read. there was no character development of explanations who people were which. made the whole thing confusing and hard to understand. and the character Rosa was such a nasty girl It pulled me out of the story. I am not sure I will read the other ones. I loved the illustrations though.
June 21, 2016
The illustrations are lovely but the writing is so stilted, it's like the story was written in another language and then translated (was it?). An editor should have taken a second stab at the story. In the end I couldn't finish it -- but the illustrations really are wonderful.
January 29, 2020
Old fashioned, magical, sweet.
January 31, 2022
The first of a random series I found at the library. Based on early 19th century Italian legends.
January 2022.
January 2022.
June 7, 2023
Good illustrations and fun concept
May 31, 2017
I liked the concept: historical fiction with an interesting setting plus witches for the beginning chapter book crowd. But I could not stand how horrible Rosa was. She was such an unpleasant character (and really didn't suffer for it at all) that she turned my opinion of the story. Plus, I couldn't help thinking about how much parents would dislike the unnecessary "stupids" and "hecks." I guess I've been finding books for moms who don't want another sassy Junie B. character for their early readers for too long.
March 2, 2020
This juvenile series has some unique features: the books are narrated in the present tense, and each tells a story, set over the same week or so, from the perspective of one (or more) of a group of five cousins in 1820s Benevento, a real place that was considered the "witch capital" of Europe, where supernatural nasties are an accepted nuisance. They include the Janara (poltergiest-like mischief-makers), the Clopper (your typical child-eating witch), and the Manalonga (demons that dwell under footbridges and adopt the voices of loved ones in order to lure pedestrians to the edge and snatch them up with their long arms).
As one reviewer noted, there is no real character development in the books; rather, the reward for reading is to collect the WHOLE TRUTH by reading the entire series and find out who was lying about what (I for one am highly suspicious that Maria Beppino is telling a BIT of a falsehood about her adventure with the Clopper, but I have to get book three to hear her side of the story). The charming illustrations include a trio of demons - a bat, an owl, and a mouse - who introduce and close out each book. They also clue the reader in to a physical link between the books in the series: when a set of broken picture frame corners appears around an illustration, that's a signal to pick up other books and match their broken-framed picture for more information. I like this kind of puzzle mystery, though we haven't actually matched up the pictures yet,so I can't attest to anything but the whimsical appeal of the gimmick.
As more than one other reviewer also noted, the writing is a little bit stilted, as though it were translated from the Italian (or, more likely, the French; Marciano is the grandchild of Ludwig Bemelmans, the famous author-illustrator of the Madeline books (who was Austrian, ha), and carried on that series after his grandfather's death). But Marciano is a Jersey kid and native English speaker. I believe the writing style is intentional and that Marciano embraced it after connecting with his Italian family. His other grandfather was a Southern Italian who at age 10 survived the 1908 earthquake that killed nearly 100,000. He lost his entire immediate family and many extended family members, including his little brother, who was ripped from his arms by the ensuing tsunami while they clung to an olive tree. This kind of violence infuses the Witches series, which proffers a genuine creep factor (perhaps intensified by the uncannily distant narration), but one that rings with historical truth. People DID lose kids all the time in the 19th century, and they did blame witches. This may not comfort the elementary school set, but a certain kind of kid will enjoy the Halloweenish vibe of the series.
In the first book, twins Emilio and Rosa keep getting in trouble with Father, who doesn't buy that the messes he keeps waking up to are the doings of the Janara (even though it's totally the Janara time of year). They seek help from their cousins and some colorful locals, who give them various spells and recipes to keep the Janara at bay. Eventually, they make the Janara happy and all is well, despite Rosa's steamrolling her brother, insistently fucking up the incantations, and sleeping through the critical moment when Emilio actually, correctly follows through on Janara-quelling advice. (Rosa then takes credit for the Janara evacuating. I really enjoyed Rosa. I thought it was subversively funny to have a bullying, lazy girl protagonist.)
When I put down the first book, which took only 2 nights to read to my 8-year-old, I was fully prepared, for the reasons above, for her to not have further interest. I was surprised and pleased when she asked when I could get more books from the series to read to her. Either she really doesn't want to get back into Little House in the Big Woods or she genuinely liked Witches. I think it was the latter! Though very much their own brand, they fit nicely alongside contemporary-set creepy-yet-literary juvenile fiction like Dory Fantasmagory and Ivy and Bean. Also, the books contain an age-friendly historical background on the real Benevento. That and the folkloric similarities to the Strega Nona stories that I pointed out may have impressed her.
And myself -- I am most interested in finishing the series not because it is so enjoyable (other than the delightful drawings, it's more just baffling, TBH, and I think my daughter follows the plot better than I do), but because I am desperately curious to find out if the whole thing is going to have a pro-science reveal, wherein the seemingly unearthly events the town experiences during "mischief season" turn out, Scooby-Doo style, to have been nothing more than the predictable annoyances and atrocities of a region the Industrial Revolution had left behind. If such a twist, or a continued ambiguity about the existence of the supernatural entities, is the conclusion, I will be very satisfied indeed.
As one reviewer noted, there is no real character development in the books; rather, the reward for reading is to collect the WHOLE TRUTH by reading the entire series and find out who was lying about what (I for one am highly suspicious that Maria Beppino is telling a BIT of a falsehood about her adventure with the Clopper, but I have to get book three to hear her side of the story). The charming illustrations include a trio of demons - a bat, an owl, and a mouse - who introduce and close out each book. They also clue the reader in to a physical link between the books in the series: when a set of broken picture frame corners appears around an illustration, that's a signal to pick up other books and match their broken-framed picture for more information. I like this kind of puzzle mystery, though we haven't actually matched up the pictures yet,so I can't attest to anything but the whimsical appeal of the gimmick.
As more than one other reviewer also noted, the writing is a little bit stilted, as though it were translated from the Italian (or, more likely, the French; Marciano is the grandchild of Ludwig Bemelmans, the famous author-illustrator of the Madeline books (who was Austrian, ha), and carried on that series after his grandfather's death). But Marciano is a Jersey kid and native English speaker. I believe the writing style is intentional and that Marciano embraced it after connecting with his Italian family. His other grandfather was a Southern Italian who at age 10 survived the 1908 earthquake that killed nearly 100,000. He lost his entire immediate family and many extended family members, including his little brother, who was ripped from his arms by the ensuing tsunami while they clung to an olive tree. This kind of violence infuses the Witches series, which proffers a genuine creep factor (perhaps intensified by the uncannily distant narration), but one that rings with historical truth. People DID lose kids all the time in the 19th century, and they did blame witches. This may not comfort the elementary school set, but a certain kind of kid will enjoy the Halloweenish vibe of the series.
In the first book, twins Emilio and Rosa keep getting in trouble with Father, who doesn't buy that the messes he keeps waking up to are the doings of the Janara (even though it's totally the Janara time of year). They seek help from their cousins and some colorful locals, who give them various spells and recipes to keep the Janara at bay. Eventually, they make the Janara happy and all is well, despite Rosa's steamrolling her brother, insistently fucking up the incantations, and sleeping through the critical moment when Emilio actually, correctly follows through on Janara-quelling advice. (Rosa then takes credit for the Janara evacuating. I really enjoyed Rosa. I thought it was subversively funny to have a bullying, lazy girl protagonist.)
When I put down the first book, which took only 2 nights to read to my 8-year-old, I was fully prepared, for the reasons above, for her to not have further interest. I was surprised and pleased when she asked when I could get more books from the series to read to her. Either she really doesn't want to get back into Little House in the Big Woods or she genuinely liked Witches. I think it was the latter! Though very much their own brand, they fit nicely alongside contemporary-set creepy-yet-literary juvenile fiction like Dory Fantasmagory and Ivy and Bean. Also, the books contain an age-friendly historical background on the real Benevento. That and the folkloric similarities to the Strega Nona stories that I pointed out may have impressed her.
And myself -- I am most interested in finishing the series not because it is so enjoyable (other than the delightful drawings, it's more just baffling, TBH, and I think my daughter follows the plot better than I do), but because I am desperately curious to find out if the whole thing is going to have a pro-science reveal, wherein the seemingly unearthly events the town experiences during "mischief season" turn out, Scooby-Doo style, to have been nothing more than the predictable annoyances and atrocities of a region the Industrial Revolution had left behind. If such a twist, or a continued ambiguity about the existence of the supernatural entities, is the conclusion, I will be very satisfied indeed.
October 27, 2021
We are brought into 1800s Benevento, Italy where there are witches, or janara, living near the town and their mischief is causing trouble for twins Rosa and Emilio which leads them to try to find out a way to stop them.
While “Hocus Pocus” this is not, but instead a nice gentle folk tale about rambunctious kids trying to find witches that has its own flow while Blackall’s charming illustrations tell it well. B+ (83%/Very Good)
While “Hocus Pocus” this is not, but instead a nice gentle folk tale about rambunctious kids trying to find witches that has its own flow while Blackall’s charming illustrations tell it well. B+ (83%/Very Good)
November 10, 2025
Set in Benevito, Italy, in the early 1800s, this charming story is perfect for older elementary and early middle-grade readers. It blends local customs, bits of mythology (witches, fairies, mischievous spirits, and more), and everyday family life into a tale that feels both magical and real. The gorgeous illustrations add so much charm. And I love that each book includes pages that combine to form one big illustration!
February 10, 2017
Interesting storyline. I enjoyed the authors' writing style. It reads like a fairytale to me. I would recommend this book to my students especially the one who likes a bit of mystery and horror. This book isn't that horrific but it is after all a story of witches and strange happenings in a little town of Benevento.
September 7, 2017
Charming story for young readers with a touch of the supernatural for suspense and intrigue. Fun illustrations and intriguing characters in an unusual setting (rural 19th century Italy). It's a bit dense for my brand-new-to-reading kid, but it's pleasant to read aloud. Looking forward to reading the others in the series, which overlap and work together like a puzzle.
October 27, 2023
I've had these books sitting in my library for years and not getting checked out much, so I thought I'd read one to see what I think. It was a fun, short, easy reading story. Full of magic and witches and adventures, which should appeal to most kids. Sophie Blackall's illustrations are always delightful. A smattering of back matter with facts about the central location of Benevento.
September 2, 2024
I love the quirky magical illustrations in this first book of a series. It is sandwiched by “hand-written” letters from a bat, owl and mouse and I loved the questions posed at the end. Made me want the next book. Sweet
Mischievous twin Rosa does not want to listen to her brother and is also not so nice or helpful.
Mischievous twin Rosa does not want to listen to her brother and is also not so nice or helpful.
May 29, 2018
I am from
Benevento and this book was a really amazing present to me. The folklore in it is real (traditions, superstitions); you can really find it in my hometown also if we’re not more in 1800 and I think that this a really interesting way to write about the story of a place and a community.
Benevento and this book was a really amazing present to me. The folklore in it is real (traditions, superstitions); you can really find it in my hometown also if we’re not more in 1800 and I think that this a really interesting way to write about the story of a place and a community.
September 25, 2018
First entry in series for young people with witches etc lurking around the place and all the usual plot lines you would expect running through the pages. Nothing remarkable but a diverting entertaining light hearted story - perfectly fine for a rainy day.
April 27, 2019
This book series is just what I was looking for to read to my four-year-old. It has magic and a great sense of place, but it moves quickly and has a light, youthful feel. The illustrations are wonderful. Highly recommend.
April 20, 2019
I'm looking for new-to-me series to bring to my 3rd graders. This seems like a good possibility. I like that the series is set in Italy in the 1820 and explains enough of the history and folklore of the time so kids will understand the characters' choices and actions.
June 21, 2021
This was cute....Liv wanted me to read it so we could talk about it. There wasn't a ton of character or plot development, but it's a kids book and they get bored REAL fast.
I was fun though....read it in one sitting :)
I was fun though....read it in one sitting :)
May 8, 2017
Such a cute and beautiful book. Review to come.
November 4, 2018
Boy who cried wolf reference
January 5, 2020
The pictures were lovely.
March 4, 2021
A wonderful, old-style story beautifully illustrated.
May 8, 2023
The Janara (mischief-witches are doing mischief all around the village. Can the kids help the Janara to go away?
September 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Like others, I think I enjoyed the illustrations and colors more than the story, but I’d still be interested to read other books in this series!
March 23, 2017
A cute early chapter book about getting rid of mischief making spirits.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews